Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially opened the 2020 intake period for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), offering Canadian citizens and permanent residents an opportunity to reunite with family members abroad. The submission window is active from October 13 to November 3, 2020.
During this period, eligible individuals can submit an “Interest to Sponsor” form through the IRCC’s official website. Once this submission window closes, IRCC will randomly select potential sponsors using a lottery system. Those selected will be invited to submit a complete sponsorship application to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada.
For the 2020 intake, IRCC will approve up to 10,000 applications under the PGP. Designed to help families reunite over the long term, the program allows sponsored parents and grandparents to become permanent residents, giving them access to healthcare, social services, and the option to apply for citizenship in the future.
This initiative reflects Canada’s broader commitment to family reunification—one of the pillars of the country’s immigration policy. According to Maple News, the PGP remains a favored pathway for family members who wish to live together in Canada, especially for those seeking long-term solutions over temporary visa options.
Applicants chosen through the lottery will be contacted directly by IRCC with further instructions on how to proceed with the full application. It’s important to note that sponsors must meet specific income requirements and agree to financially support their sponsored relatives for up to 20 years.
Given the competitive nature of the program and the limited number of spots, Maple News advises interested applicants to prepare in advance, ensure they meet eligibility requirements, and submit their forms before the deadline. IRCC plans to expand the cap size for future intakes, making family reunification more accessible in the coming years.
The Parents and Grandparents Program not only strengthens family bonds but also contributes to the social fabric of Canadian communities, promoting diverse and multigenerational households across the nation.