On September 8, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) unveiled the Parents and Grandparents Program update for 2023.  

What’s Parents and Grandparents Program Update 2023 

This year, for sponsorship under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), IRCC will accept around 15,000 complete applications.  

In order to accomplish its target of 15,000 complete applications, IRCC will send around 24,200 invitations to apply (ITA) on October 10 to potential sponsors who are interested in moving to Canada under PGP. 

There are a significant number of forms left in the submission pool from 2020. Due to this, IRCC will issue invitations to Apply to randomly chosen sponsors from the same pool rather than opening a new interest to sponsor form.  

This is great news for 2020 applicants. This is because if you have provided an interest to sponsor form in 2020 but have not gotten the ITA in 2021 or 2022, be sure to check the email address you supplied in your interest to sponsor form you filled out and raised in 2020. 

As a part of the 2023 intake, if you have received an invitation to apply, IRCC will keep using the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal. Both of these will provide electronic submission of applications.  

Overview of Immigration Levels Plan  

IRCC invited a total of 23,100 prospective sponsors to apply for the parents and grandparents sponsorship in 2022, with the objective of attaining its target of 15,000 complete applications. 

The Department of IRCC publishes its Immigration Levels Plan each year. This plan is then used to conduct its operations and plan its target for accepting new immigrants to the country.  

Canada’s 2023 immigration target for newcomers is to admit 465,000 new permanent residents and around 28,500 newcomers under parents and grandparents to the country.  

In 2025, the target increases, and IRCC’s newcomer target is 500,00, and under the parents and grandparents program, it is 36,000. 

Canada’s Super Visa 

The citizens of Canada and permanent residents can take advantage of Canada’s Super Visa if they desire to bring their parents and grandparents living in another nation to Canada. 

Canada’s Super Visa is a temporary visa that permits Canadian citizens or PR’s parents and grandparents to visit their family. A super visa permits them to live with their family for a maximum of five years in a row without the need to renew their visiting status. Generally, a super visa is valid for a maximum of ten years, meaning that the visa holders can visit Canada multiple times before the validity expires.  

Super visa holders may apply for a visa extension if they desire to extend their stay in Canada. This extension allows them to stay in the country as a visitor for up to seven years.  

A super visa is issued throughout the year and is not based on a lottery system. This is why a super visa is an excellent option if you are looking for an easier option for sponsoring a parent or grandparent.  

Eligibility Criteria for a Super Visa 

Applicants must satisfy the below-mentioned eligibility criteria to obtain a Super Visa. 

  • Applicant must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident’s parent or grandparent. 
  • Applicant must not be banned from entering Canada due to criminal background or health issues. 
  • Applicants must submit proof that they are able to meet the income requirements specified by the Low-Income Cut Off (LICO) 
  • Applicants must attach an invitation letter from their child or grandchild asking them to visit Canada. It must also include a guarantee of financial support for the duration of stay and the list of individuals in the relevant person’s home.  
  • Applicants are also required to submit proof of medical insurance coverage with a Canadian insurance firm for a minimum of one year.