The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) stands as a distinctive immigration initiative permitting both Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for Canadian permanent residence.

Forming an integral part of the Canadian government's family reunification endeavors, the Parents and Grandparents Program is designed to unite families. Eligible sponsors can express their interest by submitting an interest-to-sponsor form during designated intake periods.

Subsequently, sponsors are selected through a random draw, with the chosen ones being invited to submit a comprehensive sponsorship application. To qualify, sponsors must meet specific eligibility criteria and commit to financially supporting their sponsored parents or grandparents for a stipulated period after their acquisition of permanent residence status.

Conversely, sponsored parents or grandparents must fulfill certain eligibility prerequisites, encompassing medical assessments and security clearances. Upon approval of the sponsorship application, the sponsored individual attains permanent resident status in Canada, eventually becoming eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.

Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors

Sponsors, whether Canadian citizens or permanent residents, must adhere to particular criteria, including:

  1. Age and Residency:
    • Sponsors must be at least 18 years old.
    • Permanent resident sponsors must reside in Canada.
  2. Financial Eligibility:
    • Meeting the minimum necessary income requirement, as determined by the Canadian government and updated annually.
  3. Agreement to Support:
    • Sponsors are obliged to sign a sponsorship agreement with the Canadian government, pledging financial support for a specified duration.
    • This agreement also encompasses a commitment to reimburse any social assistance benefits received by the sponsored family members during the sponsorship period.

Ongoing Obligations for Sponsors

Sponsors undertaking to sponsor their parents or grandparents under the PGP must engage in an undertaking with IRCC. For sponsors residing outside Quebec, this entails providing financial support for sponsored family members for 20 years from their acquisition of permanent residence status in Canada. Additionally, sponsors must repay any provincial social assistance received by the sponsored family members during this period.

Financial Requirements for Sponsors

Sponsors must demonstrate sufficient income to support their sponsored family members in Canada. For the 2021 intake, sponsors must provide evidence of meeting the income requirement for the past three tax years. If applicable, the income of a spouse or common-law partner can contribute towards meeting this criterion.

Process Overview for Applying for Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship

  1. Expressing Interest:
    • Submission of an “Interest to Sponsor” form during the specified period.
  2. Random Selection:
    • IRCC conducts a random selection process to choose potential sponsors from the pool of submissions.
  3. Invitation to Apply:
    • Selected sponsors receive an invitation to submit a complete sponsorship application.
  4. Submitting Application:
    • Completion of sponsorship application forms and compilation of required documents.
  5. Approval Process:
    • IRCC reviews the sponsorship application for compliance with requirements.
  6. Medical Examinations and Security Checks:
    • Sponsored individuals undergo mandatory medical examinations and security clearances.
  7. Arrival in Canada:
    • Upon approval, sponsored individuals obtain permanent residence status and can travel to Canada.

 

While the outlined steps provide a general overview of the application process for the Parents and Grandparents Program, it’s essential to stay informed about potential changes in immigration regulations. Utilizing resources such as the official Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or seeking guidance from immigration professionals can facilitate a smoother application process tailored to individual circumstances.

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