Essential Information for Parents Regarding Canada Visa Applications
Thousands of Canadian citizens and permanent residents are set to gain the chance to bring their parents or grandparents to live with them permanently, as the federal government prepares to issue new sponsorship invitations under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). Starting from July 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will distribute 17,860 invitations over a two-week period, aiming to receive 10,000 complete applications for permanent residency. This initiative continues to utilize the existing pool of applicants who submitted their interest to sponsor forms in 2020, rather than reopening submissions.
Details of the Sponsorship Invitations
The upcoming round of invitations under the PGP is a significant opportunity for many families in Canada. The IRCC will send invitations exclusively to individuals who expressed their interest in sponsoring their parents or grandparents back in 2020. This decision to stick with the original applicant pool is intended to streamline the process and manage the high demand for sponsorships. Those who receive an invitation will be able to submit their applications electronically through the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Portal. The IRCC has advised all potential sponsors to keep an eye on their email accounts, including junk and spam folders, for any communication regarding their invitations.
The PGP serves as a crucial pathway for family reunification, allowing eligible Canadians, including permanent residents and registered Indians, to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency. Due to the overwhelming interest in the program and the limited number of spaces available, the government employs a lottery system to select potential sponsors. This ensures a fair chance for applicants while managing the program’s capacity.
Steps to Take After Receiving an Invitation
Once an individual receives an invitation to apply for sponsorship, it is essential to follow specific steps to ensure a successful application. First and foremost, only those who have been officially invited should begin their application process. Submitting an application without an invitation will result in its return. After receiving an invitation, the sponsor must complete two applications: one for sponsorship and another for the permanent residency of their parents or grandparents.
Both applications must be submitted together online by the principal applicant through the Permanent Residence Portal. If a paid representative is involved, they must use the Representative PR Portal. In cases where multiple parents or grandparents are applying, each must create their own PR Portal account and submit separate applications. The sponsor is responsible for filling out forms and providing necessary documents, including proof of citizenship, family information, and a sponsorship agreement.
Application Fees and Submission Guidelines
The application process involves several fees that the sponsor must pay. This includes processing fees for themselves and their dependents, as well as a biometrics fee, which covers the cost of taking fingerprints and a digital photograph. Additionally, there may be third-party fees for medical examinations and police certificates. Before the application is approved, a right of permanent residence fee will also be applicable.
Before submitting the application, it is crucial for the applicant to ensure that all required steps are completed. This includes answering all form questions, signing electronically, including the processing fee receipt, and uploading all supporting documents along with the invitation to apply letter. If any information is missing, the applicant will have 30 days to provide it; otherwise, incomplete applications will be returned and not processed.
Alternatives for Those Not Receiving an Invitation
For Canadians who do not receive an invitation under the PGP, there are still options available. One alternative is the super visa, which allows parents or grandparents to visit Canada for up to five years at a time, with the possibility of extending their stay by an additional two years. Unlike standard visitor visas, the super visa is valid for up to 10 years and requires applicants to have qualifying health insurance and meet specific admissibility criteria. Sponsors must also meet income thresholds and commit to supporting their visiting relatives during their stay in Canada. This option provides a valuable opportunity for families to maintain connections, even if permanent residency is not immediately attainable.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
