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Canada has long been celebrated for its inclusive and family-friendly immigration policies. In recent years, there has been a remarkable surge in the immigration of parents and grandparents under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). As we enter 2023, this trend is expected to continue, with Canada aiming to welcome even more permanent residents through the PGP. This article explores the recent surge in PGP immigration, delves into the program's eligibility requirements, and highlights the alternative option of the Super Visa for parents and grandparents wishing to visit their Canadian families.
Growing Immigration Trends:
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has experienced a significant upswing in the number of new permanent residents entering Canada. In January 2023, a staggering 2,065 individuals were welcomed through the program, marking a substantial 60% increase compared to January 2022. This surge is further substantiated by Canada's ambitious plan to bring in 28,500 permanent residents under the PGP in 2023, surpassing the previous year's intake of 27,255 newcomers.
Canada's Immigration Level Plans for 2023-2025 set a target of welcoming 465,000 permanent residents, with a significant portion falling under the family sponsorship category. This category encompasses not only spouses, common-law partners, and children but also parents and grandparents under the PGP. The program's popularity and the government's commitment to family reunification have resulted in a substantial increase in immigration opportunities for parents and grandparents.
Understanding the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP):
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for immigration to Canada. Once approved, parents and grandparents are granted Canadian permanent residence, paving the way for future applications for Canadian citizenship.
To be eligible for the PGP in the past, sponsors were required to meet specific criteria, including completing an Interest to Sponsor form during the designated period, being at least 18 years old, residing in Canada, meeting the minimum income threshold, signing a 20-year financial support undertaking, and potentially signing an additional undertaking if residing in Quebec. However, the details of the 2023 PGP have not yet been released by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
In previous years, the PGP application process utilized a lottery system, randomly selecting sponsors who expressed interest between October and November. However, the most recent lottery occurred in October 2022, leaving a significant number of potential sponsors still awaiting their turn to sponsor their parents and grandparents.
Exploring the Super Visa:
The Super Visa provides an alternative option for parents and grandparents who wish to visit and stay in Canada for an extended period without becoming permanent residents. Under the Super Visa, eligible individuals can visit their families in Canada for up to five consecutive years without the need to renew their status.
Furthermore, parents and grandparents who already hold a Super Visa can apply for an extension, allowing them to remain in Canada as visitors for up to seven years. The Super Visa also provides the flexibility of multiple entries into Canada over a period of up to 10 years, making it a convenient option for extended family visits.
The Super Visa application process is similar to that of a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and requires additional documentation to demonstrate financial support during the stay. This includes a letter of invitation from the child or grandchild residing in Canada, proof of meeting the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) minimum, proof of parental relationship, and evidence of medical insurance coverage for at least one year with a Canadian insurance company.
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If you're ready to start your Canadian adventure, contact Pelican Migration Consultants today. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is ready to answer your questions, evaluate your eligibility, and provide you with the guidance you need to make your dreams of migrating to Canada a reality. Let us be your trusted partner in Canadian immigration.