Today, we’ll be discussing the latest developments in Canada’s immigration landscape as of September 11, 2023. We’ll cover key updates regarding the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2023, insights into the Canada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and other noteworthy immigration developments.
IRCC Announces Update to Parents and Grandparents Program 2023
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have just made a significant announcement regarding the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2023. Under this update, IRCC is prepared to accept a maximum of 15,000 complete applications for sponsorship under the PGP this year.
On October 10th, IRCC will initiate the process of sending invitations to apply to approximately 24,200 potential sponsors who have expressed interest in sponsoring their parents or grandparents. The aim is to receive up to 15,000 complete applications.
Due to the existing pool of submissions from 2020, IRCC will select potential sponsors randomly from this pool to receive invitations to apply, instead of opening a new interest-to-sponsor form. If you submitted an interest-to-sponsor form in 2020 but didn’t receive an invitation in 2021 or 2022, be sure to check your provided email account from 2020 for any potential updates.
For the 2023 intake, IRCC will continue to facilitate the electronic submission of applications through the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal.
Immigration Levels Plan
In 2022, IRCC invited 23,100 potential sponsors to apply for the sponsorship of their parents and grandparents, with the goal of receiving 15,000 complete applications annually. Canada’s immigration levels plan for 2023 sets a target of welcoming 465,000 new permanent residents, with a goal of hosting 28,500 parents and grandparents by the end of the year. Looking ahead to 2025, the goal is to welcome 500,000 newcomers, including 36,000 parents and grandparents.
The Super Visa
The Super Visa remains a popular option for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who wish to bring their foreign parents and grandparents to Canada. This temporary visa allows them to visit their families for up to five consecutive years without the need for renewal. Super Visa holders can make multiple visits to Canada for up to 10 years, and some may even apply for extensions, allowing them to stay for up to seven years as visitors.
Notably, there is no lottery system for the Super Visa, making it a dependable choice for those seeking certainty when sponsoring their parents or grandparents. To be eligible, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Have no inadmissibility issues based on criminality or health.
- Demonstrate the ability to meet the income requirements as defined by the Low Income Cutoff (LICO).
- Provide a signed letter of invitation from their child or grandchild in Canada, along with a commitment to provide financial support during their visit and a household composition list.
- Provide proof of medical insurance coverage for at least one year from a Canadian insurance company.
Canada PNP Weekly Roundup – September 8, 2023
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) play a vital role in Canada’s immigration system by allowing each province and territory to select individuals who can contribute to their communities. These programs are tailored to address specific needs, such as labor market demands and demographic gaps.
In this overview, we’ll provide insights into the outcomes of the PNP draws for the first week of September 2023.
What Are Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)?
Provincial Nominee Programs empower Canadian provinces to establish their criteria for various immigration pathways. Each province, except for Quebec and Nunavut, operates distinct nominee programs based on its unique requirements. These programs often target international graduates, entrepreneurs, and professionals with sought-after skills and experiences.
Selection criteria may vary based on factors like labor market demands and demographic gaps within the province. For example, Ontario has a French-speaking skilled worker stream to attract proficient French-speaking skilled workers.
Provincial nominee programs significantly contribute to Canada’s economic immigration numbers. In 2022, approximately 83,500 spots out of 250,000 economic immigrant targets were reserved for PNP applicants.
How Do Provincial Nominee Programs Operate?
PNPs conduct draws where they invite candidates to apply for Canadian permanent residence nomination. Some PNPs require candidates to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile to become eligible for these draws.
This Week’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Draws
In British Columbia, the Provincial Nominee Program offers various immigration streams, including Skills Immigration and Entrepreneur Immigration. The latest draws for Skills Immigration in British Columbia invited candidates to apply.
Top Canadian Immigration Developments for 2023
Towards the end of the year, typically in the lead-up to the holiday season, immigration developments from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Canada’s immigration system tend to intensify. While several aspects are involved in Canada’s immigration system, there are key developments to keep an eye on as the year comes to a close.
New Ministerial Mandate Letter
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau may issue a new ministerial mandate letter in the coming months. These letters instruct ministers on the government’s objectives for their term. The content of the letter to Canada’s immigration minister significantly shapes the country’s immigration policy and guides IRCC’s actions.
Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026
IRCC is legally obligated to release its immigration levels plan by November 1st in non-election years. This plan outlines the targets for the number of permanent resident admissions, categorized by economic, family, refugee, humanitarian, and other classes. While the 2023-2025 plan shows specific targets, it’s unknown whether IRCC will adjust these targets when they release the 2024-2026 levels plan.
Office of the Auditor General Report on Immigration Applications Processing
The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) reviews the workings of Canada’s government, identifying areas for improvement and successes. By the end of the year, OAG is expected to release an audit evaluating whether IRCC has processed permanent resident applications efficiently to support Canada’s economy, reunite families, and assist humanitarian class applicants.
Express Entry
Express Entry underwent significant changes in 2023, introducing six new categories for category-based selection draws. These categories focus on specific candidate attributes rather than the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Notably, there’s an emphasis on candidates with work experience in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) professions.
While Express Entry has seen changes, draws under various programs, including Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Federal Skilled Worker Program, have remained the primary source of invitations over the summer.
Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
The PGP invites the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to apply for family class sponsorship annually. In 2022, the selection process relied on a lottery system for sponsors who applied between October 13, 2020, and November 3, 2020. However, the approach for PGP 2023 is yet to be disclosed.
International Students
Canada is on track to host approximately 900,000 international students in 2023. IRCC and Global Affairs Canada are reviewing Canada’s International Student Program (ISP). This review may include details on the Trusted Institutions Framework, a proposed two-tier model for study permit issuance, aiming to strengthen the ISP’s integrity.
Tech Talent Strategy
IRCC introduced a Tech Talent Strategy to attract more newcomers in tech occupations. This includes launching an Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Program, offering employer-specific work permits for up to five years. Additionally, open work permits will be available to workers in select in-demand occupations.
Study in Canada
IRCC is exploring a Trusted Institutions Framework for Canadian colleges and universities. This framework may introduce a two-tier model for study permit issuance, aiming to enhance the integrity of the International Student Program. The framework includes indicators such as retention rates, on-time program completion rates, and support for international students.