The IRCC has made significant changes to the Parents and Grandparents Program in 2023. The new amendment offers more opportunities to Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency in Canada. this year, IRCC is planning to accept more than 15,000 applications for sponsorship.
On October 10, the IRCC will send invitations to apply to approximately 24,200 interested potential sponsors. The aim is to receive a maximum of 15,000 complete applications from this pool. However, what makes this update particularly interesting is the way invitations will be issued.
Instead of opening a new interest to sponsor form, invitations to apply will be sent to randomly selected potential sponsors from the pool of submissions made in 2020. This approach acknowledges those who have previously expressed their interest in sponsoring their parents or grandparents but did not receive an invitation to apply in 2021 or 2022.
Potential sponsors who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 and meet the criteria should keep an eye on the email account they provided during their 2020 submission.
The Digital Advantage
In line with its commitment to efficiency and convenience, IRCC will continue to utilize the Permanent Residence Portal and the Representative Permanent Residence Portal. These digital platforms enable applicants to submit their sponsorship applications electronically, streamlining the process for both sponsors and the department.
The Immigration Levels Plan
Every year, IRCC releases its Immigration Levels Plan, which outlines the targets for welcoming newcomers to Canada. In 2023, Canada’s goal is to welcome 465,000 new permanent residents, with an emphasis on reuniting families, andby 2025, Canada plans to increase the number to 500,000, with 36,000 spots allocated for parents and grandparents. This commitment underscores Canada’s dedication to family reunification and its recognition of the invaluable contributions these family members make to the country.
The Super Visa Option
For Canadian citizens and permanent residents who seek a more immediate and flexible option to bring their foreign parents and grandparents to Canada, the Super Visa is a popular choice. This visa allows parents and grandparents to visit their families for up to five consecutive years and the privilege of multiple entries into Canada for a period of up to 10 years.
To Qualify, an Applicant Must Meet the Following Criteria:
- Being a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Demonstrating admissibility to Canada based on factors such as criminality and health.
- Proving the ability to meet the income requirements defined by the Low-Income Cut Off (LICO).
- Provide a signed letter from their child or grandchild inviting them to Canada, including a promise of financial support for the duration of their visit and a list of the individuals in the household.
- Proof of medical insurance coverage for a minimum of one year with a Canadian insurance provider.
The IRCC’s update to the Parents and Grandparents Program for 2023 represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of family reunification in Canada. This expansion of opportunities, along with the ongoing commitment to welcoming newcomers, reaffirms Canada’s position as a welcoming and inclusive nation.
Leave a Reply