What is the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?
The Parents and Grandparents Program, commonly referred to as PGP, is a popular initiative managed by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for Canadian permanent residency. This program is a cornerstone of IRCC’s family reunification efforts, reflecting the department’s commitment to keeping families together.
When Does the PGP Reopen for Applications?
Mark your calendars! The PGP is set to reopen on May 21st, 2024. This exciting news comes as IRCC plans to send out 35,700 invitations, aiming to approve 20,500 complete applications. If you have previously shown interest in this program, it’s time to stay alert as the invitations will be distributed randomly through a lottery system.
Who is Eligible for the Next Round of PGP Invitations?
This year, IRCC has specified that the upcoming round of PGP invitations will only consider candidates from the 2020 intake pool. If you had submitted your application during this period and have not yet received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the subsequent years of 2021, 2022, or 2023, you might be one of the lucky ones to receive an email invitation this time around. Eligibility relies significantly on meeting the necessary criteria to sponsor, being able to provide financial support, and other requirements detailed by IRCC.
How Do You Apply for the PGP?
The application process for the PGP is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail:
1. Ensure eligibility by reviewing criteria which include residency status, financial thresholds, and other conditions listed on the IRCC’s official website.
2. Submit an ‘Interest to Sponsor’ form on the IRCC website by the specified deadline if you haven’t already done so in the past eligible years.
3. Monitor your email beginning May 21st, as that’s when IRCC starts sending out invitations. The process will continue over the following two weeks.
4. Upon receiving an ITA, complete your application through the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Residence Portal if you use an authorised representative.
5. Submit your application by the deadline provided in the invitation email.
IRCC commits to processing applications within 112 days, although this timeframe can vary based on the volume and complexity of applications received.
What Happens if You’re Not Selected for the PGP?
Not everyone will receive an invitation to apply for the PGP, but there are alternatives such as the Super Visa program. The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for up to five years per visit, with the possibility of extending the stay for up to two additional years. Super Visa applications are processed throughout the year, offering a more continuous opportunity for family reunification.
Why is The Sponsor’s Undertaking Important?
A crucial aspect of the PGP application is the sponsor’s undertaking. This legal agreement requires sponsors to provide financial support to their sponsored family members for 20 years from their arrival in Canada. For sponsors residing in Quebec, the undertaking period is 10 years. This commitment ensures that the newcomers do not become financial burdens on the Canadian social assistance systems and are well-supported by their families as they integrate into Canadian society.
What Are the Benefits of the PGP?
Securing permanent residency through the PGP provides numerous benefits:
– It grants your parents or grandparents the right to live, work, and study in Canada indefinitely under permanent resident status.
– It offers them access to healthcare and social services, substantially improving their quality of life.
– It allows them to apply for Canadian citizenship in the future if they meet the residency requirements.
The reopening of the Parents and Grandparents Program is a significant event for those looking to reunite with their elders in Canada. By ensuring you understand the eligibility requirements, adhere to the timeline, and prepare your documentation carefully, you improve the likelihood of navigating this process successfully. This program not only strengthens family bonds but also enriches the cultural fabric of Canada with the diversity that incoming families bring.
Learn Today:
- Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP): The Parents and Grandparents Program, commonly known as PGP, is an initiative managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for Canadian permanent residency, facilitating family reunification.
Invitation to Apply (ITA): An Invitation to Apply, often abbreviated as ITA, is a communication sent by IRCC to eligible candidates, inviting them to submit a formal application for immigration or sponsorship. In the context of the PGP, receiving an ITA initiates the process for sponsoring parents or grandparents for Canadian permanent residency.
Super Visa Program: The Super Visa Program enables parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for extended periods. This visa allows multiple entries over a period of up to 10 years, with each stay potentially lasting up to two years, offering an alternative option for family members who do not qualify for the PGP.
Undertaking: The sponsor’s undertaking is a critical component of the PGP application process, requiring sponsors to sign a legal agreement committing to supporting their sponsored family members financially for a specific duration. This obligation ensures that the sponsored individuals do not rely on public assistance programs and helps with their integration into Canadian society.
Permanent Residence Portal: The Permanent Residence Portal is an online platform provided by IRCC for applicants to submit their applications for permanent residency, including those applying through programs like the Parents and Grandparents Program. Through this portal, applicants can fill out forms, upload documents, and track the progress of their application.
This Article In A Nutshell:
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) by IRCC lets Canadian residents sponsor family members for permanent residency. The next PGP round opens on May 21, 2024, targeting applicants from 2020. For those not selected, the Super Visa offers an alternative. Understanding sponsor commitments is vital for a successful application, ensuring family unity in Canada.
— By VisaVerge.com
