Here we go again: Navigating the Parents and Grandparents Program

On September 8, 2023, the Canadian government reiterated its commitment to family reunification as a core element of its immigration policy. The focus is on enabling Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members to live and work in Canada. The Parents and Grandparents Program plays a crucial role in this, evident in its historical record of admitting high numbers of parents and grandparents under the Multi-Year Levels Plan.

Latest Update

Starting October 10, 2023, IRCC will send out invitations to 24,200 potential sponsors, with the aim of receiving 15,000 complete applications over a two-week period.

To ensure fairness, IRCC will select potential sponsors from the pool of 2020 submissions instead of opening a new interest to sponsor form. This aligns with the approach taken in the 2021 and 2022 intakes. Those who submitted interest to sponsor forms in 2020 but did not receive an invitation in the past two years should check their email accounts.

How to Apply

The application process for the 2023 intake will continue to be electronic, with the use of the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal. This change reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing the immigration system and streamlining the application process.

Temporary Family Reunion: The Super Visa Solution

For those who do not receive an invitation this year but wish to reunite with their parents or grandparents in Canada, an option is to consider the super visa. This multiple-entry visa is valid for up to 10 years and allows stays of 5 years at a time, with the ability to extend for up to 2 years without leaving the country. This enhancement eases the process of reuniting Canadian citizens and permanent residents with their family members for extended periods.