If you’ve been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to sponsor your parents or grandparents to join you in Canada, your chance has arrived! The Parents and Grandparents Program PGP 2023 lottery has officially begun, opening doors for family reunification. Here, we’ll help you with all the essential details.
PGP 2023 Lottery Details
Between October 10 and October 23, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will initiate the selection process by sending out invitations to apply. A total of 24,200 invitations will be dispatched to potential sponsors. The invitations are randomly chosen from the existing pool of submissions from the year 2020. IRCC is targeting to receive 15,000 complete applications from the invited sponsors.
If you’ve previously submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 but did not receive an invitation to apply for the PGP in 2021 or 2022, do not lose hope. Be sure to keep a close eye on the email address you provided when you initially submitted your interest to sponsor form in 2020. The crucial invitation from IRCC will arrive in your inbox, and please remember to also check your spam folder, as sometimes important emails can be misdirected there.
Eligibility For the PGP
One of the key eligibility criteria for the Parents and Grandparents Program is the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI). This criterion is essential as it demonstrates that a sponsor possesses the financial means to support their family members coming to Canada through the PGP. You can find details about the MNI for the PGP in previous years on the official website.
For sponsors residing in any province or territory across Canada except Quebec, the requirement is to provide Notices of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for each of the three taxation years immediately preceding their application.
However, if you’re a resident of Quebec looking to sponsor your parent or grandparent, your income will be assessed by Quebec’s immigration ministry based on the provincial income standards. Both IRCC and the Quebec government require a signed undertaking from interested sponsors.
Exploring the Super Visa Option
For those who may not receive an invitation to the PGP lottery this year, there’s still an alternative option to facilitate your loved ones’ visit to Canada – the Super Visa. The Super Visa permits Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada for an uninterrupted period of up to five years.
One of the key benefits of the Super Visa is that it operates year-round and is not subject to a lottery system. To be eligible for a Super Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Not be inadmissible to Canada based on criminality or health concerns.
- Demonstrate the ability to meet the income requirements established by the Low-Income Cut Off (LICO).
- Provide a signed invitation letter from their child or grandchild residing in Canada, including a commitment to financial support throughout their visit and a list of household members.
- Furnish proof of medical insurance coverage for a minimum of one year with a Canadian insurance provider.
The launch of the Parents and Grandparents Program 2023 lottery is an exciting opportunity for families to reunite in Canada. However, if you do not receive an invitation this year, the Super Visa option remains a viable and accessible alternative for facilitating your loved ones’ visits. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and explore this avenue to keep your family connections strong across borders.
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