Key Takeaways:
- IRCC will issue 35,700 Invitations to Apply for the Parents and Grandparents Program to approved sponsors starting May 21.
- Eligible sponsors must meet criteria including residency, income level, and a 2020 Interest to Sponsor form submission.
- After receiving an ITA, sponsors must promptly submit a complete application, pay fees, and follow IRCC instructions.
Starting today, May 21, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will begin issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to sponsors who submitted “Interest to Sponsor” forms through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
IRCC plans to send out 35,700 invitations over a two-week period, aiming to approve 20,500 complete permanent residence (PR) applications. Invitations will be sent to the email provided by the sponsor when initially submitting their “Interest to Sponsor” form.
Who is eligible for PGP invitations in 2024?
To receive an invitation under the PGP this year, sponsors must meet several specific criteria:
- Completed Interest to Sponsor form in 2020: Sponsors must have filled out this form without receiving an ITA in the years 2020, 2021, 2022, or 2023.
- Status in Canada: They must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Age Requirement: Sponsors need to be 18 years old or older.
- Residency: They should be residing in Canada and must provide proof of status during the Interest to Sponsor phase.
- Income Level: Exceed the minimum necessary income level for the program (both the sponsor’s and spouse’s income can be included) and provide proof of income to IRCC.
- Undertaking to Support: Sponsors must sign an undertaking to financially support the sponsored for 20 years from the time they become permanent residents (or 10 years if in Quebec), to repay any social assistance benefits paid to the sponsored family members for a 20-year period, and sign an additional undertaking with the province of Quebec if residing there.
What steps should I take after receiving an ITA from the PGP?
Receiving an ITA is a significant milestone, but the process doesn’t stop there. Follow these steps to ensure your application proceeds smoothly:
- Respond Promptly: Respond with an application by the deadline outlined in the invitation email. It’s crucial to adhere to this deadline to avoid complications.
- Pay Application Fees: These typically start at CAD $1,205.
- Read Instructions: Carefully follow the complete instruction guide provided by IRCC and put together the application package diligently.
- Submit a Complete Application: Ensure that your application is complete before submission. If your application is submitted late, incomplete, or with incorrect details, it might result in refusal.
Reasons for Application Return
Applications must be thorough and complete. Here are a few reasons why they might be returned:
- Incompleteness: Missing documents or information.
- Missing Fees: Failure to pay the required fees.
- Missed Deadlines: Submission after the stated deadline in the ITA email.
- Incorrect Information: Mismatch between the information provided in the application and the “Interest to Sponsor” form.
Applications need to be submitted through the Permanent Residence portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal if using a representative. More information on this can be found on the IRCC official website.
What if you do not receive an ITA this year?
If you do not receive an ITA this year, you still have options to reunite with your parents and grandparents. One viable option is the Super Visa program.
What is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a temporary resident visa designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Here’s what you need to know:
- Validity: As of June 2022, the Super Visa allows holders to visit Canada for up to five years without the need to renew their status.
- Extension: Super Visa holders can apply for an extension of up to two years, allowing for a single stay of up to seven years.
This visa offers a practical pathway for family reunification, providing temporary resident status and is available year-round without a cap on the number of processed applications.
Conclusion
Starting today, the IRCC will send out thousands of PGP invitations to eligible sponsors, paving the way for permanent residence for many parents and grandparents. If you meet the eligibility criteria and receive an ITA, promptly follow the outlined steps to ensure a smooth application process. For those who do not receive an ITA, the Super Visa remains a solid alternative to bring your loved ones to Canada.
For more details, visit the IRCC official website to stay updated on the latest information and requirements.
Learn Today:
Glossary
1. Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): The Canadian government department responsible for overseeing immigration, providing support to refugees, and granting citizenship.
2. Invitation to Apply (ITA): A formal invitation issued by IRCC to potential sponsors, allowing them to submit a complete application for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) or other immigration programs.
3. Permanent Residence (PR): A status that allows a person to live and work in Canada indefinitely while enjoying most of the same rights and benefits as Canadian citizens, except for voting and holding certain public offices.
4. Interest to Sponsor: A form that Canadian citizens and permanent residents must fill out to express their interest in sponsoring their parents or grandparents under the PGP. Submission of this form is the first step before potentially receiving an ITA.
5. Super Visa: A special visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for extended periods, valid for up to five years with the option for a two-year extension.
This Article In A Nutshell:
Starting May 21, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). This move will allow eligible sponsors who submitted “Interest to Sponsor” forms a chance to reunite with their loved ones through permanent residence applications.
— By VisaVerge.com
Disclaimer: If you use any information from this article, link back to the original article URL on VisaVerge.com. Thank you for respecting our content and giving proper credit.
