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Updated Canada Parents and Grandparents Program- Details
Canada's🍁 agency for immigration matters, known as IRCC, has just rolled out an update for the Parents and Grandparents Program, or PGP👪. This year, the aim is to approve up to 15,000 full applications for family sponsorships under the PGP.
Starting on the 10th of October, IRCC is set to distribute invitations for application to 24,200 people who are interested in becoming sponsors, with a goal to gather up to 15,000 fully completed applications.
Due to the backlog of applications from 2020, the plan is to randomly select potential sponsors from that existing pile rather than starting a new application process.
If you expressed interest in sponsoring back in 2020 but didn't get the invite in either 2021 or 2022, it's suggested to monitor the email you used back in 2020 for updates.
For those lucky enough to be part of the 2023 selection, submissions will continue to be accepted through the Permanent Residence Portal or its equivalent for delegates, offering a digital application avenue.
Annual Immigration Quotas
Last year, IRCC extended invitations to 23,100 potential sponsors, aiming to lock in 15,000 full applications. Each year, a roadmap called the Immigration Levels Plan is published to direct operations and newcomers' admission targets.
For 2023, Canada is eyeing 465,000 new permanent residents, with a subset target of 28,500 parents and grandparents. By 2025, the aspiration is to have 500,000 new permanent residents, including 36,000 parents and grandparents.
The Super Visa Option
The Super Visa remains a preferred option for🍁 Canadians and permanent residents hoping to bring foreign parents and grandparents👪 to Canada🍁. This is a provisional visa that permits visits of up to five continuous years without renewal and multi-entry over a decade. Current Super Visa holders may also have the option to extend their Canadian stay up to seven years.
The Super Visa is available all year round, sidestepping the uncertainties that come with lottery systems. To qualify, applicants must:
- • Be either a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident🍁.
- • Have no criminal or health-related issues barring entry into Canada.
- • Show they can sustain themselves financially based on the Low-Income Cut Off (LICO) guidelines.
- • Present an invitation letter from your child or grandchild🧑 who lives in Canada, which must include a commitment to financially support the visitor and a list of all household members.
- • Present proof of a one-year medical insurance policy from a Canadian provider.