Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) 2020 / 2021
Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents who would like to apply to sponsor their parents and grandparents from overseas to come to Canada as Permanent Residents will need to complete an Interest to Sponsor Form and this form will then be remitted on the set date that the programme opens in 2021. This program is now done on a First In basis so it is important to address your interest in applying as soon as possible to ensure that your Interest to Sponsor Form can be completed and remitted in a timely manner.
Therefore the draw for 2020 is over. Interested candidates must wait until the set date to be determined in 2021 to enter into the draw for the 2021 Parental / Grandparent Sponsorship. In the meantime, another way to bring Parents and Grandparents to Canada is through the Super Visa Program. This program allows family members to come to Canada as long term visitors on a multiple entry visa that may last up to 10 years. A Super Visa is valid for 2 years before it has to be renewed. This can be done to bring your Parents and Grandparents into Canada initially while they wait to be accepted into the Parent / Grandparent Programme. Parents and Grandparents who are sponsored under this program by Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents will receive Permanent Residence and are eligible to apply for Canadian Citizenship 4 years later.
Therefore the draw for 2020 is over. Interested candidates must wait until the set date to be determined in 2021 to enter into the draw for the 2021 Parental / Grandparent Sponsorship. In the meantime, another way to bring Parents and Grandparents to Canada is through the Super Visa Program. This program allows family members to come to Canada as long term visitors on a multiple entry visa that may last up to 10 years. A Super Visa is valid for 2 years before it has to be renewed. This can be done to bring your Parents and Grandparents into Canada initially while they wait to be accepted into the Parent / Grandparent Programme. Parents and Grandparents who are sponsored under this program by Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents will receive Permanent Residence and are eligible to apply for Canadian Citizenship 4 years later.
Eligibility of the Sponsor
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Must meet or exceed the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement for Family Sponsorship and Sponsors must provide Notices of Assessment (NOA'S) from the CRA to IRCC as proof that they meet these requirements.
- Must sign an Undertaking that commits the Sponsor to provide financial support. Should the sponsored Parents or Grandparents be in receipt of any social assistance then the sponsor is responsible for repayment of these benefits paid to the sponsored family members for 20 years from the date that they obtain Permanent Residence for Canada.
Minimum Necessary Income for Family Sponsorship
In order to sponsor Family Members, sponsors must meet or exceed the minimum necessary income level (MNI). This requirement is set in place to ensure sponsors are able to financially support the family members they wish to sponsor and bring to Canada. The minimum necessary income required varies, depending on the number of family members you support in Canada and the number of family members you wish to sponsor.
To be eligible to sponsor your Parents or Grandparents you must exceed the MNI for each of the last 3 years prior to applying as well as the current year. Each income must be matched with the MNI year. The MNI and Income matching is always using numbers starting from 1 year before the actual year you are applying since their is a time lag in processing tax returns.
To be eligible to sponsor all other family members besides Parents and Grandparents your income for the one previous year must exceed the MNI for the previous year. You are only required to exceed the MNI from the most recent year and not for the 3 previous years as is the case with sponsoring Parents and Grandparents.
To be eligible to sponsor your Parents or Grandparents you must exceed the MNI for each of the last 3 years prior to applying as well as the current year. Each income must be matched with the MNI year. The MNI and Income matching is always using numbers starting from 1 year before the actual year you are applying since their is a time lag in processing tax returns.
To be eligible to sponsor all other family members besides Parents and Grandparents your income for the one previous year must exceed the MNI for the previous year. You are only required to exceed the MNI from the most recent year and not for the 3 previous years as is the case with sponsoring Parents and Grandparents.
What if I want to Sponsor my Parents / Grandparents but I do not meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) required?
If you do not qualify for the Parent and Grandparent Permanent Resident sponsorship because you do not meet the MNI for the 3 year period then you can apply for a Super Visa as the income required is only for one year and is 30% lower.
Super Visa
Another way to bring Parents and Grandparents to Canada is through the Super Visa Program. This program allows family members to come to Canada as long term visitors on multiple entry visa that may last up to 10 years. A Super Visa is valid for 2 years before it has to be renewed.
Eligibility for a Super Visa
- A written commitment of Financial Support from the sponsor which may be a child or grandchild over the age of 18 who is a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident must be provided.
- The sponsor must meet the Minimum Necessary Income for Super Visa applicants.
- Must prove that they have purchased Canadian healthcare insurance for at least one year
- Complete a medical examination.
- Depending on the nationality of the sponsored person, a Temporary Resident Visa may also be required.
