The highly anticipated reopening of the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is just around the corner, set to kick off this month. Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced its plans to extend invitations to potential sponsors, aiming to facilitate family reunification through permanent residence in Canada.
Eligibility for the Next Round of the PGP
IRCC has confirmed its focus on candidates from the 2020 intake of the PGP. This means that individuals who submitted their profiles in 2020 will be the primary recipients of invitations in this upcoming round. Notably, this marks the fourth consecutive year that the program will exclusively consider profiles submitted in 2020.
Sponsor your Parents and Grandparents to come to Canada
Invitation Process and Permanent Residence Application
Under the PGP system, invitations are randomly selected through a lottery system. Invitations will be sent to sponsors via the email provided on their interest to sponsor form. Sponsors are advised to keep a close eye on their emails, as invitations will start rolling out from May 21st onwards, with all invitations expected to be delivered within approximately two weeks.
To secure permanent residence through the PGP, applicants must ensure they meet all relevant eligibility criteria, complete the interest to sponsor form on IRCC’s website, and await an invitation to apply (ITA). Once received, sponsors must promptly submit their application through the designated portals within the specified deadline.
About the PGP
The Parents and Grandparents Program enables Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for Canadian permanent residence. This initiative is a crucial component of IRCC’s family reunification efforts, aiming to unite families and foster integration into Canadian society.
Sponsors must commit to providing financial support for their sponsored family members for a specified duration. While sponsors outside Quebec must commit to 20 years of support, those in Quebec are required to provide support for 10 years.
Alternatives: The Super-Visa Pathway
For those not selected under the PGP, IRCC offers the Super-Visa pathway, allowing sponsors to facilitate extended visits for their parents and grandparents to Canada. Unlike the PGP, the Super Visa program operates throughout the year, providing flexibility for sponsors to apply at any time.
Who Can Sponsor?
Sponsors must meet specific criteria, including being invited to apply, residing in Canada, and demonstrating financial capability to support the sponsored individuals. Additionally, sponsors must fulfil all requirements outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations.
Who Can Sponsor?
To sponsor parents or grandparents, you must:
– Be invited to apply
– Be at least 18 years old
– Reside in Canada
– Have sufficient funds to support the sponsored individuals
– Meet all other IRCC requirements
The reopening of the PGP brings hope and anticipation for families separated by borders.