Parents and grandparents sponsorship: the lottery

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) reopens this year. It operates on a lottery system. This means that a direct application is not guaranteed.

The PGP lottery

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses an 'Interest to Sponsor' form. This form is available online for a limited period, typically a few weeks. For 2018, the window was from January 2nd to February 1st. Many more individuals express interest than there are spots available. IRCC then randomly selects potential sponsors from this pool. Only those selected receive an invitation to submit a full application. This process aims to offer an equal chance to all interested sponsors. However, it also means uncertainty for families.

Sponsorship limitations

IRCC sets an annual cap on new PGP applications. In previous years, this cap has been around 10,000. This number includes the principal applicant and their dependents. The cap limits overall intake. It does not reflect the total number of interested sponsors. This restriction, combined with the lottery, means many families cannot sponsor their relatives through the PGP in any given year.

Super Visa as an alternative

The Super Visa offers an alternative for parents and grandparents. It allows eligible individuals to visit Canada for extended periods. Super Visa holders can stay for up to two years per entry. They may also apply for an extension of one year. This provides a mechanism for significant family time in Canada without permanent residency. The Super Visa does not operate on a lottery. It has specific eligibility criteria that applicants must meet.

Super Visa requirements

Applicants for a Super Visa must meet health and financial requirements. This includes medical examinations. They must also obtain private Canadian medical insurance. The Canadian host child or grandchild must meet minimum income thresholds and provide a written invitation. This letter must include a promise of financial support for the duration of the visit. It must also list the number of family members in the household. These requirements ensure that visitors are supported during their stay in Canada. They also ensure visitors do not create a burden on Canadian social services.

While the PGP offers a path to permanent residency, its lottery system and limited spots present significant challenges. The Super Visa provides a reliable option for parents and grandparents to spend extended time in Canada, offering a structured, non-lottery route to family visits.