Reuniting Families: A Guide to the Canada Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP) 2024
Great news for Canadians with parents and grandparents abroad! Starting May 21st, 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will be reaching out to potential sponsors. They’ll be inviting 35,700 individuals from the pool of those who submitted an interest-to-sponsor form in 2020. This is your chance to reunite with your loved ones through the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP).
Didn’t Submit an Interest to Sponsor Form?
Don’t worry, there might still be an option! While applications for new sponsors are not being accepted this year, the Super Visa program could be a good fit for your family. This visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods, with stays of up to 5 years at a time and the possibility of applying for extensions while in Canada.
Good news for Canadians with parents and grandparents waiting to reunite! Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the opening of the 2024 Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship (PGP) Program intake on May 21st, 2024. This program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency in Canada.
Increased Intake Numbers Reflect Growing Demand
This year’s intake aims to be more inclusive than ever before. IRCC plans to invite 35,700 potential sponsors to apply, with the goal of receiving 20,500 complete applications. This represents a significant increase of 5,500 invitations compared to the 2023 intake, reflecting the growing demand for family reunification in Canada.
Selection Process and Eligibility Criteria
However, it’s important to understand the selection process. IRCC will not be accepting new interest-to-sponsor forms in 2024. Instead, they will be conducting a random selection from the pool of individuals who submitted an interest-to-sponsor form in 2020. This approach has been used for the past three years and ensures fairness for those who expressed their interest earlier.
Did You Submit an Interest to Sponsor Form in 2020?
If you submitted an interest-to-sponsor form in 2020 but haven’t received an invitation in the past three years, be sure to check the email address you provided. Invitations will be sent out over a two-week period starting May 21st.
Meeting the Financial Requirements
To be eligible to sponsor your parents or grandparents, you must meet specific criteria. These include:
- Being a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or an Indian enrolled under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Being at least 18 years old.
- Meeting the minimum necessary income (MNI) based on your family size. This ensures you can financially support your sponsored family members. You’ll need to provide proof of income for the last three years.
The MNI for the PGP program is adjusted annually. Here’s a table outlining the MNI requirements for the past three years and an educated guess for 2024 (based on past trends):
Alternative Option: The Super Visa
While the PGP program offers permanent residency, those who may not be eligible or don’t get selected this year can explore the Super Visa option. This visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with the possibility of applying for a two-year extension. It offers a flexible solution for extended family visits.
Processing Times
The current processing time for PGP applications varies depending on the intended province of residence. The average processing time across Canada is approximately 20 months, except for applications destined for Quebec, which can take up to 33 months.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Family Reunification
The 2024 PGP program intake signifies Canada’s commitment to family reunification. By increasing the number of invitations and utilizing the remaining pool of interest-to-sponsor forms from 2020, they are streamlining the process and offering hope to many families. Remember to check your email for
