Sponsor Parents and Grandparents for Canadian Immigration
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for immigration. This process is specific and regulated, with an annual intake managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
For 2024, IRCC sent 35,700 invitations to those who had submitted their intent to sponsor in 2020. The sponsorship process requires applicants to meet eligibility criteria, including income thresholds, and an undertaking to financially support the sponsored relatives for 20 years.
Sponsorship under the PGP can be highly competitive due to the random invitation system and limited intake numbers each year. Those not invited may explore the Super Visa option, which allows long-term visits for parents and grandparents.
Before You Apply – Information for the Sponsor
As a sponsor, you must be at least 18, reside in Canada, and be either a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Indian Act. You also need to meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the past three consecutive years, which varies based on your family size.
Proof of income through Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) documents is required. A co-signer, typically a spouse, can be added to meet the income requirement. Quebec residents have additional provincial criteria to meet.
Moreover, sponsors must agree to support the sponsored individuals financially for up to 20 years, ensuring they do not rely on social assistance during this period. You cannot sponsor if you’re in default of prior sponsorship agreements, bankruptcy, or certain criminal convictions.
Before You Apply – Information for the Principal Applicant (the Person Being Sponsored)
The principal applicant—your parent or grandparent—must provide documentation proving their identity and background. This includes completed forms like the Generic Application Form for Canada, Schedule A (Background Declaration), and Additional Family Information forms. They also need to supply documents such as passports, birth certificates, and police certificates from any country where they’ve lived for over six months.
The process requires an online submission through IRCC’s portal, with the principal applicant responsible for electronically signing the application. Any dependents 18 years or older must also submit their own background and family forms, even if they aren’t coming to Canada.
The Application Process for the Sponsor and Principal Applicant
Once invited to apply, both the sponsor and the applicant must complete separate but connected applications. The sponsor submits their application to prove eligibility, including financial evaluation and any necessary co-signer forms. At the same time, the principal applicant applies for permanent residency, submitting their forms and supporting documents.
Both applications must be submitted online by the deadline specified in the invitation. Failure to submit by this deadline results in rejection. IRCC reviews all submitted documents, and processing times can vary, but it typically takes several months for a decision.
Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) 2024 Process: Step-by-Step Guide
- Submit Interest to Sponsor Form
Submit an interest to sponsor form online during the designated intake period. This form is required to enter the pool of potential sponsors. Keep in mind, submitting the form does not guarantee an invitation. - Receive Invitation
If selected, IRCC will notify you via email. Invitations are sent randomly, and only those selected can move forward with the application. - Complete the Application Package
Download and fill out the necessary forms, including financial evaluations and identity documents for both the sponsor and the person being sponsored. - Submit Both Applications
Ensure both the sponsor and principal applicant submit their applications by the specified deadline. Late submissions are not accepted, and the application will be returned without processing. - Review and Processing
IRCC will review the applications. The process can take several months, during which the sponsor’s financial status and the applicant’s eligibility are evaluated. - Outcome
If approved, the sponsored parent or grandparent becomes a permanent resident, and the sponsor must support them financially for up to 20 years.
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