Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Canada

March 16, 2023 By admin No comments yet

How to Sponsor Your Parents and Grandparents to Canada?

To sponsor your parents and grandparents to come to Canada, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

You must be at least 18 years old.
You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
You must be able to prove that you can financially support your parents and any other eligible family members that you are sponsoring.
You must not be receiving social assistance, except for reasons of disability.
You must sign an undertaking agreement with the Canadian government, agreeing to provide financial support for your parents and any other eligible family members for a period of 20 years.

To sponsor your parents, you must follow these steps:

Complete the application form and include all required documents.
Pay the processing fee.
Wait for a decision on your application.

It’s important to note that the Canadian government limits the number of applications for parent and grandparent sponsorship that it accepts each year. The application process can also take several years, so it’s important to plan ahead and be patient.

For more detailed information on the process of sponsoring your parents to come to Canada, visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or consult with an immigration lawyer or consultant.

What is the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in Canada?

The PGP (Parents and Grandparents Program) in Canada is a program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents to come to Canada as permanent residents. The program is designed to help families reunite in Canada.

Under the PGP program, the Canadian government accepts a limited number of sponsorship applications each year. The application process typically begins with an interest to sponsor form, which is available on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. If the interest to sponsor form is selected in the random selection process, the sponsor will be invited to submit a complete application to sponsor their parent or grandparent.

To be eligible to sponsor a parent or grandparent under the PGP program, the sponsor must meet certain requirements, such as being at least 18 years old, being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and meeting minimum income requirements to prove they can support their parent or grandparent financially.

The PGP program is one of the family sponsorship programs in Canada, which also include spousal sponsorship, common-law partner sponsorship, and dependent child sponsorship.

What is the Eligibility Criteria for PGP in Canada?

To be eligible to sponsor your parents or grandparents to come to Canada under the PGP (Parents and Grandparents Program), you must meet the following criteria:

Canadian citizen or permanent resident: To sponsor your parents or grandparents to come to Canada under the PGP program, you must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.

Reference: Government of Canada. (2022). Sponsor your parents and grandparents. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/sponsor-parents-grandparents.html

Minimum income requirement: As a sponsor, you must meet the minimum necessary income requirement to show that you have the financial means to support your parent or grandparent and any dependents. This requirement is based on the size of your family and the number of people you are sponsoring.

Reference: Government of Canada. (2022). Sponsor your parents and grandparents: Financial evaluation. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/sponsor-parents-grandparents/financial-evaluation.html

Undertaking agreement: You must sign an undertaking agreement with the Canadian government, agreeing to provide financial support for your parent or grandparent and any dependents for a period of 20 years. This means that you are responsible for their basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, and healthcare.

Reference: Government of Canada. (2022). Sponsor your parents and grandparents: Undertaking. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/sponsor-parents-grandparents/undertaking.html

Minimum age requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to sponsor your parent or grandparent under the PGP program.

Police certificates: You and any adult members of your household must provide police certificates from all countries you have lived in for six months or longer since the age of 18. This is to show that you have no criminal record.

Reference: Government of Canada. (2022). Sponsor your parents and grandparents: Police certificates. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/sponsor-parents-grandparents/police-certificates.html

Medical and admissibility requirements: Your parent or grandparent must meet medical and admissibility requirements to come to Canada. They will need to undergo a medical exam and provide any necessary documents to show that they are not inadmissible to Canada, such as criminal records, security reasons, or health issues.

Reference: Government of Canada. (2022). Sponsor your parents and grandparents: Medical exams. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/sponsor-parents-grandparents/medical-exams.html

Genuine relationship: You must demonstrate a genuine relationship with your parent or grandparent, and provide supporting documents to prove your relationship. This can include birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other documents that show your family ties.

What is the minimum income requirement to participate in the PGP program in Canada?

The minimum income requirement to participate in the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in Canada depends on the size of the family unit and the number of people being sponsored. The income requirement is determined by comparing the sponsor’s income to the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) for the given family size, as set by Statistics Canada. The LICO is the income level below which a family may be considered to be in low income.

As of 2022, the minimum income required for sponsoring a parent or grandparent is as follows:

For sponsors living in Canada: The minimum necessary income is equal to the LICO plus 30% for the size of the family unit, including the people being sponsored. For example, for a family of four, including the sponsor and the sponsored person, the minimum necessary income would be $69,995 CAD.
For sponsors living outside Canada: The minimum necessary income is equal to the LICO plus 30% for the size of the family unit, excluding the people being sponsored. In addition, the sponsor must provide evidence that they have been working abroad for at least one year in the same job or industry, or have a job offer in Canada.

It’s important to note that the minimum necessary income requirement may change from year to year and depends on various factors such as the size of the family unit, number of people being sponsored, and the sponsoring province.

Frequently Asked Questions:

IS THERE A LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS THE GOVERNMENT CAN PROCESS PER YEAR?

Yes, there is a limit on the number of applications the Government of Canada can process each year through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). This is because the program has a cap on the number of applications that can be accepted each year.

In 2022, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that they will accept a maximum of 30,000 complete applications for the PGP program. This cap was put in place to manage the high demand for the program and ensure that the processing times for applications remain reasonable.

It’s important to note that the PGP program operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning that once the cap is reached, any additional applications will be returned to the applicant.

Reference: Government of Canada. (2022). Parents and grandparents program 2022: How to apply. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/sponsor-parents-grandparents/apply-2022.html

CAN I SPONSOR MORE THAN ONE PERSON THROUGH THE PARENT/GRANDPARENT SPONSORSHIP?

Yes, as a sponsor, you may be able to sponsor more than one person through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in Canada, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria and the additional people you are sponsoring are also eligible for the program.

Each individual you wish to sponsor will require a separate application and processing fee. The PGP program allows sponsors to include their spouse or common-law partner, as well as dependent children under the age of 22, in their sponsorship application for their parent(s) or grandparent(s).

It’s important to note that sponsoring multiple individuals can increase the financial and other responsibilities for the sponsor, as they would need to meet the income requirements for each individual being sponsored and provide support throughout their stay in Canada.

Reference: Government of Canada. (2022). Sponsor your parents and grandparents: Who you can sponsor. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/sponsor-parents-grandparents/who-you-can-sponsor.html

HOW WILL I KNOW IF I WAS SELECTED TO APPLY TO SPONSOR MY PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS?

If you are selected to apply to sponsor your parents and grandparents through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in Canada, you will receive a letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) indicating that you have been invited to apply.

The selection process for the PGP program is conducted through a randomized lottery system. Each year, IRCC invites a limited number of potential sponsors to submit an application based on the number of applications they intend to process that year. The lottery takes place after potential sponsors have completed an expression of interest form.

If you are selected, you will receive a letter from IRCC inviting you to apply to sponsor your parents and grandparents. The letter will contain a confirmation number and a deadline by which you must submit a complete application. It’s important to note that receiving an invitation to apply does not guarantee that your application will be approved, as you will still need to meet the eligibility criteria and provide all necessary documents.

If you were not selected, you may still have an opportunity to apply in future years, as the selection process for the PGP program is conducted annually.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS FOR SPONSORED PARENTS IN CANADA?

The benefits for sponsored parents in Canada through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) are numerous. Here are some of the main benefits:

Family reunification: Sponsored parents can reunite with their children and grandchildren in Canada, allowing them to spend quality time with their loved ones and participate in family events and milestones.
Access to healthcare: Sponsored parents can access Canada’s publicly-funded healthcare system, which includes coverage for doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and prescription medication.
Education: Sponsored parents can enroll in language courses and other educational programs to improve their skills and integrate into Canadian society.
Employment: Sponsored parents can apply for an open work permit, which allows them to work in Canada while their sponsorship application is being processed or after they have received their permanent residency.
Permanent residency: If sponsored parents are approved for permanent residency, they can enjoy all the benefits of being a Canadian resident, including access to social programs, the ability to travel in and out of Canada, and the opportunity to apply for Canadian citizenship after a certain period of time.

It’s important to note that sponsored parents are also responsible for meeting the requirements of the PGP program, such as obtaining medical exams and police certificates, and demonstrating that they will not be a financial burden on the Canadian government.

Reference: Government of Canada. (2022). Sponsor your parents and grandparents: Benefits of sponsoring. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/sponsor-parents-grandparents/benefits-sponsoring.html

CAN I SPONSOR MY MOTHER-IN-LAW TO CANADA?

No, you cannot directly sponsor your mother-in-law to Canada through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). Only Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their parents and grandparents for immigration to Canada under the PGP program.

However, your mother-in-law may be eligible to apply for immigration to Canada through other immigration programs, such as the Family Class Sponsorship or the Economic Class programs. These programs have their own eligibility criteria and requirements, so it’s important to review them carefully before applying.

If your mother-in-law is already in Canada on a temporary basis, she may also be eligible to apply for an extension of her stay or for a change in her status, such as a work permit or study permit, depending on her circumstances.

It’s recommended that you consult with an immigration lawyer or a qualified immigration consultant to discuss your options and determine the best path for your mother-in-law’s immigration to Canada.

Reference: Government of Canada. (2022). Who you can sponsor. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/sponsor-parents-grandparents/who-you-can-sponsor.html

CAN I SPONSOR MY PARENTS PERMANENTLY IF THEY ARE LIVING IN CANADA WITH TRV STATUS?

If your parents are in Canada with temporary resident visa (TRV) status, they may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the In-Canada Spousal/Common-Law Partner Class, the In-Canada Protected Persons and Convention Refugees Class, or the In-Canada Live-in Caregiver Class.

However, these classes have their own specific eligibility criteria and requirements, and it’s important to review them carefully before applying. In addition, there may be restrictions on applying for permanent residency while in Canada on a temporary status, so it’s important to consult with an immigration lawyer or a qualified immigration consultant to discuss your options and determine the best path for your parents’ immigration to Canada.

It’s also worth noting that if your parents are in Canada with TRV status, they will need to maintain their legal status while their application for permanent residency is being processed. This means that they may need to apply for extensions of their TRV or change their status to another type of temporary status, depending on their circumstances.

Reference: Government of Canada. (2022). Apply to stay in Canada as a permanent resident. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/apply-permanent-residence.html

CAN CANADIAN PERMANENT RESIDENT (PR) SPONSOR PARENTS TO CANADA?

Yes, Canadian permanent residents (PR) are eligible to sponsor their parents and grandparents for immigration to Canada under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).

However, it’s important to note that Canadian citizens are given priority for the PGP program over permanent residents. This means that if the PGP application limit is reached for the year, only Canadian citizens will be able to submit applications for their parents and grandparents.

In addition, permanent residents who sponsor their parents and grandparents are required to meet the same eligibility criteria and requirements as Canadian citizens, including meeting the minimum necessary income and providing financial support for their sponsored family members.

It’s recommended that you review the eligibility criteria and requirements for the PGP program carefully before applying, and that you consult with an immigration lawyer or a qualified immigration consultant to discuss your options and determine the best path for sponsoring your parents to Canada.

HOW CAN I SHOW PROOF OF INCOME TO SPONSOR MY PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS?

To sponsor your parents and grandparents for immigration to Canada, you will need to show proof of income that meets the minimum necessary income requirement for the past three years. There are several ways to provide proof of income, including:

Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): Your NOA will show your gross income for the past three years, as well as any deductions and credits you claimed.
Employment letter: You can provide a letter from your employer that confirms your salary, hours of work, and length of employment. The letter should be on company letterhead and include the employer’s contact information.
Pay stubs: You can provide copies of your pay stubs for the past three years, which show your gross income, taxes deducted, and any other deductions.
Bank statements: You can provide bank statements for the past three years that show regular deposits of your salary or other income sources.
Other sources of income: If you have income from sources other than employment, such as rental income or investments, you will need to provide documentation to support those income sources.

It’s important to note that the specific documents required may vary depending on your personal circumstances and the immigration program you are applying under. It’s recommended that you consult with an immigration lawyer or a qualified immigration consultant to ensure that you provide the necessary documentation and meet all eligibility requirements.

Reference: Government of Canada. (2022). Prove your income. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5772-sponsor-your-parents-grandparents.html#proving-income

CAN I INCLUDE DEPENDENT CHILDREN ON A PARENTAL SPONSORSHIP?

You cannot include dependent children on a parental sponsorship application. However, you may be able to sponsor your dependent children separately through another immigration program, such as the Family Class or the Express Entry program.

If you are sponsoring your parents or grandparents, you may be able to include their dependent children (your siblings) on the application, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria and requirements for the program.

It’s important to note that each immigration program has its own eligibility criteria and requirements, and it’s recommended that you review the program guidelines carefully before submitting an application. You may also want to consult with an immigration lawyer or a qualified immigration consultant to discuss your options and determine the best path for sponsoring your family members to Canada.

DOES THE CHANGE IN AGE OF DEPENDANTS AFFECT SPONSORSHIP UNDERTAKINGS?

The recent change in the age of dependants from under 19 to under 22 does not affect sponsorship undertakings for parents and grandparents. The change only applies to other immigration programs, such as the Family Class or the Express Entry program, where dependants can be included in the application.

Under the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program, the sponsored parents or grandparents must meet the eligibility criteria and requirements, including the minimum necessary income requirement, and sign an undertaking to repay any social assistance benefits received for 20 years. The undertaking is a legal agreement between the sponsor and the Canadian government and is not affected by the change in the age of dependants.

Can I sponsor my parents or grandparents if they had criminal records?

Having a criminal record can affect an individual’s admissibility to Canada, including their eligibility for sponsorship under the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program. However, not all criminal records result in inadmissibility, and it depends on the nature and severity of the offense.

If your parents or grandparents have a criminal record, they may be deemed inadmissible to Canada and would need to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation to overcome their inadmissibility.

A TRP is a document that allows an individual who is inadmissible to Canada to enter the country for a specific period, usually for a temporary purpose. Criminal Rehabilitation, on the other hand, is a process that allows an individual to permanently overcome their inadmissibility and remove their criminal record from consideration during future visits to Canada.

It’s important to note that the process of applying for a TRP or Criminal Rehabilitation can be complicated, and it’s recommended that you consult with an immigration lawyer or a qualified immigration consultant for guidance on the best course of action.

Reference: Government of Canada. (2022). Overcome criminal convictions. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5312-overcoming-criminal-convictions.html