The IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is an immigration initiative to reunite Canadian citizens and permanent residents with their parents and grandparents. This Program recognizes the importance of family reunification and provides a pathway for loved ones to live together in Canada. This article will explore various aspects of the IRCC Parents and Grandparents Program, including its objectives, eligibility criteria, application process, and recent updates.
The IRCC Parents and Grandparents Program’s primary goal is to reunite families. It acknowledges the vital role that parents and grandparents play in the lives of their Canadian relatives and aims to facilitate their integration into Canadian society. The Program recognizes the cultural, emotional, and social benefits of bringing families together, promoting stronger bonds and support networks within the country.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet certain requirements to be eligible for the IRCC Parents and Grandparents Program. These requirements include:
- a. Relationship: The applicant must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
- b. Financial Responsibility: The sponsor must demonstrate the ability to provide financial support to their parents or grandparents during their stay in Canada.
- c. Minimum Income: Sponsors must meet the minimum necessary income threshold to prove their financial capability.
- d. Status in Canada: The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident living in Canada. e. Sponsorship Undertaking: Sponsors are required to sign an agreement to financially support their parents or grandparents for a specified period.
Application Process
The IRCC Parents and Grandparents Program follows a two-step application process:
1- Sponsors submit an online “Interest to Sponsor” form during the specified intake period, typically announced annually. This step allows the IRCC to assess the demand for the Program and select potential sponsors through a randomized process.
2- Selected sponsors are invited to submit a complete sponsorship application within a specified timeframe. They must provide detailed information and supporting documents, such as proof of relationship, financial capacity, and identity documents for both the sponsor and the applicant.
The IRCC has made certain changes to the Parents and Grandparents Program to improve accessibility and streamline the application process:
a. The IRCC has increased the number of applications it accepts for processing, allowing more families to participate in the Program.
b. The introduction of a randomized selection process ensures fairness and transparency in choosing sponsors from the pool of interested applicants.
c.The income threshold for sponsors has been adjusted to a more realistic and reasonable level, enabling a wider range of sponsors to participate.
The IRCC Parents and Grandparents Program serves as a crucial pathway for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their parents and grandparents. The Program strengthens bonds and enriches Canadian society through cultural diversity and intergenerational support by prioritizing family reunification. Understanding the objectives, eligibility criteria, application process, and recent updates of this Program is essential for those seeking to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada.
How Long Does it Take for Parents to Get PR in Canada?
In the case of the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), the processing time can be influenced by factors such as the number of applications received, the complexity of the application, and the completeness of the submitted documents. In recent years, the IRCC has made efforts to reduce processing times and streamline the application process. The processing time for the PGP was approximately 20 to 24 months. However, it’s crucial to check the most up-to-date information on the IRCC website or contact IRCC directly for the most accurate processing times for the Program.
It’s important to note that the processing time may also be affected by any additional steps required, such as medical examinations, biometrics, or security checks. Therefore, it is advisable to submit a complete and accurate application and promptly respond to any requests or inquiries from IRCC to avoid delays.