The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for Canadian permanent residence. This program is part of Canada’s family reunification efforts, aiming to bring families together.

Who Can Sponsor Their Parents or Grandparents in Canada?

Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors:

• Age and Residency: Must be at least 18 years old and residing in Canada if a permanent resident.
• Financial Eligibility: Must meet the minimum necessary income (MNI) requirement to demonstrate the ability to financially support their parents or grandparents. Income requirements are updated annually by the Canadian government.
• Agreement to Support: Must sign a sponsorship agreement with the Canadian government, committing to provide financial support for a specific period and repay any social assistance benefits received by the sponsored family members during this period.

Ongoing Obligations for Sponsors

Undertaking with IRCC:

• Duration: Sponsors residing outside Quebec must provide financial support for 20 years from the date the sponsored family members become permanent residents. In Quebec, the duration is 10 years.
• Basic Needs: Sponsors must provide for the basic needs of the sponsored family members, including food, clothing, and utilities.
• Repayment: Sponsors must repay any provincial social assistance received by the sponsored family members during the undertaking period.

Financial Requirements

Income Requirements:

• Sponsors must demonstrate that they have met the MNI for the last 3 tax years. For example, for the 2021 intake, income from 2020, 2019, and 2018 will be assessed.
• If a spouse or common-law partner is co-signing the application, their income can be included to meet the MNI.
• Minimum income requirements depend on the size of the family unit and the number of people being sponsored.

Application Process

1. Expressing Interest:

• Submit an “Interest to Sponsor” form during the specified intake period announced by IRCC.

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 apply, including instructions on submitting a complete sponsorship application.

4. Submitting Application:

• Complete the sponsorship application forms and gather all required documents, including proof of income and relationship documentation.
• Pay the required application fees.

5. Approval Process:

• IRCC reviews the sponsorship application to ensure it meets all requirements. Sponsored individuals must undergo medical examinations and security checks.

6. Arrival in Canada:

• Once approved, sponsored parents or grandparents can travel to Canada as permanent residents.

Additional Information

Residency Requirement:

• Sponsors must reside in Canada when submitting the application and remain in Canada until a decision is made.

Co-Signing:

• A spouse or common-law partner can co-sign the application, allowing their income to be included in meeting the MNI.

Leaving Canada During Processing:

• Sponsors must maintain their primary residential address in Canada during the application processing period.

Medical Examinations and Security Checks:

• Sponsored individuals are required to undergo medical examinations and security checks.

The PGP is a valuable program for family reunification in Canada. Understanding the eligibility criteria, financial requirements, and application process is crucial for a successful sponsorship application. For detailed guidance, stay updated with the official Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or consult with an immigration professional to navigate the process smoothly.

How to Receive an Invitation to Apply under the PGP

Step 1: Submit an Interest to Sponsor Form

• Portal Access: Periodically, the IRCC opens the PGP portal to accept new interest to sponsor forms.
• Form Submission: Complete and submit the interest to sponsor form through the PGP portal during these periods.

Step 2: Selection Process

• Random Selection: Interest to sponsor forms are randomly selected from the PGP portal.
• Notification: If selected, you will receive an email with a confirmation number, which must be quoted when submitting the full application.

Documents for Interest to Sponsor Form

You do not need to submit documents when submitting the interest to sponsor form. However, you must provide information to show you meet the PGP program eligibility requirements, including details about:

• Yourself as the sponsor.
• Your family.
• The parents or grandparents you wish to sponsor.
• Your income for the last three tax years.

Documents Required for Permanent Residence Application under the PGP

Once you receive an invitation to apply, you must submit an application to sponsor your parents and grandparents, including:

• Proof of Physical Presence in Canada: Documents demonstrating your physical presence in Canada.
• Civil Status Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.
• Proof of Income: Evidence that you meet the minimum income cut-off for the three tax years prior to application submission.
• Police Certificates and Clearances: From all countries where your parent or grandparent has lived for six months or longer since age 18.
• Medical Certificate: For your parent or grandparent.
• Digital Photo: Recent digital photo of your parent or grandparent.

Application Submission Process

• Online Submission: All applications must be submitted online via IRCC’s permanent residence application portal.
• Exemptions: Only those with a disability preventing online application can request an exemption to submit a paper-based application. This request must be made via email as soon as possible after receiving the invitation to apply.

Application Deadline

• 60-Day Window: You must submit the full PGP sponsorship application within 60 days of receiving the invitation to apply. The deadline will be indicated in the invitation to apply letter from IRCC.

Requirements for Sponsored Parents and Grandparents

To be eligible for sponsorship, parents or grandparents must:

• Relationship: Be related to the sponsor by blood or adoption.
• Medical Examination: Pass a medical examination.
• Criminal Admissibility: Be criminally admissible.
• Biometrics: Provide biometrics.