Starting May 21, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will begin sending invitations to apply (ITAs) to sponsors who previously submitted “Interest to Sponsor” forms through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). Over the next two weeks, IRCC will distribute 35,700 invitations, aiming to approve 20,500 complete applications for permanent residence (PR). Invitations will be sent to the email address used when the sponsor initially submitted their form.
Eligibility Criteria for the 2024 PGP Invitations
To receive an invitation this year, sponsors must meet the following conditions:
- Submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020.
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Reside in Canada and provide proof of status.
- Exceed the minimum necessary income level for the program (income of both sponsor and spouse, if applicable, can be included).
- Sign a financial undertaking for 20 years to support the sponsored individual (10 years for Quebec residents), and repay any social assistance used by the sponsored individual during that period.
Next Steps After Receiving an Invitation
Upon receiving an ITA, sponsors must respond by submitting their application and paying the required fees (starting at $1,205 CAD). IRCC advises reading the complete instruction guide to ensure a smooth application process. It’s important that applications are fully completed and submitted before the deadline stated in the invitation email. Failure to do so can result in application rejection.
Applications may be returned if:
- They are incomplete.
- Fees are not included.
- They are submitted after the deadline.
- The applicant did not receive an ITA.
- Information in the application does not match the original “Interest to Sponsor” form.
Applications must be submitted through the Permanent Residence portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal if a representative is assisting.
What if You Don’t Receive an Invitation?
If you are not selected this year, the Parents and Grandparents Program is still limited to those who submitted forms in 2020. However, the Super Visa offers an alternative pathway to bring parents and grandparents to Canada. The Super Visa allows family members to visit and stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with the possibility of extending their stay for up to seven years.
The Super Visa is an accessible option that provides temporary resident status, without any limits on the number of applications processed, offering families a year-round opportunity to reunite in Canada.