In this guide, our experts at Immigration Nation delve into the intricacies of the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) 2023 lottery that has commenced. Over the next two weeks, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) will be reaching out to a multitude of potential sponsors, with an aim to streamline the sponsorship process for family reunification. This comprehensive article will illuminate key aspects of the PGP lottery, its eligibility criteria, and the Super Visa option, helping you stay abreast of the latest IRCC updates.
Overview
The much-anticipated Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) lottery for 2023 has officially begun. Between October 10th and 23rd, IRCC will be issuing invitations to 24,200 potential sponsors. Notably, these invitations will be drawn from the pool of submissions from 2020, and IRCC is aiming to process 15,000 complete applications. If you expressed an interest in sponsoring in 2020 but didn’t receive an invitation during 2021 or 2022, keep a vigilant check on your email, including the spam/junk folder. The invitation from IRCC might just be waiting for you there!
Understanding PGP’s Comprehensive Eligibility Criteria:
Navigating the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) requires a thorough grasp of its eligibility prerequisites. For those unacquainted with the PGP, we’ve broken down the key aspects for a clearer understanding. A cornerstone eligibility requirement is the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI). This not only ascertains a sponsor’s financial standing but also establishes their capacity to financially support the relatives they wish to invite to Canada. For potential sponsors residing outside of Quebec, demonstrating this financial ability mandates furnishing Notices of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the three taxation years immediately preceding their application submission.
However, the PGP’s eligibility matrix is more multifaceted than just the financial dimension. The program fundamentally operates on a lottery system. Interested Canadian citizens and permanent residents must submit an ‘Interest to Sponsor’ form, post which they are inducted into a pool. IRCC, in its subsequent step, conducts random draws from this pool and dispatches Invitations to Apply (ITAs).Once an individual receives an ITA, the clock starts ticking, and the sponsors, along with their parents and grandparents, have a tight 60-day window to present a comprehensive application.
Here’s a quick checklist for sponsors eyeing the PGP:
- Age and Residency: Must be 18 years or older and must reside in Canada.
- Status: Should be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or an individual recognized as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Financial Stability: Should possess the financial bandwidth to back the family members they’re sponsoring. This involves meeting the stipulated minimum income thresholds for the past three years. Intriguingly, the program allows the inclusion of a co-signer, enabling the amalgamation of incomes for consideration.
- Financial Commitment: Sponsors pledge to financially back the parent or grandparent for two decades starting from the date their permanent residency is sanctioned. This includes repaying any governmental social assistance availed by the sponsored individual during this timeframe.
For sponsors in Quebec, the eligibility parameters differ slightly. While the core essence remains consistent, Quebec’s immigration authority conducts its own assessment of the sponsor’s income. Post the sponsor’s approval by IRCC, the Quebec government necessitates the signing of an undertaking agreement, which, in contrast to other provinces’ 20-year commitment, spans just 10 years in Quebec.
Spotlight on the Super Visa:
If the PGP lottery doesn’t work in your favor this year, the Super Visa emerges as a robust alternative. This visa facilitates Canadian citizens and permanent residents in bringing their parents or grandparents to Canada. Distinguished from the regular visa, the Super Visa permits parents and grandparents to stay with their families in Canada for up to five successive years without needing status renewal.
The merits of the Super Visa are further accentuated by the absence of a lottery system, making it accessible throughout the year for qualifying individuals. Eligibility for the Super Visa encompasses:
- Being a parent/grandparent of a Canadian resident or citizen.
- No inadmissibility to Canada due to health or criminal reasons.
- Meeting the Low-Income Cut Off (LICO) income stipulations.
- Furnishing a letter from their Canadian kin, which promises financial backing during the visit and details the household members.
- Proof of a minimum one-year medical insurance coverage from a Canadian insurer.
Conclusion:
The PGP 2023 lottery, underlined by its commitment to facilitating familial reunions, is a testament to Canada’s proactive approach towards its immigration system. Whether you’re exploring the PGP or considering the Super Visa, staying informed can make all the difference. With the application process being intricate, seeking advice from the best immigration consultants near you can be invaluable. If you seek further guidance with your Application Process, please feel free to contact us at Immigration Nation. Our team of Experts will ensure your application is prepared for success!
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