Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially concluded its 2021 lottery for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), issuing 30,000 invitations to potential sponsors between September 23 and October 4, 2021. This marks the largest draw in the program’s history, reflecting backlog adjustments prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Originally, Canada aimed to invite 20,000 sponsors in 2020 and another 20,000 in 2021. However, due to pandemic-related disruptions, IRCC scaled back the 2020 intake to just 10,000 and shifted the remaining quota forward, accounting for this year’s large draw.
The PGP allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency — a highly sought-after opportunity given the limited number of annual spots and long-standing demand. In fact, IRCC received more than 200,000 “interest to sponsor” submissions during October and November of 2020, leaving applicants with a roughly 1-in-5 chance of receiving an invitation across the two-year span.
Only individuals who submitted their intent to sponsor forms during that 2020 window were considered for the 2021 lottery. Those who received an invitation now have 60 days from the date of notification to complete and submit their application. It is crucial for invitees to confirm their eligibility and gather all necessary documentation within this time frame.
Sponsoring parents and grandparents under the PGP grants them permanent residency status, including access to Canada’s universal healthcare system, social benefits, and a pathway to Canadian citizenship.
While IRCC has not yet revealed details for the 2022 iteration of the program, the government’s Immigration Levels Plan targets around 23,500 admissions annually under the parents and grandparents category. Based on this, observers expect similar application figures for PGP 2022, likely announced in early 2022 if pre-pandemic patterns resume.
For families seeking alternative options, the Super Visa remains a viable route. This multi-entry visa permits parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to 10 years, with stays of up to two years per entry — offering another pathway for long-term family reunification while awaiting sponsorship opportunities.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on updates to the PGP and other pathways for family immigration to Canada.