Key Takeaways:
- IRCC selects PGP sponsors using a random draw from 2020 submissions, offering 35,700 ITAs for 2024.
- Sponsors must verify eligibility, meet income requirements, and submit applications by August 2, 2024.
- Alternative Super Visa allows long-term visits if not selected or ineligible for PGP, supporting family reunification.
How Does IRCC Choose Sponsors for the Parents and Grandparents Program?
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has established a systematic and transparent approach to selecting sponsors for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). For the 2024 intake, IRCC is using a pool of potential sponsors who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form back in 2020. This method not only ensures continuity but also gives priority to those who have been waiting the longest.
What is the Selection Process for the 2024 PGP Intake?
Random Selection
IRCC will randomly select 35,700 potential sponsors from the pool of 2020 submissions. This number is deliberately higher than the target of 20,500 complete applications to account for potential ineligible applicants or those who opt not to proceed.
Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Selected individuals will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) via email. The invitation period begins on May 21, 2024, and is open for two weeks. Potential sponsors are advised to check their email regularly during this period, including spam and junk folders to ensure they do not miss the invitation.
Verification Process
Upon receiving an ITA, potential sponsors must verify their eligibility according to the current criteria. This includes meeting income requirements for the past three tax years – 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Application Submission
Invited sponsors must submit their complete application through the Permanent Residence Portal or Representative Permanent Residence Portal by the specified deadline. For the 2024 intake, the application deadline is 11:59 PM ET on August 2, 2024.
Key Aspects of the 2024 Selection Process
No New Interest to Sponsor Forms
For the 2024 intake, IRCC is not accepting new Interest to Sponsor forms. Only those who submitted forms in 2020 and have not been invited in previous years are eligible.
Adjusted Income Requirements
The income requirements for sponsors have been adjusted for the 2024 intake. Recognizing the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, IRCC has reduced the income requirement for the 2021 tax year. For instance, a sponsor applying to sponsor two people (including themselves) must have had an income of at least $32,898 in 2021, $43,082 in 2022, and $44,530 in 2023.
What are the Ongoing Obligations for Sponsors?
Maintaining Eligibility
Sponsors must maintain their eligibility throughout the application process. According to VisaVerge.com, IRCC may reassess a sponsor’s income at any point during processing, specifically if more than 12 months have passed since the application was received.
Super Visa Alternative
For those not selected or not eligible for the PGP, the Super Visa serves as a viable option. This visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods, up to 5 years at a time, with the possibility of extension.
How to Submit an Online Application for PGP?
Required Forms and Documents
To sponsor parents and grandparents through Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), applicants must submit a comprehensive set of documents. Here is a detailed breakdown of the required documentation:
- Forms:
- Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and Undertaking (IMM 1344)
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
- Sponsorship Evaluation (IMM 5768)
- Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation (IMM 5532)
- Proof of Status in Canada:
- For Canadian citizens:
- Copy of citizenship certificate, card, or proof of citizenship
- Copy of birth certificate if born in Canada
- For permanent residents:
- Copy of Permanent Resident card (both sides)
- Copy of Confirmation of Permanent Residence
- For Canadian citizens:
- Proof of Income:
- Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency for the last 3 taxation years
- For self-employed individuals: T4, T1 General forms including Statement of Business Activities
- For employed individuals: Most recent pay stubs or a letter from the current employer stating salary
- Identity Documents:
- Copy of sponsor’s government-issued photo ID
- Copies of passport pages for the sponsored parents/grandparents showing biographical data and stamps
- Relationship Documents:
- Birth certificates showing names of parents
- For sponsoring grandparents: Birth certificates of the sponsor’s parents
- Marriage certificates (if applicable)
- Divorce or death certificates (if applicable for previous marriages)
- Additional Documents:
- Police certificates for sponsored individuals
- Medical examination results
- Photos meeting IRCC specifications
- Supporting Documents:
- Proof of contact with parents/grandparents (e.g., letters, emails, phone records)
- Family photos demonstrating the relationship
- Any additional documents that prove the authenticity of the relationship
- If Using a Representative:
- Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476)
- For Quebec Residents:
- Undertaking application submitted to Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration
- Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409):
- Required if the sponsor has a common-law partner
- Document Checklist (IMM 5771):
- Must be completed and included with the application
Translation of Documents
It’s crucial to note that all documents not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation. Additionally, IRCC may request supplementary documents during the application process. Ensuring all documents are current, accurate, and properly formatted is essential for a successful application. Applicants should closely review the most recent guidelines provided by IRCC, as requirements can evolve, and carefully follow specific instructions regarding document format (original, certified copy, or photocopy).
What is the Processing Time for Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents to Canada?
The typical processing time for parent and grandparent sponsorship applications ranges from 20 to 36 months from start to finish. Here are the details:
- General Processing Time:
- According to the IRCC website, the current processing time for applications outside of Quebec is approximately 20 months.
- Another source suggests that it takes around 24 to 36 months to process these applications from start to finish.
- For Quebec-Based Applications:
- The processing time for Quebec is longer, standing at 51 months, compared to 26 months for applications from other parts of Canada.
- This discrepancy is due to IRCC receiving a higher number of complete applications destined for Quebec in comparison to the rest of Canada.
- Commencement of Processing Time:
- The processing time begins when IRCC receives a complete application package.
- Quebec Undertaking Applications:
- For sponsors living in Quebec, most undertaking applications are processed within three months by Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration.
- Factors Influencing Processing Time:
- The duration can vary based on factors such as:
- The visa office handling the application
- Additional steps required (e.g., interviews, medical exams, police certificates)
- The duration can vary based on factors such as:
- Service Standards:
- IRCC endeavors to process 80% of applications within these stated service standards.
- Checking Processing Times:
- Applicants are advised to regularly check processing times on the IRCC website, as they can fluctuate.
Additional Options: The Super Visa
For those who are not selected in the 2024 PGP intake or do not meet the eligibility criteria, the Super Visa represents a practical alternative. This visa permits parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for periods of up to 5 years, with the option for extensions. The Super Visa thus offers a flexible solution for families looking to be reunited on a long-term basis in Canada.
Conclusion
IRCC’s method for selecting sponsors through the Parents and Grandparents Program aims to balance fairness, efficiency, and recognition of waiting times. By continuing from the pool of 2020 submissions, IRCC seeks to process applications more swiftly while addressing the needs of those who have waited the longest. Whether through the PGP or alternative routes like the Super Visa, Canada provides various pathways to support family reunification, ensuring that applicants have multiple chances to achieve their immigration goals.
For more comprehensive details and the latest updates, potential sponsors should always refer to the official IRCC website or consult authorized immigration experts.
Learn Today:
Glossary
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- The Canadian government department responsible for immigration, refugees, and citizenship.
- Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- A formal invitation issued by the IRCC to potential sponsors, allowing them to submit a complete application for the Parents and Grandparents Program.
- Interest to Sponsor Form
- A form submitted by Canadian citizens and permanent residents expressing their interest in sponsoring their parents or grandparents for immigration through the PGP.
- Super Visa
- A long-term, multiple-entry visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, allowing stays of up to 5 years per visit.
- Permanent Residence Portal
- An online platform used by applicants to submit their permanent residence applications to the IRCC.
This Article In A Nutshell:
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses a lottery system to choose sponsors for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). For the 2024 intake, IRCC will randomly select from 2020 submissions. Selected sponsors must meet income requirements and submit applications within a specified period.
— By VisaVerge.com
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