A recently released internal memo from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has highlighted significant challenges with the country’s Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP). Demand for sponsoring parents and grandparents far exceeds the available spots in Canada’s immigration targets.
Before the pandemic, IRCC managed the high volume of interest through randomized selection from submissions. However, starting in 2022, the program accepted 15,000 complete applications based on submissions from the fall of 2020. Despite these efforts, both the backlog and processing times for PGP applications have continued to grow, with nearly 100,000 individuals currently awaiting processing.
In 2023, Canada allocated 28,500 spots for parent and grandparent sponsorships. According to the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan, these numbers will gradually increase, reaching 34,000 by 2026. However, given the backlog of existing applicants, no new applications will be needed in 2023, and any received will likely face processing delays of two to three years.
The memo suggests that processing delays are a result of misalignment between intake volumes and processing capacity. It recommends the development of a multi-year intake plan to match the number of applications with Canada’s immigration targets, similar to the approach used for the Express Entry system. This strategy is aimed at ensuring more stable processing times and reducing backlogs.
IRCC has already acted on some of the memo’s suggestions, launching the PGP 2023 process by sending out 24,200 invitations to apply between October 10th and 24th, hoping to meet the target of 15,000 complete applications.
Super Visa: An Alternative Solution
For families seeking a more immediate solution, the Super Visa offers an alternative to the PGP. This temporary visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to five consecutive years without needing to renew their status, with multiple entries allowed for up to 10 years.
The Super Visa is available year-round, making it a viable option for those from countries requiring a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). Super Visa holders can also extend their stay for up to seven years without leaving the country.
To apply for a Super Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria, including having a letter of invitation from their Canadian child or grandchild, proof of financial support, and medical insurance coverage of at least $100,000. Additionally, they must meet the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) threshold to ensure their child or grandchild can provide financial support during their stay.