Significant increase in Parents and Grandparent’s immigration to Canada to start 2023

• An increased number of permanent residents arrived in Canada under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in the first month of this year, i.e. January 2023. Nearly 60 percent more immigrants arrived in Canada under PGP in January, compared to January of 2022.
• The PGP welcomed 2,065 new permanent residents in the January of 2023, compared to 1,300 in January of 2022. This year Canada has target to welcome a significant number of new permanent residents under PGP.

• Parents & Grandparents immigration 2023

• In 2023, Canada hopes to bring 28,500 permanent residents under the PGP. In 2022,   27,255 permanent residents to Canada arrived through the PGP, which was 132% more than the 11,740 in 2021.
• As per the Immigration Levels Plan of Canada 2023-2025, the IRCC plans to welcome 465,000 new permanent residents. Out of this total number, Canada will admit 106,500 permanent residents under the family sponsorship category. Family sponsorship includes the following applicants:
• Spouses
• Common law partners
• Children,
• Parents and grandparents under the PGP.
• The IRCC has already admitted 13,000 new immigrants under both spousal/children sponsorship and the PGP.

How the PGP works

• The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) operates through a two-step process: an expression of interest and an application process. Here’s a breakdown of how the PGP works:

1. Expression of Interest:

• Intake Period: The Canadian government announces an intake period during which interested sponsors can submit an expression of interest to sponsor their parents or grandparents.
• Interest to Sponsor Form: Sponsors complete an online “Interest to Sponsor” form provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) during the designated intake period. This form collects basic information about the sponsor, such as contact details, citizenship or permanent resident status, and other required information.
• Random Selection: After the intake period ends, IRCC conducts a random selection process to determine which potential sponsors will be invited to apply. The number of invitations issued is typically limited due to the program’s quota.

2. Application Process:

• Invitation to Apply: Selected sponsors who submitted an expression of interest and were chosen through the random selection process receive an invitation to apply from IRCC. This invitation typically arrives via email.
• Application Submission: Once invited, sponsors must submit a complete sponsorship application within the given timeframe (usually 60 days). The application includes forms and supporting documents that demonstrate the sponsor’s eligibility and ability to provide financial support for their parents or grandparents.
• Processing and Assessment: IRCC reviews the sponsorship application to ensure the sponsor meets all eligibility requirements and has provided the necessary documents. They also assess the sponsor’s financial ability to support the sponsored family members by evaluating their income and financial situation.
• Sponsorship Approval: If the sponsorship application is approved, the sponsor will receive a confirmation from IRCC. The approved sponsor becomes the official sponsor of their parents or grandparents and is responsible for financially supporting them for a specified period.
• Sponsored Person’s Application: After sponsorship approval, the sponsored parents or grandparents must also submit an application for permanent residence. This application includes medical examinations and criminal background checks.
• Permanent Residence Approval: If the sponsored persons pass the required medical and security checks, and their application for permanent residence is approved, they will be granted permanent resident status in Canada.

Super Visa

• The Super Visa is a special category of visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit Canada for an extended period. It differs from a regular visitor visa because it grants longer stays, up to two years at a time, with multiple entries allowed over a period of 10 years. Here’s an overview of how the Super Visa works:

1. Eligibility:

• You must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• You must provide a letter of invitation from your child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, promising financial support during your visit.
• You must have a signed and notarized letter from your child or grandchild, indicating they will provide you with comprehensive health insurance coverage for at least one year.
• You must prove that you have sufficient ties to your home country, such as property, employment, financial assets, or family, to show your intention to return after your visit.

2. Application Process:

• Application Form: You need to complete the Application for a Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257) form, including the Family Information (IMM 5645) form.
• Documentation: Prepare supporting documents, such as a valid passport, proof of financial support from your child or grandchild, proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage, and evidence of ties to your home country.
• Medical Examination: Depending on your age and length of stay, you may need to undergo a medical examination by a designated physician to ensure you meet the health requirements.
• Application Submission: Submit your completed application, along with the required documents, to the visa office responsible for your country or region. Pay the necessary application fees.

3. Processing and Decision:

• Visa Processing: The visa office will review your application, conduct background checks, and verify the provided information.
• Decision: If approved, you will receive a letter of introduction confirming your eligibility for the Super Visa.
• Port of Entry: Upon arrival in Canada, present the letter of introduction to the border officer, who will issue the Super Visa allowing you to enter and stay in Canada for up to two years per visit.

4. Insurance and Compliance:

• Health Insurance: Maintain the required comprehensive health insurance coverage throughout your stay in Canada.
• Compliance with Visa Conditions: Abide by the conditions of your Super Visa, including departing Canada before the authorized period of stay expires.