Parents & Grandparents Program (PGP)
The Parents & Grandparents Program (PGP) stands as a distinct immigration initiative that offers Canadian citizens and permanent residents the opportunity to sponsor their own parents & grandparents to obtain Canadian permanent residence. This program is designed to foster family reunification and strengthen the bonds among generations, enabling families to come together and build their lives in Canada.
The Parents & Grandparents Program acknowledges the profound significance of family connections and the pivotal role that parents and grandparents play in the lives of their Canadian sponsors. Facilitating the sponsorship of parents & grandparents, it contributes to a sense of unity and support within Canadian families.
This initiative aligns with Canada’s commitment to compassionate immigration policies that promote family well-being, allowing generations to share in the opportunities and experiences that the country has to offer. Through the PGP, eligible sponsors can provide their parents & grandparents with the chance to become permanent residents and actively participate in the social, cultural, and economic fabric of Canada.
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Who can sponsor their parents or grandparents under the PGP?
To sponsor your parents or grandparents through the PGP, you are required to:
- Hold Canadian citizenship, permanent residency in Canada, or be registered under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Have received an official Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the program.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Possess the financial capability to adequately support the sponsored parents or grandparents.
- Reside within Canada.
- Fulfill all additional criteria specified by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) seeks to ensure that sponsors are well-prepared to offer comprehensive support to their parents or grandparents as they transition to life in Canada. The eligibility requirements are designed to guarantee that both the sponsors and the sponsored individuals can smoothly navigate the process and benefit from family reunification opportunities in Canada.
How much income do I need to show to sponsor my parents and grandparents under the PGP?
All sponsors must possess sufficient financial resources to support their parents and grandparents upon their arrival in Canada. When issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA), the sponsor is required to provide evidence of meeting the income requirement for the previous three fiscal years. If the sponsor’s spouse or common-law partner is participating as a co-signer on the application, their income from the last three fiscal years can contribute to meeting the minimum income threshold. For applications submitted in 2021, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will assess income from the tax years 2020, 2019, and 2018.
The exact total income that needs to be demonstrated is contingent upon the size of the sponsor’s household, the number of individuals being sponsored under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), and whether the sponsor resides in Quebec. To determine the specific minimum income requirements applicable, refer to the relevant guidelines provided by the IRCC. This financial criterion is established to ensure that sponsors have the capacity to offer comprehensive support to their parents and grandparents as they integrate into Canadian society, fostering a smooth and positive transition.
Can my spouse or common-law partner support my PGP sponsorship application?
Absolutely, your spouse or common-law partner has the option to serve as a co-signer on your Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) application. By having your spouse or common-law partner as a co-signer, their income can be utilized to fulfill the minimum income threshold requirement. In addition to contributing their income, your spouse or common-law partner will need to sign an undertaking to provide financial support for your parents or grandparents throughout their residency in Canada. This joint sponsorship arrangement not only assists in meeting the financial obligations but also underscores the collaborative commitment to ensuring the well-being of the sponsored family members.
What are my ongoing obligations if I sponsor my parents or grandparents under the PGP?
Individuals aspiring to sponsor their parents or grandparents through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) will be required to enter into an undertaking agreement with IRCC. For sponsors residing outside Quebec, this undertaking entails a commitment to furnish financial support to their sponsored family members for a span of 20 years from the date they attain permanent residency in Canada. Furthermore, sponsors are also obligated to reimburse any provincial social assistance availed by the sponsored family member within this 20-year timeframe.
The undertaking further mandates sponsors to cater to the essential needs of their sponsored family members, encompassing necessities such as sustenance, clothing, and utilities.
In the case of sponsors residing in Quebec, the undertaking has a duration of 10 years, commencing from the point when their sponsored family members acquire permanent residency status in Canada. This requirement is reflective of the specific provisions within the province of Quebec.
What are my ongoing obligations if I sponsor my parents or grandparents under the PGP?
Individuals aspiring to sponsor their parents or grandparents through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) will be required to enter into an undertaking agreement with IRCC. For sponsors residing outside Quebec, this undertaking entails a commitment to furnish financial support to their sponsored family members for a span of 20 years from the date they attain permanent residency in Canada. Furthermore, sponsors are also obligated to reimburse any provincial social assistance availed by the sponsored family member within this 20-year timeframe.
The undertaking further mandates sponsors to cater to the essential needs of their sponsored family members, encompassing necessities such as sustenance, clothing, and utilities.
In the case of sponsors residing in Quebec, the undertaking has a duration of 10 years, commencing from the point when their sponsored family members acquire permanent residency status in Canada. This requirement is reflective of the specific provisions within the province of Quebec.
FAQ’s on Parents & Grand Parents Program
Welcome to the FAQ section for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in Canada’s immigration process. Here, we aim to provide you with comprehensive answers to your questions regarding sponsoring your parents and grandparents to join you in Canada. Whether you’re a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident looking to reunite your family, this section will offer insights into the eligibility criteria, application process, financial requirements, processing times, and more. Explore these frequently asked questions to gain a deeper understanding of the PGP and make informed decisions as you embark on the journey of family reunification through immigration to Canada.
Can I sponsor my parents or grandparents under the PGP if I am currently outside of Canada?
No, in order to sponsor your parents or grandparents under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), you must be residing in Canada. Your primary residence should be in Canada at the time of submitting the application and until a decision is made.
Can I leave Canada during the processing of my sponsorship application under the PGP?
No, to sponsor your parents or grandparents under the PGP, you must remain in Canada. Your primary residence should be in Canada both at the time of submitting the application and throughout the processing period until a decision is reached.
How do I receive an Invitation to Apply under the PGP?
To receive an invitation to apply, you need to submit an interest to sponsor form through the IRCC PGP portal. The portal periodically accepts new interest forms throughout the year. However, please note that the PGP portal is currently closed.
How are interest to sponsor forms selected from the PGP portal?
Interest to sponsor forms are randomly selected from the PGP portal. If your form is chosen, you will receive an email with a confirmation number. This number should be referenced when you submit the full application for sponsoring your parents or grandparents.
What documents do I need to submit an interest to sponsor form to the PGP pool?
When submitting an interest to sponsor form to the PGP portal, no documents are required. Instead, you will need to provide information demonstrating that you meet the eligibility criteria of the PGP program. This includes details about you as the sponsor, your family, and the parents or grandparents you intend to sponsor. You should also be prepared to declare your income for the last three tax years.
What document do I need to submit an application for permanent residence under the PGP?
Upon receiving an invitation to apply for the PGP, you need to submit an application to sponsor your parents and grandparents. This application requires the following:
- Completed application forms
- Proof of status in Canada
- Proof of physical presence in Canada
- Civil status documents
- Proof of meeting the minimum income cut-off for the past three tax years
- Police certificates and clearances from all countries where your parent or grandparent lived for over six months after turning 18
- Medical certificates for your parent and grandparent
- Proof of payment for applicable government fees
- Digital photo
How do I submit an application to the PGP?
All applications must be submitted online through IRCC’s permanent residence application portal. Only individuals with disabilities preventing online application can request an exemption for paper-based submission, which should be done promptly after receiving the invitation to apply.
How long do I have to submit an application after receiving an invitation to apply under the PGP?
An application for PGP sponsorship must be submitted within 60 days of receiving the invitation. The specific deadline will be indicated in the invitation letter from IRCC.
Do my parents or grandparents need a job offer to be sponsored under the PGP?
No, job offers are not required for PGP sponsorship. Your parents or grandparents are not obligated to work in Canada after becoming permanent residents through the PGP.
Do my parents or grandparents need to demonstrate English or French language proficiency?
No, language proficiency testing is not required for PGP sponsorship.
Can I include my brothers and sisters in a PGP application?
You can include eligible brothers and sisters in a PGP application if they are under 22 at the time of application or financially dependent on your parents or grandparents due to a mental or physical condition.
Can I sponsor my in-laws under the PGP?
No, you cannot sponsor your in-laws under the PGP. However, you can co-sign your spouse’s PGP sponsorship application if your spouse meets the eligibility criteria as a sponsor.
Are there any requirements my parents or grandparents need to meet to be sponsored under the PGP?
Parents or grandparents must be related by blood or adoption to be sponsored. They must also undergo a medical examination to ensure they are medically admissible and provide biometrics.
My parent or grandparent has a serious medical condition, can I still sponsor them?
To be eligible for sponsorship, your parent or grandparent must undergo a medical examination to demonstrate their medical admissibility.
Is there a limit to the number of applications accepted under the PGP?
Yes, there is an application limit under the PGP based on the number of invitations issued. For 2021, IRCC stated it will accept up to 30,000 applications under the PGP.
What are the processing fees to apply under the PGP?
Submitting an interest to sponsor form to the PGP portal incurs no processing fees. However, upon receiving an invitation to apply, application processing fees must be paid. This includes $1050 per adult and $150 for each dependent child in the application. Additionally, there is a biometrics fee of $85 for one person or $170 for two or more people.
How long will my PGP application take to be processed?
As per IRCC, current estimated processing times for PGP applications range from 20 to 24 months.