Great news for Canadians hoping to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency (PR)! Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the details for the 2024 intake of the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship (PGP) program. This blog post will break down everything you need to know, including eligibility criteria, application timelines, and alternative options for reuniting with family.
Increased Intake Offers Hope for Backlogged Applications
This year marks a positive shift in the PGP program. With a target of 20,500 applications, IRCC plans to invite 35,700 potential sponsors – a significant increase of 5,500 invitations compared to 2023. This move aims to address the backlog of interest forms submitted in 2020.
Who Can Apply?
If you submitted an interest-to-sponsor form in 2020 and haven’t received an invitation in the past three years, keep an eye on your inbox from May 21st onwards. IRCC will be sending invitations to randomly selected individuals from this pool.
Here’s a quick eligibility checklist for sponsors:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Meet the minimum necessary income (MNI) based on your family size for the last three years.
- Undertake to financially support your sponsored family members for 20 years after they become permanent residents.
Meeting the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)
The MNI requirement ensures sponsors have the financial capacity to support their families. These requirements are adjusted annually, and the table below shows the MNI for the past three years (2021-2023) and serves as a reference for potential
Alternative Option: The Super Visa
For those who don’t qualify for PGP sponsorship or are waiting for an invitation, the Super Visa program offers a viable alternative. This visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with the possibility of a two-year extension, providing opportunities for extended family visits.
Looking Ahead: Processing Times and Future Updates
The current processing time for PGP applications is around 20 months across Canada, with a longer wait time (approximately 33 months) for applications destined for Quebec. It’s important to factor this timeframe into your planning.
Stay Informed
This blog post offers a snapshot of the PGP program in 2024. For the latest updates and detailed information, refer to the official IRCC website https://www.canadavisa.com/parent-and-grandparent-sponsorship.html.
The increased PGP intake for 2024 brings renewed hope for families seeking reunification. Remember, the Super Visa program remains a valuable option for those who don’t meet PGP criteria. We encourage you to explore all possibilities and stay informed as the program evolves.
