Canada’s immigration laws are constantly evolving to make it more immigrant-friendly. They also support having a family together with amicable spouse and family visa programs. In a similar move, Canada reopened its Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) this year, for a limited period from 3rd Jan 2017. The Canadian citizens and permanent resident can fill out an online interest to sponsor the form until the noon of February 2nd 2017.
Earlier the PGP worked on first-come, first serve basis. However, due to a large backlog in application processing, the Canadian government introduces a quota of 5000 PGP sponsorship applications per year. Hence the number of applicants actually getting through under PGP, were restricted. The current government has changed the PGP intake system and doubled the quota to 10,000 applicants each year with a lottery system for processing visas.
The new intake system for PGP is very similar to Express Entry for skilled workers. But instead of the CRS ranking system to allot the ITA, PGP will be issued at random within the pool. While it adds a certain uncertainty in visa success, the PGP system is expected to effectively address the backlog issue for the category visas.
How can you apply under PGP?
It should be duly noted that –
- The online interest to sponsor form is not a PGP application.
- The online interest to sponsor form does not require any documents or proof of income.
- You only need to provide is full name, date of birth, country of birth, home address, and email address.
- You only need to prepare your PGP application once you receive the ITA.
- IRCC will communicate via email if you are not selected for ITA, in which case you can submit your interest in sponsoring next year.
Are you eligible to sponsor your parent or Grandparent?
To sponsor your parent or grandparent, you need to provide medical, criminal and background checks, which needs to be submitted only once you receive an ITA.
To be eligible to sponsor your parent or grandparent in 2017, you must:
- Be over 18 years of age and living in Canada
- Be a citizen or hold permanent residency in Canada;
- Sign a sponsorship agreement that commits you to provide financial support for your sponsored parent or grandparent when required,
- Promise to provide financial support for the relative and any other eligible relatives accompanying them for a period of 3 – 10 years, depending on their age and relationship to you.
- Meet minimum income requirements for the past 3 years.
- Provide income statements from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for 2015, 2014, and 2013.
- Meet Quebec’s immigration sponsorship requirements if you are living in Quebec. Take our online free assessment to know all your options to sponsor your family to Canada today.