The 2023 lottery for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) commences. From October 10 to October 23, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue invitations to apply to 24,200 interested potential sponsors.
These invitations will be randomly selected from the remaining submissions pool from 2020, with IRCC aiming to receive 15,000 complete applications.
If you submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 but did not receive an invitation to apply for the PGP in 2021 or 2022, continue monitoring the email you provided in 2020. Check your spam folder, as IRCC’s invitation may be filtered there.
Eligibility for the Parents and Grandparents Program
Eligibility for the PGP hinges on the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI), demonstrating the sponsor’s financial capability to support their intended individuals coming to Canada through the PGP. The MNI for previous PGP years can be found here.
For sponsors invited to apply in every Canadian province or territory except Quebec, Notices of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) are required for the three taxation years preceding their application.
If residing in Quebec, income assessment is conducted by Quebec’s immigration ministry based on provincial income requirements. IRCC and the Quebec government demand a signed undertaking from an interested sponsor.
The undertaking duration for parents or grandparents is 20 years in all provinces except Quebec, which is 10 years. If you don’t receive an invitation this year, another option is the Super Visa.
Super Visa
The Super Visa enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring parents and grandparents from abroad. This temporary visa allows a visit of up to five consecutive years without the need to renew visitor status.
Super Visa holders can enter Canada multiple times for up to 10 years, and existing holders may apply for an extension for up to seven years. The Super Visa operates year-round without a lottery system and is available to eligible individuals who:
- Are a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Are not inadmissible to Canada due to criminality or health reasons
- Can meet income requirements outlined by the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO)
- Provide a signed letter from their child or grandchild, including a promise of financial support for the visit’s duration and details about the household.
- Provide proof of medical insurance coverage with a Canadian insurance company for at least one year.
Conclusion
Commencing the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) 2023 lottery marks a significant opportunity for prospective sponsors seeking to reunite with their loved ones in Canada. With the issuance of invitations to apply from October 10 to October 23, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to process 24,200 applications, ultimately receiving 15,000 complete submissions.
The eligibility criteria, particularly the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement, emphasize the sponsor’s financial capacity to support their family members.
For those who may not secure an invitation this year, the Super Visa is a viable alternative, offering a continuous option without the constraints of a lottery system.
This allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada, fostering family bonds and enabling extended visits of up to five consecutive years.
The PGP 2023 lottery and the ongoing availability of the Super Visa reflect Canada’s commitment to family reunification, providing diverse pathways for sponsors to bring their loved ones to this welcoming nation. As the lottery unfolds, it symbolizes hope, unity, and the enduring spirit of family ties that Canada cherishes.
Get a complimentary legal consultation if invited to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) 2023!
