The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently initiated the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) lottery for 2023. As part of the initial phase, 24,200 invitations to apply will be sent to potential sponsors who are randomly selected from a remaining pool of 2020 submissions. The objective of this year’s program is to accept 15,000 fully-completed applications. Therefore, if you registered your interest back in 2020 and haven’t received an invite in the subsequent years, be sure to frequently check your inbox, including your spam folder.
The Golden Ticket to Family Reunification
Imagine a Canadian citizen wishing to sponsor his grandparents to come to Canada. The lottery program might be the golden ticket to turn this dream into reality without having to wait or compete with other applicants. So, what should he do if selected? Upon receiving the invitation, it’s crucial to act quickly to gather all required documentation and submit the application within the 30-day window.
Once the euphoria of being picked in the PGP lottery settles down, you will have a 30-day window to submit all the required documents. A financial requirement based on family size over the last three years is mandatory, corroborated by Notices of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency. The sponsor is also bound by a 20-year undertaking to financially support the family members they are sponsoring.
It’s vital for the sponsor to be particularly cautious to ensure that all the documents and information align perfectly with what was initially declared in their interest to sponsor form. Otherwise, the application risks being rejected due to inconsistencies.
The Super Visa: A Worthwhile Alternative
For those who aren’t fortunate enough to be picked in the PGP lottery this year, there’s no need to despair. The Super Visa serves as a viable alternative. Unlike the PGP, the Super Visa doesn’t grant permanent residence but allows for extended family visits—up to five years per entry.
This option is less demanding on the sponsor; for instance, Robert would only need to prove that his income meets the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) for a single year. The Super Visa also requires less long-term commitment as only a one-year medical insurance policy is necessary for the visiting family members.
While the Super Visa doesn’t offer the long-term benefits of permanent residency, it provides a quicker path to family reunification, which is a crucial factor for many.
The PGP lottery offers a potential pathway to permanent family reunification but comes with its own set of extensive commitments. For those who miss out on this opportunity, the Super Visa serves as a convenient, albeit temporary, alternative. Regardless of the route you choose, it’s advisable to consult with an immigration specialist to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements.
