In preparation for extending invitations to possible sponsors, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has scheduled the reopening of the Parents and Grandparents program (PGP) for this month.

In an announcement, the department stated that it will begin sending out 35,700 invites on May 21st, 2024, with the goal of granting 20,500 full applications. 

Who is eligible for the next round of the PGP?

The IRCC has announced that it plans to extend invitations to candidates from the PGP’s 2020 intake. Accordingly, those who will be invited in the next round will have sent in their profiles in 2020. For the fourth year running, the PGP will only take into account profiles that were uploaded in 2020.

Candidates will be randomly recruited via the PGP method (via a lottery mechanism). Sponsors who indicate interest in sponsoring will receive these invitations via the email address they provide on the form. It is recommended that sponsors begin monitoring their emails on May 21st. Invitations will be sent out within approximately two weeks of this date..

How can one apply for permanent residence under the PGP?

To receive permanent residence (PR) through the PGP, applicants must:

• Verify that they fulfill all applicable qualifying requirements, such as being able to sponsor, being a resident of Canada, agreeing to a commitment, having the required minimum income, etc.;
• Fill out the IRCC’s interest in sponsoring form online. Applicants must not have received an invitation to apply (ITA) in 2021, 2022, or 2023 in order to be eligible for the 2024 round;
• (Upon the PGP lottery’s reopening), look for an invitation via the email address entered on the interest to sponsor form. This invitation will be sent out on the day of the reopening and for the next two weeks after the lottery resumes.)
• Sponsors have a deadline to submit their application via the Permanent Residence Portal (if using an authorized representative) or the Representative Residence Portal (if using an ITA) within the invitation email after receiving an ITA.

About the PGP

Parents or grandparents who meet the eligibility requirements can sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence in Canada through the PGP. The effort is a component of the IRCC’s family reunion program, which is a major component of the department’s purpose. Grandparents and parents who enter Canada via the program are granted permanent residence upon arrival.

In addition to other requirements, sponsors are required to sign a pledge promising to support their parents and grandparents for 20 years while they are in Canada. Quebec-based sponsors submitting an application will be required to sign a 10-year commitment.

The PGP only accepts applications and sends out invitations once a year, using a lottery to choose candidates.

What if you are not selected?

The IRCC operates the Super-Visa pathway, just like the PGP. Through this pathway, parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents can be sponsored to visit the country on an extended visiting visa, which grants family members a visa to enter the country rather than PR under the PGP. Those who are accepted into the program are allowed to remain in Canada for a maximum of five years, with two additional years of residence permitted. After their status expires, applicants may reapply for their super-visa.

Sponsors can apply for the Super Visa program year-round, unlike the PGP, which is only offered by the IRCC. All completed Super Visa applications will be processed by IRCC within 112 days of receipt. The department processed 67% of applications to this criteria between 2022 and 2023.

To learn more about the Canada Immigration Services, visit our dedicated webpage here.