Canada’s commitment to family reunification has long been a cornerstone of its immigration policy. The Parents and Grandparents Program, administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), plays a pivotal role in this endeavor. In a recent announcement, the IRCC declared its plans to reopen the program this fall, showcasing its dedication to helping Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsor their loved ones to live and work alongside them in Canada. In this blog, we’ll delve into the details of this significant update and explore what it means for families seeking to reunite in the Great White North.
Reopening the Doors to Reunification
Ottawa, September 8, 2023—The IRCC’s announcement reaffirms Canada’s commitment to reuniting families through the Parents and Grandparents Program. This commitment is underscored by the historically high admissions numbers for parents and grandparents under the Multi-Year Levels Plan. The year 2023 brings fresh opportunities for families to come together, as the IRCC will accept up to 15,000 complete applications for sponsorship under the program.
Invitations to Apply: Key Dates
Starting on October 10, 2023, IRCC will send invitations to apply to 24,200 interested potential sponsors, with the aim of receiving up to 15,000 complete applications. Invitations will be issued over a two-week period, marking the beginning of a new chapter for many families. However, this year, there’s a unique twist to the process.
A Twist in the Tale: Random Selection from the 2020 Pool
Due to the significant number of forms still in the pool of submissions from 2020, IRCC has decided to send invitations to apply to randomly selected potential sponsors from that pool instead of opening a new interest to sponsor form. This approach mirrors the strategies used in the 2021 and 2022 intakes. Therefore, if you submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 but did not receive an invitation to apply in the past two years, it’s strongly encouraged to check the email account you provided in 2020 when you submitted your interest to sponsor form.
A Digital Leap for Efficiency
For those fortunate enough to receive invitations in the 2023 intake, the application process is set to be more streamlined and efficient than ever before. Applicants will continue to use the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal, allowing for the submission of applications electronically. This modernization initiative aligns with Canada’s ongoing commitment to simplify and expedite the immigration process.
Considering Alternatives: The Super Visa Option
For individuals who yearn to reunite with their parents and grandparents in Canada but are not among the invited sponsors this year, there’s an alternative to explore—the Super Visa. This multiple-entry visa is valid for up to 10 years, offering a flexible solution for extended visits. Recent enhancements to the Super Visa allow holders to stay in Canada for 5 years at a time, with the option to extend their visit by up to 2 years at a time without leaving the country. These changes make it easier for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to enjoy longer periods of reunion with their loved ones.
Gaining Insights: Intake Reports
If you’re keen to understand the historical context and trends of the Parents and Grandparents Program, the IRCC offers valuable resources. For information on previous application intakes, you can refer to the recently published intake report on their website, titled “The Parents and Grandparents Program: Intake Report 2014 to 2019.” Additionally, a more recent intake report covering the 2020 to 2022 application intakes is set to be published by the end of the year, providing even deeper insights into the program’s evolution.
Conclusion
The announcement of the 2023 intake for the Parents and Grandparents Program by IRCC marks a significant milestone in Canada’s ongoing commitment to family reunification. As the doors open once again, families have the opportunity to come together and build meaningful lives in the welcoming embrace of Canada.
For those who aspire to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada and navigate the intricacies of the sponsorship process, Titan Law Lawyers are here to help. To book a free consultation and explore your options, click the button below or call us at 604-336-9755.
The Parents and Grandparents Program continues to be a beacon of hope for countless families, reinforcing the belief that love knows no borders, and Canada remains a land where families can thrive together.
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a Canadian immigration initiative that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents to live in Canada as permanent residents.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will accept up to 15,000 complete applications for sponsorship under the PGP in 2023.
IRCC will begin sending invitations to apply on October 10, 2023, and will continue the process over a two-week period.
Those invited to apply in the 2023 intake can submit their applications electronically through the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal.
The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents to visit their Canadian citizen or permanent resident children or grandchildren for extended periods. It’s valid for up to 10 years, with the option to stay in Canada for 5 years at a time and extend the visit by up to 2 years without leaving the country.
