Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has experienced a significant surge in the number of permanent residents arriving in the country. The PGP allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for immigration. In January 2023, the program witnessed a remarkable increase of nearly 60% compared to the previous year. With the Canadian government’s immigration targets for 2023-2025 in place, the PGP is set to play a crucial role in welcoming more families to Canada.
Growing Numbers of Permanent Residents:
The PGP saw a remarkable rise in the number of new permanent residents in January 2023, with 2,065 individuals successfully entering Canada through the program. This figure marks a substantial increase from the 1,300 permanent residents welcomed in January 2022. Furthermore, the total number of permanent residents under the PGP in 2022 reached 27,255, demonstrating a 132% increase from the previous year’s 11,740.
Canada’s Immigration Targets
As part of its Immigration Level Plans 2023-2025, Canada aims to welcome a total of 465,000 permanent residents in 2023. This target aligns with the country’s goal of supporting family reunification and fostering economic growth through immigration. In January 2023 alone, Canada welcomed 50,885 new permanent residents, representing a substantial 44% increase compared to January of the previous year, which recorded 35,450 newcomers.
Family Sponsorship Category
Within the 2023 immigration target, the family sponsorship category plays a significant role. It encompasses spouses, common-law partners, children, and parents and grandparents under the PGP. Out of the 465,000 permanent residents targeted for 2023, 106,500 will fall under the family sponsorship category. Currently, Canada has already welcomed 13,000 newcomers through both spousal/children sponsorship and the PGP.
Understanding the Parents and Grandparents Program
The PGP allows Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or registered Indians under the Canadian Indian Act to sponsor their parents and grandparents for immigration to Canada. If approved under this program, the sponsored individual receives Canadian permanent residence and may eventually apply for Canadian citizenship.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the PGP, sponsors must meet certain criteria, which have been subject to change over time. In the past, sponsors were required to complete an Interest to Sponsor form on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website within a specified timeframe. Other requirements include being at least 18 years old, residing in Canada, meeting minimum income levels, signing an undertaking to financially support the sponsored individuals for 20 years, and, if applicable, signing an additional undertaking with the province of Quebec.
The Lottery System
Historically, IRCC has utilized a lottery system to randomly select sponsors who receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through the PGP. All ITAs issued since 2020 have been given to applicants who expressed interest to sponsor between October and November 2020. The most recent lottery took place in October 2022, with approximately 155,000 potential sponsors remaining in the pool.
Super Visa
In addition to the PGP, Canada offers the Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens to visit for up to five consecutive years without renewing their status. Those with a Super Visa can apply for an extension to remain in Canada as a visitor for up to seven years. The Super Visa is a suitable option for parents and grandparents who reside in countries that require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for entry into Canada, enabling them to travel freely between Canada and their country of residence.
Application Process and Requirements
The application process for the Super Visa is similar to that of the TRV, with additional documentation required. These documents include a letter of invitation from the child or grandchild residing in Canada, proof of the child or grandchild meeting the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) minimum, proof of parental relationship, and proof of medical insurance coverage for at least one year with a Canadian insurance company.
In the end, the Canada Parents and Grandparents Program has experienced a substantial increase in the number of permanent residents arriving in Canada, contributing to the country’s overall immigration goals. With the PGP and the Super Visa, Canada continues to support family reunification and provide opportunities for parents and grandparents to join their loved ones in the country.
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