Immigration Canada Launches 2023 Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) 2023 lottery by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plans to invite 24,200 potential sponsors to apply between October 10 and October 23.

These invitations will be chosen randomly from the pool of submissions made in 2020. The IRCC's target is to receive 15,000 complete applications.

If you submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 but weren't invited to apply for the PGP in 2021 or 2022, keep a close eye on the email address you provided when you initially expressed your interest to sponsor in 2020. It's also advisable to check your spam folder as the invitation from IRCC might end up there.

Eligibility for PGP

To be eligible for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), one of the key criteria is the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI). The MNI is essential to demonstrate the sponsor's financial capability to support their intended family members coming to Canada through the PGP.

MNI Requirements

The MNI requirements can vary from year to year, and you can find the specific MNI values for previous years by clicking on the provided link.

Documentation for Sponsors

In provinces and territories across Canada, except Quebec, sponsors who receive an invitation to apply for the PGP must provide Notices of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for each of the three taxation years immediately preceding their application.

Quebec Sponsorship

For individuals residing in Quebec who wish to sponsor their parent or grandparent, an income assessment is carried out by Quebec's immigration ministry, based on the provincial income criteria. Both the IRCC and the Quebec government require a signed undertaking from the sponsor in this case.

Duration of Undertaking

In all provinces, except Quebec, the undertaking period for sponsoring a parent or grandparent is 20 years. However, in Quebec, the duration of the undertaking is 10 years.

Alternative Option

If you don't receive an invitation to apply this year, an alternative option to consider is the Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents to visit and stay in Canada for an extended period.

Also Read: Canada's Immigration Department Embraces Significant Reforms

Super Visa

The Super Visa is a special provision for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, allowing them to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada from other countries.

Temporary Visit

It's a temporary visa that permits parents and grandparents to visit their family in Canada for a continuous period of up to five years, without the need to renew their visitor status.

Multiple Entries

Super Visa holders can enter Canada multiple times within a 10-year period. Additionally, those who already hold a Super Visa might have the option to extend their stay in Canada for up to seven years as visitors.

No Lottery System

Unlike the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), the Super Visa doesn't operate through a lottery system. It is available year-round and open to eligible applicants.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Super Visa, applicants must meet certain criteria,

• They must be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• They should not be inadmissible to Canada due to criminal or health-related reasons.
• They must demonstrate that they meet the income requirements as specified by the Low-Income Cut Off (LICO).
• Applicants must provide a signed invitation letter from their child or grandchild residing in Canada, including a commitment of financial support for the duration of the visit and a list of household members.
• Proof of medical insurance coverage for a minimum of one year with a Canadian insurance company is also required.
• The Super Visa is an alternative to the PGP and offers a more flexible and continuous means for parents and grandparents to visit and stay with their family in Canada.

Also Read: Canada's Demand For STEM Skilled Professionals on a Rise

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FAQs

1. How many potential sponsors does IRCC plan to invite under the Parents and Grandparents Program in 2023?

The IRCC plans to invite 24,200 potential sponsors under the Parents and Grandparents Program for 2023.

2. How are these invitations to apply for the Parents and Grandparents Program 2023 selected?

The invitations are chosen randomly from the pool of submissions made in 2020.

3. What is the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI), and why is it important for eligibility in the Parents and Grandparents Program?

The Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) is a key eligibility criterion that demonstrates the sponsor's financial capability to support family members coming to Canada through the program.

4. How long is the undertaking period for sponsoring a parent or grandparent under the Parents and Grandparents Program, and does it vary by province?

In all provinces, except Quebec, the undertaking period is 20 years. In Quebec, it's 10 years.

5. What is the Super Visa, and how does it differ from the Parents and Grandparents Program?

The Super Visa is a temporary visa that allows parents and grandparents to visit their family in Canada for up to five consecutive years, with multiple entries. Unlike the Parents and Grandparents Program, it doesn't use a lottery system and is available year-round. To be eligible, applicants must meet specific criteria, including being a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, proving financial capability, and providing a signed invitation letter from their Canadian family member, among other requirements.