As a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you have the opportunity to reunite with your parents or grandparents by sponsoring their journey to Canada. The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is designed to grant your parent or grandparent Canadian permanent residence, potentially paving the way for Canadian citizenship in the future
Eligibility for the PGP requires sponsors to fulfill the following criteria:
Hold Canadian citizenship, permanent residency in Canada, or be a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
Be 18 years of age or older.
Reside in Canada.
Exceed the minimum necessary income level (MNI) for the program and provide income proof to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Commit to financially supporting the sponsored individual for 20 years and repaying any social assistance benefits provided to the sponsored family members for a 20-year period.
While the information for the 2023 PGP remains pending, historical trends show that details for a given year’s PGP are usually released in September or October, building anticipation for potential sponsors.
In 2022, the IRCC extended invitations to 23,100 prospective sponsors, inviting them to apply for the sponsorship of their parents and grandparents. The objective was to receive 15,000 complete applications, reflecting the program’s popularity and demand.
The Immigration Levels Plan, a guiding framework for the IRCC, sets the annual immigration targets for Canada. For 2023, the plan aims to welcome 465,000 new permanent residents. Subsequent years target even larger numbers: 485,000 immigrants in 2024 and 500,000 new permanent residents in 2025. Within this plan, specific allocations are designated to various immigration classes and categories. Under the PGP, IRCC is set to welcome 28,500 newcomers in 2023, 34,000 in 2024, and 36,000 in 2025.
Introducing the Super Visa, a temporary visa option embraced by Canadian citizens and permanent residents seeking to bring foreign parents and grandparents to Canada. Unlike the PGP, the Super Visa is available year-round and does not involve a lottery system, providing families with greater certainty during the sponsorship process.
The Super Visa affords parents and grandparents the privilege of spending up to five consecutive years with their Canadian family without the need to renew their visitor status. Holders of the Super Visa can make multiple visits to Canada over a span of 10 years. Additionally, existing Super Visa holders have the opportunity to apply for an extension, potentially granting them up to seven years as visitors in Canada.
This visa option holds particular appeal for parents and grandparents residing in countries that require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for entry to Canada. By securing a Super Visa, individuals can freely travel between Canada and their country of residence, sidestepping the need for repetitive TRV applications.
Eligibility for the Super Visa is contingent on meeting several requirements:
Being a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Demonstrating no inadmissibility to Canada based on criminal or health grounds.
Proving the ability to satisfy income requirements as specified by the Low-Income Cut Off (LICO).
Providing a signed letter from the child or grandchild inviting them to Canada, pledging financial support for the duration of the visit, and detailing the household composition.
Supplying evidence of at least one year of medical insurance coverage from a Canadian insurance provider.
In conclusion, Canada’s sponsorship programs, including the Parents and Grandparents Program and the Super Visa, offer pathways for family reunification that cater to different circumstances and preferences. These initiatives empower Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their parents and grandparents to the country, fostering stronger family bonds and enriching the multicultural fabric of Canada.