The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a family reunification program offered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents to immigrate to Canada. Here are the key details about the Parents and Grandparents Program:

1. Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible to sponsor their parents or grandparents under the PGP, sponsors must:

   a. Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

   b. Meet minimum income requirements to demonstrate their ability to support their sponsored relatives financially.

   c. Commit to supporting their sponsored parents or grandparents financially and ensuring they do not need to rely on government assistance for a specified period after their arrival in Canada.

2. Application Process: The application process for the Parents and Grandparents Program typically involves the following steps:

   a. Sponsors must submit an interest to sponsor form online during the designated intake period, which is usually announced by IRCC once a year.

   b. IRCC randomly selects potential sponsors from among those who have submitted the interest to sponsor form. Selected sponsors are invited to submit a complete sponsorship application within a specified timeframe.

   c. Once the sponsorship application is submitted, IRCC assesses the application to ensure that the sponsor meets the eligibility criteria and that the sponsorship meets the requirements of the PGP.

   d. If the sponsorship application is approved, the sponsored parents or grandparents can apply for permanent residence to IRCC. They are required to undergo medical examinations and criminal background checks as part of the application process.

3. Super Visa: In addition to the Parents and Grandparents Program, Canadian citizens and permanent residents may also apply for a Super Visa for their parents or grandparents. The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time without the need for renewal. This provides a temporary solution for family reunification while sponsors wait for their parents or grandparents’ permanent residence application to be processed.

4. Family Reunification and Integration: The Parents and Grandparents Program plays a crucial role in facilitating family reunification and supporting the integration of sponsored parents and grandparents into Canadian society. Once sponsored individuals obtain permanent residence, they have access to various social benefits and services, including healthcare and education, and can enjoy the opportunity to live with their families in Canada.

Overall, the Parents and Grandparents Program reflects Canada’s commitment to family reunification and recognizes the importance of maintaining strong family ties across generations. By facilitating the immigration of parents and grandparents, Canada aims to enrich its multicultural fabric and promote the well-being of immigrant families.