Permanent Residence for Parents & Grandparents

The number of permanent residents arriving in Canada through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) surged by nearly 60% in January compared to January 2022. January 2023 saw 2,065 new permanent residents welcomed through the PGP, a notable increase from the 1,300 in January 2022. In 2023, Canada targeted to welcome 28,500 new permanent residents through the PGP, following a significant rise in PGP admissions. Under Canada's Immigration Level Plans 2023-25, the country targeted the admission of 465,000 permanent residents in 2023 alone. It witnessed the arrival of 50,885 new permanent residents, a substantial 44% rise from the 35,450 newcomers in January of the previous year.

Check if you qualify to sponsor parents or grandparents

Eligibility Requirements

To sponsor your parents or grandparents, you must meet certain eligibility criteria outlined by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). They are:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident: you must be either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to sponsor your parents or grandparents.
• Meet Financial Requirements: as a sponsor, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to financially support your parents or grandparents without relying on government assistance.
• Sign an Agreement: Sponsors are required to sign an agreement with the Canadian government, committing to provide financial support to their sponsored relatives for a specified period.
• Pass a Background Check: Both sponsors and their sponsored relatives will undergo background checks to ensure admissibility to Canada.

Check if you qualify for Express Entry

Documentation requirement

When applying, you must gather the following documents:

• Proof of your Canadian citizenship (date you became a citizen and unique client identifier), if not proof of permanent residence,
• Completed sponsorship application forms,
• Evidence of your financial capacity to support your parents or grandparents, and
• Any additional documents requested during the application process.

All about sponsorship financial requirements

Application process

• Submit the sponsorship application: as a sponsor, you must submit a sponsorship application to IRCC on behalf of your parents or grandparents.
• Processing time: the processing time for family sponsorship applications can vary depending on various factors, including the volume of applications received and the completeness of the documentation provided.
• Medical examination: sponsored relatives will need to undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet Canada's health requirements for immigration.
• Receive approval: once the sponsorship application is approved, parents or grandparents will be issued permanent resident visas and can travel to Canada to live with their sponsors.

All about Immigration Medical Examination (IME)

Processing time

The processing time varies, but it is essential to check the most up-to-date information on the official website. The 2023-24 intake has already closed, so stay informed about future intakes.

After submitting the application

Once you’ve applied, keep track of its progress. If approved, your parents or grandparents will become permanent residents of Canada and enjoy the benefits that come with it. Remember, this process involves legal and administrative steps, so ensure you follow the guidelines provided by the government of Canada.

The cost associated with sponsoring a parent or grandparent through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in Canada includes several components:

Processing fees

• The sponsorship fee for a PGP application is CAD $75
• The principal applicant processing fee is CAD $475

Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)

• If your sponsored parent or grandparent is approved, they need to pay the RPRF, which is CAD $500.

Biometrics fee

• Each person applying for permanent residence must pay a biometrics fee. The fee is CAD $85 per person or CAD $170 for a family of two or more.

Check if you qualify for Express Entry

Remember that these fees are subject to change, so it’s essential to check the most up-to-date information on the government of Canada’s website.

In summary…

Sponsoring your parents or grandparents to immigrate to Canada is a deeply fulfilling journey that allows families to reunite and create lasting memories together. By meeting the eligibility criteria and fulfilling the sponsorship requirements, you can pave the way for your loved ones to join you in Canada and embrace new opportunities in a welcoming and diverse country. If you're ready to embark on this meaningful journey, explore the Family Sponsorship Program and take the first step toward reuniting with your family in Canada.

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