Canada's Immigration Levels Plan 2022-2023, released in February 2022, plans to welcome 23,500 immigrants under the 2022 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). IRCC stopped accepting PGP applications on December 6, 2021, and has not announced when the 2022 PGP program will launch. IRCC has not yet announced when applications will open for 2022 PGP, or what type of application lottery or another format will be in effect.
The 2022 Immigration Levels Plan calls for 24% of new immigrants in the family class including Spousal Sponsorship and the Parents and Grandparents Program, and 23,500 immigrants under the PGP in 2022.
Family reunification is a top priority for Canada, IRCC media relations officer Rémi Larivière in an e-mail last week.
“IRCC continues to process parents and grandparents applications that we have already received, including from the 2021 intake, in order to meet our 2022 immigration levels targets.”
2022 Parents and Grandparents Program Eligibility Requirements
According to the IRCC website, the processing time for PGP applicants is 20-24 months, and the eligibility criteria for PGP sponsors is:
- you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- you are at least 18 years old
- you live in Canada
- you have enough income to meet the minimum necessary income level for the PGP
- married and common-law partners can combine income if they want to co-sign the application
- you can provide proof of income to IRCC
- you agree to financially support the sponsored individuals for 20 years and to repay any social assistance claimed by the individuals within this period
What If You Are Not Accepted in the PGP?
PGP Backup Alternative: Parent and Grandparent Super Visa
If you have a child or grandchild in Canada and wish to spend an extended period of time with your family in Canada, you also have the option to apply for the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa. While you will not have access to health insurance or be eligible for employment, a Super Visa will permit you to stay in Canada for up to two years. A Super Visa is only available to someone who is either the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. The parent and grandparent super visa is a temporary resident permit that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for up to 2 years per visit, and visit multiple times over 10 years without renewing their status.
Super Visa Eligibility
To qualify for a Super Visa you must be able to:
- prove the claimed relationship
- have a letter of invitation
- meet other Super Visa criteria, including income, medical coverage and others
Do You Want To Sponsor Your Parent or Grandparent to Move to Canada?
For more information on the 2022 PGP lottery and how to sponsor your parent or grandparent to move to Canada, contact Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email us directly.
