Canada experiences a significant surge in immigration under the Parents and Grandparents Program in the year 2023. The number of new permanent residents in January 2023 has soared by nearly 60% compared to the same period in 2022.
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January 2023 Immigration Figures
The PGP saw a welcoming of 2,065 new permanent residents in January 2023, a considerable increase from 1,300 in January 2022.
Annual PGP Immigration Targets
Canada sets a target of welcoming 28,500 new permanent residents under the PGP in 2023. The 2022 figure stood at 27,255 permanent residents, which was a whopping 132% increase from the 11,740 in 2021.
Canada’s Broader Immigration Plans
According to Canada’s Immigration Level Plans 2023-2025, the goal is to accommodate 465,000 new permanent residents in 2023. January 2023 saw the arrival of 50,885 new permanent residents, almost 44% more than the 35,450 newcomers in January 2022.
Family Sponsorship Category
Of the 2023 immigration target, 106,500 permanent residents are planned under the family sponsorship category. This category includes spouses, common-law partners, and children, as well as parents and grandparents under the PGP. As of now, Canada has already welcomed 13,000 newcomers under both spousal/children sponsorship and the Parents and Grandparents Program.
Understanding the PGP
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their parents and grandparents to immigrate to Canada under the PGP. Upon approval, these individuals are granted Canadian permanent residence and may eventually apply for Canadian citizenship.
PGP Eligibility Criteria
For eligibility, sponsors were required to meet several key criteria:
- Completion of the Interest to Sponsor Form: Sponsors must have filled out the Interest to Sponsor form on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website between October 13, 2020 (12:00 PM EDT), and November 3, 2020 (12:00 PM EST).
- Canadian Citizenship or Residency: Eligible sponsors had to be either Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, or registered Indians under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Minimum Age Requirement: Sponsors must have been 18 years of age or older.
- Residency in Canada: Sponsors were required to reside in Canada, with potential applicants needing to provide proof of status during the Interest to Sponsor phase.
- Income Threshold: Sponsors needed to exceed the minimum necessary income level for this program. If married or in a common-law relationship, the income of both the sponsor and spouse could be included. Proof of income had to be provided to the IRCC.
- Financial Support Undertaking: Sponsors were required to sign an undertaking to financially support the sponsored individuals for 20 years, starting when they became permanent residents, and to repay any social assistance benefits paid to the sponsored family members, if applicable, for a period of 20 years.
- Additional Undertaking for Quebec Residents: If the sponsor resided in Quebec, an additional “undertaking” had to be signed with the province of Quebec.
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Uncertainty Surrounding the 2023 PGP
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has not yet provided details about the 2023 PGP. In previous years, the IRCC has used a lottery system to randomly select which interested sponsors would receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through the Parents and Grandparents Program.
Since 2020, all ITAs for the PGP have been issued to applicants who expressed interest to sponsor through the PGP between October and November 2020. The most recent PGP lottery was held in October 2022, at which time there were still approximately 155,000 potential sponsors in the pool.
Super Visa: An Alternative to PGP
The Super Visa serves as an alternative to the PGP. It allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens to visit Canada for up to five consecutive years without renewing their status. Super Visa holders can also apply for an extension, allowing them to remain as visitors in Canada for up to seven years.
Super Visa Benefits and Eligibility
The Super Visa is ideal for individuals from countries requiring a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for entry into Canada. It also benefits parents and grandparents from TRV-exempt countries like the U.S.
The application process requires additional documentation, including an invitation letter from the child or grandchild residing in Canada, proof of relationship, and proof of medical insurance coverage for at least a year with a Canadian insurance company.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Canada is witnessing a significant surge in parents and grandparents immigration under the Parents and Grandparents Program in 2023. The number of new permanent residents in January 2023 has soared by almost 60% compared to the previous year, reflecting the growing interest in family sponsorship. With a target of welcoming 28,500 new permanent residents under the PGP this year, Canada is committed to facilitating reunification and strengthening family ties.
Additionally, the availability of the Super Visa as an alternative option allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods without the need for frequent status renewals. These programs showcase Canada’s commitment to supporting family reunification and fostering diverse and inclusive communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to sponsor their parents and grandparents under the PGP?
Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, or registered Indians under the Canadian Indian Act who meet the eligibility criteria, including income requirements, can sponsor their parents and grandparents.
What is the difference between the PGP and the Super Visa?
The PGP is a pathway for parents and grandparents to become permanent residents of Canada, while the Super Visa is a multiple-entry visitor visa that allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to two years per visit, without the need for status renewal.
What are the income requirements for the PGP sponsorship?
Sponsors need to exceed the minimum necessary income level, which depends on the family size and the number of people being sponsored. If married or in a common-law relationship, the income of both the sponsor and spouse can be included.
What documentation is required for the Super Visa application?
Super Visa applicants need to provide an invitation letter from their child or grandchild residing in Canada, proof of relationship, proof of medical insurance coverage for at least one year with a Canadian insurance company, and other relevant documents.
How are sponsors selected for the PGP?
In previous years, the PGP used a lottery system to randomly select sponsors who expressed interest to sponsor between October and November. However, specific details for the 2023 selection process have not been announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) yet.
