Parent and Grandparent Program
If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you have the opportunity to sponsor your parents or grandparents for permanent residency in Canada through the Parent Grandparent Program (PGP). Once approved, your family members gain the privileges of Canadian permanent residents, including the ability to work, access healthcare, and potentially apply for citizenship after three years of living in Canada. Starting from October 12, 2022, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) began sending invitations to 23,100 potential sponsors from a pool of 155,313 who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020. However, only 15,000 applications will ultimately be accepted. If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the Parent Grandparent Program, it’s crucial to consult with an immigration lawyer before submitting your application, as mistakes can have significant consequences. Booking a consultation with a Canadian Immigration Lawyer ensures a thorough and well-prepared application, avoiding potential pitfalls in the process.
Eligibility to Sponsor Parents or Grandparents:
To sponsor your parents or grandparents, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Residency: You should be a Canadian Permanent Resident, Canadian Citizen, or a person registered in Canada under the Canadian Indian Act, living in Canada.
- Financial Support: You must have enough money to support your parents or grandparents when they come to Canada.
- Interest to Sponsor: You must have submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020.
- Invitation To Apply (ITA): You need to have received an Invitation To Apply (ITA) from IRCC.
Documents Required for Parent and Grandparent Program Application:
For the application process, you’ll need to submit two applications together – one to sponsor your parents or grandparents and another for Permanent Residence for the sponsored person (parent or grandparent). Here’s a list of required documents:
- Passports and Photos: Provide passports and digital photos.
- Application Forms: Fill out all immigration application forms listed on the official IRCC website and in the document checklist.
- Sponsor’s Status: Include proof of the sponsor’s status in Canada.
- Physical Presence: Submit proof of the sponsor’s physical presence in Canada.
- Civil Status Documents: Include relevant civil status documents.
- Income Proof: Show proof that the sponsor meets the minimum income cut-off for the three tax years before submitting the sponsorship application.
- Police Clearance Certificates: Provide police clearance certificates from all countries where the sponsored person lived for six months or longer since the age of 18.
- Medical Exam Proof: Include proof of a completed Immigration Medical Exam from the sponsored person (Parent and Grandparent).
- Processing Fees: Submit proof of payment for applicable processing fees.
- Additional Documents: Include any other documents that can strengthen your application. (speak to a lawyer)