Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship (PGP)

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency is a prime example of Canada’s dedication to family reunification. In addition to enhancing family ties, this program adds to Canadian rich cultural heritage.

An Immigration Option for Parents/Grandparents

Unlike other immigration streams, the PGP provides a special route for family reunification. Sponsors can use this program to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada as permanent residents giving them access to the nation’s services and high standard of living. The PGP is an invitation-only program meaning that only a small number of applications are accepted annually. For example, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sent out 24200 invitations to apply between October 10 and October 23 in 2023 with the goal of accepting up to 15000 completed applications.

Applying for PGP Sponsorship

There are several important steps in the PGP application process.

1. Expression of Interest: During the designated intake period, prospective sponsors must first submit an interest to sponsor form.
2. Request to Apply: From the submission pool, the IRCC chooses possible sponsors at random and extends an invitation to apply.
3. Application Submission: Within the allotted time, invited sponsors are required to submit a comprehensive sponsorship application.

Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors

Participants must fulfill the following criteria to be eligible to sponsor under the PGP.

• Age and Residency: Sponsors must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents living in Canada and they must be at least eighteen years old.
• Financial Requirements: For three consecutive taxation years prior to the application sponsors must show that they have earned the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for their family size including the sponsored individuals. This guarantees that sponsors will have enough money to sustain their parents or grandparents when they get to Canada.
• Financial Commitment: Sponsors are required to provide the sponsored individuals with financial support for a duration of 20 years during which time they must not require social assistance.

Eligibility Criteria for Sponsored Individuals

Grandparents and parents who are sponsored must also fulfill specific requirements.

• Security and Medical Clearances: To guarantee their admissibility to Canada they must pass security checks and medical exams.

Alternative Option: The Super Visa

The Super Visa provides an option for people who might not be chosen under the PGP or who are looking for a short-term fix. Parents and grandparents of citizens and permanent residents of Canada are permitted to travel to the country for extended periods of time with this visa. Stays with the Super Visa can be extended for a maximum of five years. A written guarantee of financial support from their child or grandchild in Canada evidence that the sponsor meets minimum income requirements obtaining Canadian health insurance for a minimum of one year and passing an immigration medical examination are among the requirements that applicants must fulfill.

Key Aspects of PGP Sponsorship

• Limited Intake: The PGP is competitive because there are only a few spots available annually due to high demand.
• Random Selection: Choosing possible sponsors through a lottery system introduces a degree of chance into the process.
• Financial Stability: Sponsors need to be ready to make a sustained financial commitment to provide for their sponsored family members.

Steps to Apply for Family Sponsorship

Step 1: Verify that you are eligible to sponsor.

Step 2: Verify that the family members you plan to sponsor are eligible.

Step 3: You must apply to the Ministry of Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at the federal level and to the Ministry of Immigration Francization and Integration (MIFI) at the provincial level if you reside in Quebec. Together with your sponsorship application, you must submit your family members or relatives’ applications for permanent residence (PR) status. Your PR application will be examined after it has been determined that you are qualified to sponsor.

Step 4: The application fee for family sponsorship must be paid.

Step 5: Apply to the correct address. The government website offers a sponsorship guide for download which contains this information.

How CWC Can Help?

Our professional advice at CWC guarantees a successful and easy application process. We make sure all required paperwork is accurate and comprehensive. Contact us today for a FREE assessment to get started.