Immigration Corner | Parents and grandparents application hiatus

Dear Miss Powell,

Ever since my daughter moved to Canada, I have been reading your articles in The Gleaner, as I find them very informative. Since my daughter is now a Canadian citizen, can she sponsor me to live with her? I would love to move to Canada to be with her and her family this year. How long would the application take? Thank you for your time.

EM

Dear EM,

A Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian may be authorised to sponsor a parent or grandparent to live in Canada if certain factors exist at the time of applying. I will outline below the factors to consider.

WHAT IS THE PGP?

The Parents and Grandparents Programme (PGP) is a Canadian immigration initiative authorising Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency in Canada. This programme is often called a lottery system because of the selection process.

This application is a two-step process. First, your daughter must submit an ‘interest to sponsor’ online application when the portal opens. Once the application is received, Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will randomly select individuals and send an invitation to apply for permanent resident. Once an invitation to apply is received, the next step is to upload all the required documents within the specified time. These documents must clearly demonstrate that your daughter can support you and that you are able to pass the medical and security screening.

If you are granted permanent resident status, you will be permitted to work in Canada without a work permit and have access to healthcare and social services; those are some of the rights of permanent residents. After a few years, you may also apply for Canadian citizenship, which grants you authorisation to hold a Canadian passport and to vote in provincial and general elections.

2025 UPDATE

The government of Canada announced that they will not be accepting new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Programme for 2025. Immigration Minister Mark Miller stated that the government has paused the PGP to clear the existing backlog and to bring the programme in line with the government’s immigration levels planned for the next three years.

Although processing time varies according to the applicant’s country of origin, the average processing time for the PGP is two years. However, for Quebec, the average is 48 months due to the additional provincial requirements.

The government’s target is to have 24,500 applicants approved and land in Canada in 2025 under this programme. This is a reduction from previous targets. However, do not despair as there are other options available.

SUPER VISA OPTIONS FOR PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS

Since the PGP is currently on a hiatus, you may apply for a Parent and Grandparent super visa that allows a parent or grandparent to visit and remain in Canada for an extended period, without having to reapply or apply for extension of time to remain in Canada after six months.

A super visa will authorise you to remain in Canada for five years at a time, with the option of requesting another two-year extension of time, while remaining in Canada. This visa, therefore, can authorise you to remain in Canada for up to seven straight years, without leaving Canada.

To be eligible for a Canadian super visa you must satisfy some basic requirements. These include that your daughter must provide a letter of support to IRCC, demonstrating that she can financially take care of you while you are in Canada. As your host, she must meet or exceed the minimum necessary income to support you during your stay.

As a part of the application process, IRCC will consider your ties to your home country, the purpose of your visit, your family and finances, and the overall economic and political stability of your home country. You must pass all medical and security tests and have medical insurance approved by IRCC. The medical insurance must be valid at least one year from the date of entry into Canada and must provide at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage.

The Canadian super visa is an excellent alternative to permanent sponsorship, as it will allow you to reunite with your daughter in a much shorter time and permits you to stay for an extended period. When the PGP portal has been reopened, your daughter can submit an interest to sponsor you, even if you have a super visa.

Share this information with your daughter and other family members who may find this information helpful. You may contact a Canadian lawyer to assist you with your application or request an online consultation for additional information.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator, and notary public in Canada. You may connect with her via Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp/call 613-695-8777.