The Parents and Grandparents program (PGP) is scheduled to reopen this month, i.e. May 2024, as Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) gears up to dispatch invitations to potential sponsors for family reunification.
IRCC’s announcement confirms the reopening of the program on May 21st, 2024, with plans to issue 35,700 invitations, aiming to approve 20,500 complete applications.
Eligibility Criteria for the Next PGP Round
Candidates eligible for the upcoming round of the PGP are those who submitted their applications in 2020. This marks the fourth consecutive year where applications from 2020 will be considered.
The selection process for PGP applicants operates through a random lottery system. Invitations will be sent to sponsors via email, prompting them to check their inboxes starting May 21st, with all invitations expected to be delivered within approximately two weeks.
Also read- Canada Parents and Grandparents program (PGP) Process
Process for Obtaining Permanent Residence through PGP
To attain permanent residence (PR) through the PGP, applicants must:
- Ensure they meet all relevant eligibility criteria, including sponsorship eligibility, residency in Canada, signing an undertaking, and meeting minimum income levels.
- Complete an interest to sponsor form on IRCC’s website, provided they did not receive an invitation to apply (ITA) in 2021, 2022, or 2023.
- Monitor the email provided on the interest to sponsor form for an invitation during the lottery’s reopening and subsequent two-week period.
- Submit their application through the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Residence Portal (if using an authorized representative) by the deadline stated in the invitation email upon receiving an ITA.
IRCC aims to process applications within 112 days, maintaining a 67% processing rate within this timeframe between 2022-2023.
Overview of the PGP
The PGP enables Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for Canadian PR, aligning with IRCC’s family reunification initiatives.
Sponsors commit to providing for their parents and grandparents in Canada for 20 years, with Quebec sponsors obligated for 10 years.
The PGP operates on a lottery basis, opening for application intake and issuing invitations once annually.
Alternatives for Unselected Applicants
For those not selected under the PGP, IRCC offers the Super Visa pathway, allowing sponsors to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada on an extended visitor visa.
Super Visa holders can stay in Canada for up to five years, with the option to extend for an additional two years, and reapply once expired. Unlike the PGP, the Super Visa program accepts applications year-round, with a service standard of processing complete applications within 112 days.
Also read-
IRCC is Revising the Express Entry Proof of Funds Requirement from 28 May 2024
Manitoba invites record 941 candidates in latest Manitoba PNP Draw on 2nd May
Saskatchewan has Updated the Excluded Occupation List for SINP Applicants
Canada Announces New Educational Credential Assessment Authority for Architects
Feel free to reach out to Visas Avenue Migration Expert if you’d like assistance in exploring the best immigration program for obtaining a Permanent Resident (PR) Visa for Canadian immigration this year. You may call VA Migration Expert on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.
