New Updates on the Parents and Grandparents Program 2023: Everything You Need to Know

At SAAB Immigration, we believe in keeping our community updated with the most recent changes and developments in Canadian immigration processes. Here, we shed light on the latest announcement made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada regarding the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2023.

The New Dynamics of the Parents and Grandparents Program:

• Increased Application Intake: The IRCC has announced that they will accept up to 15,000 complete applications for sponsorship under the PGP in 2023.
• Sending Invitations: Starting from October 10, IRCC plans to send out invitations to 24,200 potential sponsors, aiming for the 15,000 complete application target.
• Pooling from 2020 Submissions: Rather than opening a new interest to sponsor form, IRCC will send invitations to randomly selected potential sponsors from the pool of submissions from 2020.
• Checking Past Submissions: If you submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 but weren’t invited in 2021 or 2022, it’s recommended that you keep an eye on your email, especially the one linked to your 2020 submission.
• Electronic Submission System: The IRCC will persist with using the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal, enabling electronic submissions for the applications.

A Look Back and Forward:

• In 2022, the IRCC invited 23,100 potential sponsors aiming for a target of 15,000 complete applications.
• Canada’s newcomer target for 2023 is set at 465,000, with a plan to welcome 28,500 parents and grandparents.
• This target will grow by 2025, aiming for 500,000 newcomers and 36,000 parents and grandparents.

The Super Visa: An Alternate Path:

Another feasible option for those hoping to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada is the Super Visa. Unlike the PGP, the Super Visa is a temporary visa allowing parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit Canada for extended periods.

Notable Features:

• Extended visits for up to five consecutive years without renewing visitor status.
• Multiple entries into Canada for up to 10 years.
• Potential for an extension for up to seven years as a visitor.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Cannot be inadmissible to Canada due to criminality or health issues.
• Need to fulfill income requirements according to the Low-Income Cut Off (LICO).
• Should have an invitation letter from their child or grandchild in Canada, which includes a promise of financial support.
• Mandatory medical insurance coverage for at least one year with a Canadian insurance company.