Canada’s 2023 Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program: Invitations to Apply Now Underway
Canada’s 2023 Intake for Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program is in full swing, and here’s what you need to know:
In an effort to bring families together, the Canadian government has initiated its 2023 intake for the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program. This program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for immigration to Canada. If you’ve expressed your interest to sponsor your loved ones in the past, now is the time to find out if you’re among the fortunate few to be invited to apply.
How Does the 2023 Intake Work?
For this year’s intake, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has commenced sending out invitations to apply. These invitations are being issued to potential sponsors from the pool of interest to sponsor forms submitted in 2020. The timeline for this process is as follows:
Invitations Period: Between October 10 and October 23, 2023, IRCC plans to send out a total of 24,200 invitations to apply. Their aim is to accept up to 15,000 complete applications.
Application Deadline: It’s crucial to note that there will be no exceptions when it comes to submitting your application. You must adhere to the deadline specified in your invitation to apply letter.
If You’re Invited to Apply: What to Expect
Should you receive an invitation to apply, IRCC will send it to the email address you provided on your 2020 interest to sponsor form. To ensure you don’t miss out on this opportunity, follow these steps:
Check Your Email: Make sure to check the same email account you used when filling out your 2020 interest to sponsor form.
Inspect Your Junk Mail/Spam Folder: Sometimes, important emails can end up in these folders, so be sure to take a look there as well.
Update Your Contact Information if Necessary
If your email address has changed since 2020 or if you’ve misplaced your confirmation number, IRCC has you covered. You can utilize the “Find your lost confirmation number” page for the following purposes:
Get Your Invitation Status: Check the status of your invitation to apply.
Retrieve Your Confirmation Number: Obtain the confirmation number you received when you submitted your 2020 interest to sponsor form.
Receive a Copy of Your Invitation Letter: If you’ve been invited, you can request a copy of your invitation to apply letter.
Update Your Email Address: If you’re no longer using the email address you provided in 2020, you can inform IRCC of your new one.
Not Invited to Apply? Other Options Await
In the event you do not receive an invitation to apply, don’t despair. There are alternative avenues to bring your parents and grandparents to Canada. One such option is the Super Visa, designed to enable extended visits by parents and grandparents. Under the Super Visa, eligible family members can stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time, fostering quality time with their loved ones. Furthermore, those on a Super Visa can apply for 2-year extensions to their stay while still in Canada, providing flexibility and extended quality time with family.
The 2023 Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program is a heartwarming initiative by the Canadian government, aimed at reuniting families and strengthening bonds. Whether you’re among the fortunate individuals receiving an invitation to apply or exploring the Super Visa option, the message is clear: Canada is committed to keeping families close and connected. Stay tuned for your invitation, and if not, consider the alternative pathways that Canada offers to keep your family united and cherished moments shared.
