Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship
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The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
Purpose of the Parents and Grandparents Program
The PGP is part of Canada’s broader family reunification strategy, strengthening familial bonds. Through this program, eligible sponsors can express their interest in sponsoring their parents or grandparents by submitting an interest-to-sponsor form during designated intake periods. Selected candidates are chosen randomly through a draw and are invited to complete and submit their sponsorship applications.
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Who Wish to Become Permanent Residents
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors
Age and Residency
This option is suitable if:
- The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
- Permanent residents applying as sponsors must reside in Canada.
While this stream allows your spouse to apply for a temporary visa to visit Canada during processing, living together may be challenging until the application is approved.
Financial Requirements
This stream applies if:
- Sponsors must satisfy the minimum income threshold set annually by the Canadian government to prove their financial capacity to support their parents or grandparents.
- ncome eligibility is based on a sponsor’s earnings for the past three years.
Even applicants without valid immigration status may qualify under a public policy allowing them to remain in Canada while their application is processed. However, applicants in this category should avoid traveling outside Canada during this time.
Obligations of Sponsors
- Outside Quebec: Sponsors must commit to providing financial support for 20 years starting from the date the sponsored family members receive permanent residency. They are also responsible for reimbursing any social assistance received by the sponsored individuals during this period.
- In Quebec: The financial support obligation lasts for 10 years.
The undertaking also requires sponsors to cover basic necessities, including food, clothing, housing, and other essential services for their sponsored family members.
Need more information or have questions about Sponsor your Parent or Grandparent?
Universal Adviser provides expert assistance to guide you through the application process and bring your loved ones to Canada.
Financial Requirements for Sponsorship
Meeting Financial Requirements Throughout the Application Process
Can My Spouse or Common-Law Partner Assist with My PGP Sponsorship Application?
Can I Sponsor My Parents or Grandparents If I Am Outside Canada?
Can I Leave Canada While My Sponsorship Application Is Being Processed?
Steps to Apply for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship
Here’s an overview of the process:
- Step 1: Express Your Interest
- Begin by submitting an “Interest to Sponsor” form during the specified intake period.
- This form is available online, and IRCC announces the submission period in advance.
- Step 2: Random Selection
- Once the interest period closes, IRCC conducts a random selection to choose potential sponsors from the pool of applicants.
- Selected sponsors are invited to proceed with their applications.
- Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply
- If chosen, you will receive an official invitation to apply. This invitation will include detailed instructions for completing and submitting your sponsorship application.
- Step 4: Submit Your Application
- Complete the sponsorship application forms and gather all necessary supporting documents, such as proof of income and documents establishing your relationship with the sponsored individuals.
- Pay the applicable application fees.
- Step 5: Application Review and Approval
- IRCC reviews the application to ensure it complies with all requirements.
- If the application is approved, your parents or grandparents will be granted permanent resident status.
- Step 6: Medical Examinations and Security Clearances
- Sponsored individuals must undergo mandatory medical examinations and security checks as part of the approval process.
- Step 7: Arrival in Canada
- Once the application is finalized and all conditions are met, the sponsored individuals can travel to Canada as permanent residents.
- Step 6: Medical Examinations and Security Clearances
- Sponsored individuals must undergo mandatory medical examinations and security checks as part of the approval process.
Important Considerations for PGP Applicants
- Stay Updated: Immigration rules and deadlines can change, so regularly check the official IRCC website for announcements.
- Seek Professional Advice: Consulting with an immigration lawyer or professional can be highly beneficial, especially if you face unique challenges or uncertainties.
While the process outlined above provides a general roadmap, every application is unique. Ensuring you meet all requirements and submitting a complete application can significantly enhance your chances of success.
How Can I Get an Invitation to Apply for the PGP?
To receive an invitation to apply under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), you must first submit an “Interest to Sponsor” form via the IRCC PGP portal. These forms can be submitted during specific intake periods announced by IRCC throughout the year.
How Does IRCC Select Interest to Sponsor Forms?
What Information Is Required to Submit an Interest to Sponsor Form?
- Details about you, your family, and the parents or grandparents you wish to sponsor.
- Confirmation of your income for the last three tax years.
For applicants in Quebec, additional provincial fees and documentation requirements apply. Refer to our article, “Spousal Sponsorship in Quebec,” for detailed insights.
What Documents Are Needed for a Permanent Residence Application Under the PGP?
Once you receive an invitation to apply, you will need to submit a complete sponsorship application, which includes the following:
- Proof of your physical presence in Canada.
- Documents verifying your civil status.
- Evidence that you meet the minimum income requirement for the past three tax years.
- Police certificates and clearances for your parent or grandparent from all countries they’ve lived in for six months or more since turning 18.
- A medical certificate for your parent or grandparent.
- A recent digital photo of the sponsored individuals.
Consulting an experienced immigration lawyer can help ensure your application is strong and reduce the likelihood of an interview.
How Can I Submit My Application?
All applications must be submitted online through IRCC’s permanent residence application portal. Applicants with disabilities preventing online submission can request an exemption to submit a paper-based application. This request must be made promptly after receiving the invitation to apply.
What Is the Deadline for Submitting a PGP Application?
Requirements for Sponsored Parents and Grandparents
- Passing a medical examination.
- Meeting criminal admissibility standards.
- Providing biometrics.
Do Sponsored Parents or Grandparents Need a Job Offer?
No, a job offer is not required for sponsorship under the PGP. Additionally, there is no requirement for sponsored parents or grandparents to work in Canada after becoming permanent residents.
Do Sponsored Parents or Grandparents Need to Prove Language Proficiency?
Can I Sponsor a Parent or Grandparent with a Serious Medical Condition?
Yes, but the sponsored individual must pass a medical examination to ensure they do not have a condition that makes them medically inadmissible under Canadian immigration laws.
Can Parents or Grandparents Travel to Canada While Their PGP Application Is Being Processed?
Fees for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship
Submitting an interest to sponsor form to the PGP portal is free. However, if you are invited to apply, you will need to pay application processing fees, which include:
- $1,080 for each adult being sponsored
- $155 for each dependent child included in the application.
- Biometrics fees: $85 for one person or $170 for two or more applicants.
For 2024, these fees must be paid as part of the application process.
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PGP Annual Application Targets
The Canadian Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) sets yearly targets for the number of applications it aims to process. Below is a summary of the annual targets:
| Year | Target |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 36,000 |
| 2024 | 34,000 |
| 2023 | 28,500 |
| 2022 | 25,000 |
| 2021r | 23,000 |
| 2020 | 10,000 |
| 2019 | 20,000 |
| 2018 | 17,000 |
| 2017 | 10,000 |
| 2016 | 10,000 |
| 2015 | 5,000 |
| 2014 | 5,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship
The estimated processing time for PGP applications currently ranges from 20 to 24 months, as stated by IRCC.
Yes, the number of applications accepted under the PGP is capped. This limit corresponds to the number of invitations to apply that IRCC issues. For example, in 2021, IRCC accepted up to 30,000 applications.
In 2023, IRCC set a target of 28,500 applications, with all invitations issued between September and October of that year. As of now, IRCC has not announced the 2024 application quota or intake period.
Yes, eligible brothers and sisters can be included in a PGP application. To qualify, they must be:
Under 22 years of age at the time of application, or Financially dependent on your parents or grandparents due to a mental or physical condition.
No, in-laws cannot be directly sponsored under the PGP. However, you can co-sign your spouse’s sponsorship application for their parents or grandparents, provided your spouse qualifies as an eligible sponsor.
If you were not invited to apply during the latest round of invitations, you can still bring your parents or grandparents to Canada for up to two years at a time through the super visa program.
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