Canada has announced the Parents and Grandparents program through which Canadians and Permanent Residents can sponsor their parents and grandparents to become permanent residents of Canada.
IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) expects to draw 30,000 people from the lottery over the course of two weeks. The IRCC Web site only takes into consideration individuals who filed an interest for sponsorship form between midsummer EDT on 13 October 2020 and midday EDT on 3 November 2020.
An IRCC directive stated, to avoid utilizing outdated forms or following previous instructions, IRCC advises candidates to wait until they get an ITA before filling out an application. Those who apply but do not receive an ITA will not be repaid their application fees.
Application process for parents and grandparents program
Upon receiving the ITA, – the applicant needs to complete two applications that include-
- Application for Request of sponsorship
- Parents’ and grandparents’ application for permanent residency
These two requests can be submitted simultaneously online. The applicant needs to pay an application fee, biometric fee and other fees. The application fees can be paid online that include the following payments such as-
- Sponsor processing fees, which means fees for the sponsored people and their employees
- Entitlement to permanent residence fee
The applicant shall also pay the biometric fee charged on filing the application. However, after the application is filed, biometrics is collected. The applicant may also need to pay fees to third parties for carrying out Medical examination and issuing of Police Certificate.
The family members may be asked to provide their biometrics through a letter after paying the biometric fees. The family members are given 30 days to provide biometrics at the nearest collection point. In addition, pursuant to COVID-19, IRCC has put in place particular arrangements or measures for biometrics collecting.
IRCC provides a period of 60 days to receive completed sponsorship applications from invited sponsors. Sponsored parents and grandparents will become permanent residents of Canada and as such would be eligible for all benefits, including free health care.
There exists a high demand among Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their loved ones and receiving a PGP invitation is tough. Previously, IRCC has received about 100,000 website visits displaying interest for submitting sponsor forms within minutes of the policy being launched.
If I receive a PGP 2021 invitation, what should I do?
It is critical that you meet the eligibility requirements for the PGP 2021. The following conditions must be fulfilled to meet the PGP eligibility criterion:
- You must be at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a member of a status First Nations.
- You must also show that you have the Minimum Necessary Income to IRCC (MNI). Your notifications of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the tax years 2020, 2019, and 2018 must be submitted.
In case you fit the criteria and want to move further, you will have 60 days to submit your complete sponsorship application to IRCC, with the necessary payment. PGP is emerging as an opportunity to reunite families as part of family reunification program assisting applicants on humanitarian grounds.
Individuals who live in Quebec and who want to sponsor a parent or grandparent need to have their income assessed by the Quebec Immigration Ministry, which is based on the province’s income standards.
How Can X Immigration can assist you?
If you have been invited to sponsor, please contact us it would be our privilege to paly a part in reuniting families.
To help you with your PGP 2021 application, we will –
- Our experienced RCIC consultants will provide free consultation and help you understand the PGP program
- We will answer all queries from you (sponsor) and the applicant (parents and grandparents)
- Verify that you meet the PGP 2021 eligibility requirements
- Gather all required paperwork, supporting documents and fill out necessary application forms
- Submit your application to IRCC within the 60-day period
- Keep you informed about the status of your application
- Communicate with Canadian government on your behalf