Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has yet to announce the official launch of the 2022 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), leaving many families eager for updates on how and when they can reunite with their loved ones in Canada.
According to Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2021–2023, the IRCC aims to welcome approximately 23,500 newcomers through the PGP pathway in 2022. Although no formal announcement has been made, this target suggests plans are underway to address pent-up demand in family reunification.
In the years before the pandemic, IRCC typically opened the PGP application intake in January. However, due to COVID-related disruptions, the department shifted to a lottery-based selection process held in the fall of 2020 and 2021. Past rounds saw more than 200,000 expressions of interest submitted for just 40,000 available spots, highlighting the program’s high demand and competitive nature.
While the 2022 intake process is still unclear, IRCC has continued to use a randomized selection system in recent years. The department had previously explored alternative methods to manage the overwhelming interest, but lottery-based invitations have remained the standard approach post-pandemic.
As of now, IRCC maintains a processing timeline of 20 to 24 months for PGP applications. Eligibility criteria remain unchanged: sponsors must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or registered Indians under the Indian Act; be at least 18 years old; reside in Canada; meet the minimum income requirement for the last three tax years (outside Quebec); and commit to financially supporting the sponsored relatives for 20 years.
Income thresholds for eligibility vary depending on household size and province of residence. Those applying outside Quebec must provide Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notices of Assessment for the years 2021, 2020, and 2019. Quebec residents are assessed based on income over the last 12 months, following provincial guidelines.
For those looking to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada more immediately, the Super Visa remains an alternative option. This multi-entry visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for extended periods—up to 10 years, with visits lasting up to five years per stay as of recent updates.
Maple News will continue to monitor updates from IRCC and provide timely coverage on when the 2022 PGP intake officially opens and what format it is likely to follow.