Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has just unveiled an update regarding the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). In the upcoming year, IRCC will welcome a maximum of 15,000 complete sponsorship applications for the PGP.
Commencing on October 10, IRCC will initiate the process of extending invitations to apply to a pool of 24,200 prospective sponsors who have expressed interest, with the objective of receiving up to 15,000 fully completed applications.
In order to make use of the existing pool of submissions from 2020, rather than launching a new interest-to-sponsor form, IRCC will randomly select potential sponsors from this pool to issue invitations to apply.
If you submitted an interest-to-sponsor form in 2020 but did not receive an invitation to apply in either 2021 or 2022, we strongly encourage you to review the email account information you provided in 2020 when you submitted your interest-to-sponsor form.
For those fortunate enough to receive an invitation to apply as part of the 2023 intake, IRCC will continue to utilize the Permanent Residence Portal and the Representative Permanent Residence Portal, both of which enable the submission of electronic applications.
The Super Visa – A Preferred Choice for Canadians Bringing Foreign Parents and Grandparents to Canada
The Super Visa stands as a favored choice among Canadian citizens and permanent residents seeking to reunite with their foreign parents and grandparents in Canada.
This temporary visa affords parents and grandparents the opportunity to spend up to five consecutive years with their families in Canada without the need for frequent visitor status renewals. Super Visa holders enjoy the flexibility of multiple entries into Canada for a period of up to 10 years. Additionally, those already in possession of a Super Visa may have the chance to apply for an extension, extending their stay in Canada to a maximum of seven years as visitors.
Unlike other immigration options, the Super Visa does not involve a lottery system and remains available throughout the year. This aspect makes it an ideal choice for individuals seeking a more predictable and reliable path to sponsor their parents or grandparents.
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Not have any grounds for inadmissibility to Canada based on criminal history or health concerns.
- Demonstrate the ability to meet the income requirements as defined by the Low-Income Cut Off (LICO).
- Submit a letter, signed by your child or grandchild, inviting you to visit Canada. This letter should include their commitment to financially support you during your stay, and provide a list and count of the people living in their household.
- Provide evidence of medical insurance coverage for a minimum duration of one year, obtained from a Canadian insurance company.