What is the Parents and Grandparents Program?
The Canadian government launched the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) to support family reunification. This program lets Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency. Families highly seek this opportunity because it allows them to live together, strengthening both their well-being and community stability.
Under the PGP, sponsors must commit to financially supporting their parents or grandparents for 20 years (10 years in Quebec) once they become permanent residents. This commitment includes repaying any social assistance benefits received by the sponsored family members during this period. The PGP aims to ensure that sponsored individuals can thrive in Canada without becoming a financial burden on the social system.
The program operates on a lottery system. Interested sponsors submit an “Interest to Sponsor” form, and IRCC randomly selects a limited number of these sponsors to apply for sponsorship each year. This system ensures fairness and transparency in the selection process, though it also means that not all who express interest will receive an invitation to apply.
The PGP is part of Canada’s broader immigration strategy, recognizing the importance of family reunification in building strong, supportive communities. By facilitating the immigration of parents and grandparents, Canada benefits from the diverse experiences and contributions of older generations, enriching the social and cultural fabric of the nation.
Parents and Grandparents Program Invitations Begin
Starting May 21st, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will begin issuing invitations to apply (ITAs) to sponsors who submitted “Interest to Sponsor” forms for the PGP. Over the next two weeks, IRCC will send out 35,700 invitations, aiming to approve 20,500 complete applications for permanent residence. These ITAs will be sent to the email address provided by sponsors when they initially submitted their forms.
Eligibility for the 2024 PGP Invitations
To receive an invitation under the PGP this year, sponsors must meet specific criteria:
- Completed an Interest to Sponsor form on IRCC’s website in 2020 without receiving an ITA in previous years (2020, 2021, 2022, or 2023).
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Be 18 years or older.
- Reside in Canada, providing proof of status during the Interest to Sponsor phase.
- Exceed the minimum necessary income level for the program. Income from a spouse or common-law partner can be included.
- Sign an undertaking to financially support the sponsored individual for 20 years (10 years in Quebec) and repay any social assistance benefits received by the sponsored family members.
Steps to Take After Receiving an ITA
Once sponsors receive an ITA, they must respond with a complete application by the deadline specified in the invitation email. Application fees, starting at CAD 1,205, must also be paid at this stage. It is crucial to read the instruction guide and complete the application package accurately. Incomplete, late, or incorrect applications can lead to complications or outright refusal.
Applications will be returned if they are incomplete, missing fees, submitted after the deadline, from applicants who did not receive an ITA, or if the information does not match the “Interest to Sponsor” form. Applications must be submitted through the Permanent Residence portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal if a representative is assisting.
Options if You Do Not Receive an ITA
If you do not receive an ITA this year, there is an alternative route available through Canada’s immigration system: the Super Visa. The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit and live in Canada temporarily. As of June 2022, the Super Visa permits family members to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time without renewing their status. Extensions of up to two years can also be applied for, allowing a single stay of up to seven years.
The Super Visa provides a temporary resident status, but it is an accessible option to bring family members to Canada. This pathway is available year-round with no cap on the number of applications processed by IRCC.
Conclusion
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a valuable opportunity for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence. Meeting the eligibility criteria and submitting a complete application are critical steps to ensure success. If you need further guidance on the application process, contact us at Immigration Nation. Our team of experts is here to help you prepare your application for success!
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