Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially reopened the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2024. Beginning July 28, the federal government is issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to Canadian citizens and permanent residents interested in sponsoring their parents or grandparents for permanent residency.
This year, IRCC is sending out 17,860 invitations over a two-week period. The goal is to receive up to 10,000 fully completed sponsorship applications. Applicants are being selected through a randomized lottery system from a pool of individuals who submitted an interest-to-sponsor form back in 2020 but were not previously invited during intake rounds between 2020 and 2024.
Those selected will be notified via the email address they provided in their original submission. It’s crucial that applicants check their inboxes—including spam folders—to ensure they don’t miss their invitation, which will include the next steps to begin the official application.
Prospective sponsors should note that receiving an invitation does not automatically confirm eligibility to sponsor. Each applicant must still prove their eligibility during the formal application stage, including financial requirements and other sponsorship conditions laid out by IRCC.
The sponsorship process involves two key steps: first, the Canadian citizen or permanent resident submits a sponsorship application to IRCC. Second, the parent or grandparent applying for permanent residence must also complete and submit a separate application through the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal. Both applications must be submitted online by the principal applicant.
The reopening of the PGP is a significant development for families who have been waiting for an opportunity to reunite under one roof in Canada. The program remains a cornerstone of Canada’s broader family reunification strategy and is one of the most sought-after immigration pathways.
For those not selected, IRCC also offers the Super Visa—a renewable, long-term visitor visa allowing parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for extended periods, offering an alternative route for family visits.
Maple News will continue to provide updates and guidance as the PGP process unfolds this year, ensuring newcomers and long-time residents alike remain informed about their options for family reunification in Canada.