In a March 14, 2022 email to CIC News, IRCC said it has yet to be determined when the application process for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) 2022 will open.
Under the new Immigration Levels Plan 2022-2024, the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is aiming to welcome 25,000 immigrants under the PGP this year, and this will rise to 28,500 immigrants in 2023, and 32,000 immigrants in 2024.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, details on the new PGP application process were typically released each January, but in 2020 and 2021, IRCC provided this information in the autumn.
The PGP is one of Canada’s most popular immigration streams. In autumn 2020, for instance, IRCC received about 200,000 submissions from Canadian citizens and permanent residents that submitted expression of interest forms outlining their desire to sponsor their parents and grandparents. Due to the significant interest in the PGP, which far exceeds the number of spots available under its Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC has held a random lottery in recent years. Sponsors selected in the lottery are then invited to submit permanent residence sponsorship applications to IRCC.
When the PGP application window is open, IRCC requires that sponsors meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act;
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Reside in Canada;
- Meet the minimum necessary income level for the PGP. Co-signing applications is possible for married and common-law partners as they can combine their income as part of their application. Sponsors need to be able to provide their proof of income to IRCC via their Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notices of Assessments;
- Agree to sign a legal undertaking committing to financially support the sponsored individuals for 20 years and promise to repay any social assistance claimed by the sponsored individuals during this period.
In its email, IRCC encouraged prospective sponsors to consider applying for a Super Visa.
The Super Visa enables parents and grandparents to initially come to Canada as visitors for two years. The Super Visa can be renewed multiple times over a 10-year period. IRCC accepts Super Visa applications all year round. There is also no cap and no country quota.
The Super Visa can be a good option for those who want to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada in the near future. Sponsors can still apply for permanent residence under the PGP even if their parents and grandparents have obtained a Super Visa.
