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Sponsorship of Parents and Grandparents

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Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their parents and grandparents to immigrate to Canada through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). As a result of this program, sponsored parents and grandparents receive permanent residence in Canada, opening up long-term stability and eligibility to apply for Canadian citizenship in the future.

The program offers a robust set of rights attached to Canadian permanent residence. This includes the legal right to work in Canada, attain universal health care, access full protection under Canadian law and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and apply for naturalization.

To qualify, sponsors must satisfy rigorous thresholds:

  • Financially support the sponsored relatives and their accompanying dependents.
  • Ensure they do not require social assistance from the government.
  • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act, aged 18 or older, and residing in Canada.
  • Meet or exceed the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for each of the three preceding tax years, providing official CRA Notices of Assessment.
  • Sign a formal 20-year undertaking (10 years in Quebec) guaranteeing basic needs and repayment of any public social assistance received.

Calculating Family Size for Income Evaluation

Having sufficient money (Minimum Necessary Income) is an important eligibility factor under the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP). Potential sponsors must accurately calculate their total family size to verify compliance.

Your family size includes:

  • The potential sponsor and their spouse or common-law partner;
  • All dependent children of the sponsor and their partner;
  • The parents, grandparents, and any accompanying or non-accompanying dependents being sponsored;
  • Any other individuals sponsored in the past under an undertaking that is still active.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)

Congratulations on taking the step towards sponsoring your family to Canada! Here is the foundational roadmap for a successful application process:

Step 1: Receive Your Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Selected potential sponsors who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form will receive an official invitation via email. Ensure your contact info is up to date with IRCC to prevent missing critical notifications.

Step 2: Complete the Digital Application and Gather Forms

Once invited, you must utilize the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal or Representative PR Portal to compile your digital submission. Essential documents include the Document Checklist, Application to Sponsor, Financial Evaluation, and explicit relationship declarations. All files must be filled out precisely on a computer using updated software like Adobe Reader to prevent electronic processing errors.

Step 3: Pay Prescribed Government Fees

Fees start from $1,080 per adult applicant, covering processing fees, the right of permanent residence fee, and biometric collection. All payments must be made online, and receipts must be saved securely for upload.

Step 4: Electronically Sign and Submit the Application

Review all forms, apply digital signatures, and upload the formal ITA letter alongside all supporting documentation. Incomplete submissions run the risk of immediate return or cancellation under current strict IRCC assessment rules.

Step 5: Fulfill Post-Submission Instructions

During active processing, the sponsored parents or grandparents must undergo medical examinations, provide biometric data, and upload clean police clearances within 30 days of receiving official instruction letters.

Know more about Canadian immigration sponsorship programs and read the latest updates from our website. ImmigCanada Immigration Consulting Services can help you and your family find life in Canada. Connect with our lead RCIC, Eivy Joy Quito, to secure professional representation for your family’s future.