The immigration process can be overwhelming, particularly for parents and grandparents. However, with the right support, it’s a journey you can successfully undertake The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) offers a pathway to family reunification.
In recent years, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has significantly increased the number of invitations issued under the PGP. For instance, in 2024, IRCC sent out 35,700 invitations in just over two weeks.
This enables families to live together, easing the distance and emotional strain that comes from being apart. To learn more about the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) and how to sponsor your family members, refer to this guide.
What is the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a Canadian immigration program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent resident card holders to sponsor their parents and grandparents to become permanent residents of Canada.
Each year, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announces a cap on the number of applications it will accept under this program. The PGP sponsorship process enables families to reunite, allowing parents and grandparents to live in Canada permanently.
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is highly sought-after, and the number of applications often surpasses the number of places available. The process involves an expression of interest, after which eligible Canadian citizen sponsors of parents are randomly selected to submit a full application.
To know more about Canadian family class sponsorship, call us at 416-447-6118.
What are the Benefits of the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?
Sponsoring your parents or grandparents comes with numerous benefits for both sponsors and those being sponsored:
- Family Reunification: The most significant benefit of grandparents sponsorship is having your loved ones closer, which enhances emotional and social support for the entire family.
- Permanent Residency: Parents and grandparents who are approved for parental sponsorships in Canada can enjoy the benefits of permanent residency, including access to healthcare and social services.
- Stability: Permanent residency gives grandparents and parents a sense of belonging and stability, making them an integral part of Canadian society.
- Support System: Having family nearby through parents sponsorship in Canada can help with child-rearing and caregiving, providing additional support to sponsors and their families.
Overall, parental sponsorship in Canada helps strengthen familial bonds while offering older family members a better quality of life.
Who is Eligible to Sponsor Parents or Grandparents?
To sponsor your parents or grandparents in Canada, you must meet specific eligibility criteria set by IRCC. Here are some of the key requirements that a Canadian immigration sponsor for grandparents and parents should keep in mind.
- Age: A Canadian immigration sponsor for grandparents and parents must be 18 years or older.
- Residency Status: To be eligible, you must either be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
- Financial Capability: Sponsors must demonstrate the ability to support their parents and grandparents financially. The income requirement is based on your Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the last three consecutive years.
- No Defaults: You should not have defaulted on any previous sponsorship undertakings or other obligations like court-ordered child or spousal support payments. Therefore, it is important to be thorough with the spousal and partner sponsorship in Canada.
- Debt-Free Status: You must not have declared bankruptcy and should not be under a removal order (if you are a permanent resident).
If you meet these conditions, you can move forward with the application process to sponsor your parents and grandparents for Canadian immigration.
Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) Process
The process for parents’ and grandparents’ sponsorship under the PGP can be intricate, but understanding the steps makes it more manageable. Here’s how it works:
- Submit an Interest to Sponsor Form: This form initiates the process of expressing your interest in sponsoring your parents or grandparents. Make sure to submit it within the timeframe outlined by IRCC.
- Wait for an Invitation: IRCC randomly selects eligible sponsors and sends invitations to apply. The number of invitations issued depends on the annual cap set by the government.
- Complete and Submit Your Application: If you are invited to apply, you must complete a detailed application package and provide all required supporting documents for IRCC grandparents’ and parents’ sponsorship. This includes proof of income, relationship to the sponsored individual, and other relevant paperwork.
- Processing Time: IRCC processes these applications over several months. To avoid delays, always stay up to date with necessary information and respond promptly to any requests from the immigration office.
IRCC emphasizes the importance of keeping contact information current, especially since any delay in communication can impact the overall timeline of the IRCC parent and grandparent sponsorship.
Who Can Be Sponsored Under PGP?
The parents’ and grandparents’ sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their biological or adoptive parents and grandparents. It does not cover aunts, uncles, or siblings unless they qualify under other immigration streams. The sponsored individuals must pass medical, criminal, and background checks to be eligible for permanent residency.
Additionally, dependent children of your parents or grandparents (such as your younger siblings) can also be included in the application, provided they meet the definition of a dependent.
Sponsors Must Financially Support Parents and Grandparents
Sponsors are required to prove that they can financially support the parents and grandparents they wish to sponsor. This requirement is vital because it ensures that the Canadian government does not bear the healthcare and social services costs for sponsored individuals.
You must provide evidence of your income for the past three years, showing that you meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements. The MNI varies depending on the size of your family unit, including the number of people you are sponsoring.
IRCC requires sponsors to commit to a 20-year undertaking period. This means you are financially responsible for your parents or grandparents for two decades, covering any welfare or social assistance they might require. If you live in Quebec, the financial requirements and undertaking period may differ, and you’ll need to meet both federal and provincial criteria.
IRCC Urges Applicants To Keep Their Information Current To Avoid Delays
IRCC has strict guidelines for maintaining current information during the parent and grandparent sponsorship process. Whether it’s a change of address, phone number, or email, updating your information is critical. Failure to do so could result in significant delays or even refusal of your application. The department also stresses the importance of timely communication to ensure a smooth processing experience.
How Much Income Do I Need to Sponsor My Parents and Grandparents to Immigrate to Canada?
The income requirements for parent and grandparent sponsorship can highly differ depending on your family size. Here is an example based on recent figures:
|
Family Size |
2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| 2 people | $44,530 | $43,082 | $32,898 |
| 3 people | $54,743 | $52,965 | $40,444 |
| 4 people | $66,466 | $64,306 | $49,106 |
The exact income levels are determined by IRCC and are subject to change annually.
Note: The Minimum Necessary Income must be met for three consecutive years, and if you live in Quebec, the financial criteria differ, so it is advisable to consult with Canadian Immigration Lawyers.
Conclusion:
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) offers an incredible opportunity to reunite families and provides a path to permanent residency for your loved ones. However, the process can be challenging, which is why it is always important to stay informed, seek professional guidance, and keep your documents up to date to avoid any unnecessary hurdles.
If you need assistance with the Parents and Grandparents Program, contact Chaudhary Law at 416-447-6118 today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I sponsor my parents and grandparents in 2024 to immigrate to Canada?
To bring your parents or grandparents to Canada, you’ll need to submit an Interest to Sponsor form and fulfill specific eligibility criteria, such as income requirements.
What is the eligibility criteria for the 2024 Parents and Grandparents Program?
You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, be at least 18 years old, and meet the Minimum Necessary Income requirements for the past three years for the PGP sponsorship 2024-2025.
Can I sponsor my parent or grandparent if I live in Quebec?
Yes, but you must also meet Quebec’s specific sponsorship requirements, including financial guidelines set by the provincial government.
What are the steps for parents’ and grandparents sponsorship in Quebec?
The process involves a separate assessment by the Quebec government in addition to federal requirements. You must first get approval from the federal government and then submit an undertaking application to Quebec’s immigration ministry.
How much income do I need to sponsor my parents and grandparents in Quebec?
The income requirements differ from the rest of Canada, and you must meet federal and Quebec provincial guidelines.
Who can not sponsor their parent or grandparent?
You cannot sponsor if you have declared bankruptcy, defaulted on previous sponsorships, owe child support payments, or are under a removal order.
How can I increase my chances of sponsoring my parents and grandparents?
Ensure that your Interest to Sponsor form is submitted correctly and promptly, and double-check that all financial documents are accurate and up to date.
What is the length of undertaking for the parents and grandparents program?
The undertaking period is 20 years, during which you are financially responsible for your parents or grandparents.
Can I sponsor more than one parent or grandparent in my PGP application?
Yes, you can sponsor more than one parent or grandparent, but you must meet the income requirements for your entire family unit.
Can I sponsor my parents and grandparents if they have a serious medical condition?
IRCC may require additional medical assessments. Serious medical conditions may impact the approval process, but it is not an automatic disqualification.
Can I bring my grandchild to Canada?
You may be able to include dependent children of your parents or grandparents in the application if they qualify as dependents under Canadian immigration law.
Can I apply for a visitor visa for my grandparents in Canada?
Yes, you can apply for a Canadian grandparents visa, which is a temporary visa allowing your grandparents to visit Canada for a specified period.
