CIC News CIC NEWS

Canada Immigration Newsletter

  • Home
  • About
  • Subscribe

STAY UP TO DATE WITH
CANADIAN
IMMIGRATION NEWS

CIC News / 2016 / October / Parent and Grandparent Program for Immigration to Canada to Reopen in January with new Income Requirements

Parent and Grandparent Program for Immigration to Canada to Reopen in January with new Income Requirements

October 31, 2016 by CIC News

family-pgpProgram intake expected to fill within days, benefiting applicants who prepare in advance

Government aims to reduce processing times significantly

Canada’s Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) is scheduled to reopen on January 3, 2017, when up to 10,000 new applications will be received. This extraordinarily popular immigration program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their foreign parents and grandparents to immigrate to Canada as Canadian permanent residents.

The government of Canada has stated that the Family Class category of immigration, of which the PGP is a part, will become a more prominent category over the coming years. As such, the PGP intake cap for 2017 is double what was initially announced for the 2016 intake, and double the total number of applications that were accepted for both the 2015 and 2014 intakes.

Demand expected to outweigh supply

In spite of this new commitment to accept more parents and grandparents, it is nonetheless expected that the number sponsors who wish to sponsor their parents and/or grandparents will be greater than the number of spaces available. Consequently, the intake cap may be reached rapidly, perhaps within days, as it was in January, 2016.

That January, 2016 PGP intake demonstrates the ongoing popularity of the program. That particular intake opened on January 4, 2016, before the cap of 5,000 new applications was reached by January 7. More than 14,000 applications were submitted between January 4 and January 7, of which the department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) retained the first 10,000 complete applications for processing. Just a few weeks later, IRCC announced that the 2017 intake would receive up to 10,000 new applications.

It should be noted that the PGP operates on a first-come, first-served basis. As a result, applicants who have prepared and perfected their application in advance of the opening date and have their application submitted as quickly as possible are in the best position to have their parents and/or grandparents accepted as new permanent residents of Canada.

New income requirements

Canadian citizens and permanent residents looking to sponsor a parent or grandparent are required to prove certain minimum income thresholds in order to be able to become an eligible sponsor. These minimum income requirements have been revised, and potential sponsors are encouraged to review the latest minimum income requirements.

PGP eligibility criteria

Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents applying under this program will receive Canadian permanent resident status, and may eventually apply for Canadian citizenship after fulfilling residency obligations. The sponsor in Canada must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
  • Be 18 years of age or older;
  • Exceed the minimum necessary income level for this program by submitting notices of assessment issued by the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) in support of their sponsorship. Sponsors must also demonstrate they have met the minimum necessary income level for three consecutive years. If married or in a common-law relationship, the income of both persons can be included;
  • The sponsor and the sponsored relative must sign a sponsorship agreement that commits the sponsor to provide financial support for the sponsored person if necessary. This agreement also states that the person becoming a permanent resident will make every effort to support themselves. Dependent children under age 19 do not have to sign this agreement. Quebec residents must sign an “undertaking” with the province of Quebec—a contract binding the sponsorship; and
  • The sponsor must provide financial support for the relative and any other eligible relatives accompanying them for a period of three to ten years, depending on their age and relationship to the sponsor. This time period begins on the date they become a permanent resident.

Sponsors in Quebec

The government of Quebec is responsible for determining whether or not sponsors living in the province have the financial ability to sponsor family members and also the length of their undertaking. If you are a potential sponsor residing in Quebec, please contact a legal expert about the exact requirements and processes required of sponsors residing in Quebec.

Super Visa

Apart from the PGP, another option for Canadian citizens and permanent residents hoping to bring their parents and/or grandparents to Canada is the Super Visa. This visa is not a program for permanent residence, but allows parents and grandparents to come to Canada as long-term visitors. Successful applicants receive multiple-entry visitor visas that are valid for up to 10 years, where visa holders may stay in Canada for up to two years on initial entry to Canada.

To find out if you or your family members are eligible for the Parent and Grandparent Program based on the eligibility criteria for the most recent application cycle, please fill out a free online assessment today.

© 2016 CICnews All Rights Reserved

About CIC News

Next Article: Canada Set to Repeal Conditional Permanent Resident Provision for Certain Sponsored Spouses/Partners
Previous Article: Immigration Plan 2017: Canada to Welcome Increased Number of Immigrants Through Economic and Family Sponsorship Programs

Related Canada Immigration Articles:

  • Canada extends application period for Post-Graduation Work Permits, drops valid study permit requirement International graduates of eligible Canadian schools now have 180 days to apply for a PGWP
  • If you’re in the Express Entry pool, these provincial immigration streams may be looking for you Ontario, Nova Scotia and Alberta use so-called 'passive' immigration streams to search the Express Entry pool for eligible candidates
  • Ontario issues new invitations to French-speaking Express Entry candidates OINP has now issued 189 invitations through French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream in 2019

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

two × four =

Comments

  1. Ehioze Isoa says

    November 1, 2016

    Hi,
    I hope those of us who applied via the old entry process for FSWP,before express entry, will be attended to. It’s been over a year since we applied and it’s still being processed. I thought it would have been faster since the process has been changed.

    Reply
  2. Mazhar uddin ahmed says

    November 1, 2016

    Thanks for keeping us upto date, but till today there is no mention as to to when the old rule of three years out of four year will come into affect ? We are anxiously waiting for the promise made by our elected government to be implemented ASAP. Long live Liberals. Keep it up

    Reply
  3. Ajit says

    November 1, 2016

    My grand mother( my fathers aunt)is Canadian Citizen for many years.Whether She can sponsor me to get PR in Canada. I am doing course in Humber College . I am on student permit studying in Canada from Sept.2015. having student permit till31 July 2017.
    My aunt is retired employee of Bank of Nova Scotia. she is leaving alone. Having high five digit income.She is 78 yrs of age.widow.

    Reply
    • Nansi says

      November 4, 2016

      Grandmother cannot sponsor her grandchild

      Finish your program, get post graduate work permit, depending in which province you study, check the pnp program and get pr:-)

      Reply
  4. Afzal Latif Puri says

    November 1, 2016

    Thank you for updating. How about promised changing of the rule from 4 in 6 years to 3 in 4 years stay for qualifying for Canadian citizenship/ Passport. Early decision will facilitate the sponsored to timely wind up their financial interests in home countries and plan the investments here; which is also very much in the interest of Liberal’s Government .Sooner the better for all.

    Reply
  5. Afzal Puri says

    November 1, 2016

    Thank you for updating. How about promised changing of the rule from 4 in 6 years to 3 in 4 years stay for qualifying for Canadian citizenship/ Passport. Early decision will facilitate the sponsored to timely wind up their financial interests in home countries and plan the investments here; which is also very much in the interest of Liberal’s Government .Sooner the better for all.

    Reply
  6. Satwinder Singh says

    November 1, 2016

    What is minimum Income requirement to sponsor Single person (Parents ) in Saskatchewan

    Reply
    • Eshan Sehgal says

      November 2, 2016

      Income category is only differs if you live in Quebec, otherwise it’s standard throughout other provinces.

      Reply
  7. Adebusoye Olumuyiwa says

    November 1, 2016

    I would like to know if a family member in Calgary, Canada with permanent residency can apply for siblings living outside Canada.

    Reply
  8. jumaah pirdawd abdullah says

    November 1, 2016

    i want to come Canada,please help me

    Reply
  9. Maggie says

    November 1, 2016

    I wish they would consider more young European immigrant let to come to Canada! A lot of well trained, smart, intelligent young people try to enter the country , but they got denied ! They would be great for the future of Canada!

    Reply
  10. gurpreet kaur says

    November 1, 2016

    Hello, its very nice to get information upto date, my daughter is on study base i applied visitor visa in this september month but its rejected. i m single parent n want to see my daughter. now when i can apply again

    Reply
  11. Javed Hasan says

    November 2, 2016

    Its good news indeed particularly for people like me,who have children and grand children in Canada all with citizenship status.Each time I apply for visa I am granted V1 multiple entry with maximum stay for Six months.The validity of visa is 10 year but still we have to exit after 6 months.,the new programme provide me an opportunity to have my visa status changed to immigrant.

    Reply
  12. Adenuga Oluseun says

    November 2, 2016

    Hi, thanks for the updates..
    I am married with a son. We wish to relocate to Canada especially Quebec. Since they speak French language and I wish my son and wife can pick of from there. What are the steps and procedures to follow. Thanks

    Reply
  13. Abouqal amina says

    November 2, 2016

    It s that i need to join my family : visiteur but the responsible said that i must have a work with a high salary, or a own house : i have’nt, i haven’t cnss : assurance.
    So, i ‘m a bachelor, no childten, but i like to visit my family i need my family in age of 58 and my family need my visit.
    Please, give your advice to succeding my visa to canada.
    Thanks,

    Reply
  14. Renu says

    November 3, 2016

    Can a brother sponsor his real sister for permanent residency?

    Reply
  15. edward says

    November 3, 2016

    great so a bunch of old people will immagrate being a burden on the social system using their old age secuirty checks and clamin cpp to pay for their kids mortagage great!!! so now the canadian born have to take care of burdensome old people and the people who bring them will gain a huge advantage. so how is this fair to the guy like in vancouver making 20/hr?

    Reply
  16. Regina George says

    November 4, 2016

    Dear sir/madam,

    My brother an indian , now he is a citizen of canada and well settled with his family, can he sponsore his siblings & families??

    Thanks & regards,
    Regina.

    Reply
  17. W.chandrika rohini says

    November 5, 2016

    I want to come Canada with my family please help me.

    Reply
  18. Sripaul Dass says

    November 5, 2016

    Hi, my name is Sripaul Dass, I’m worKing in canadian high commission so i would like to be work in Canada and live in Canada, Canada is my one of favorite country. Thank you

    Reply
  19. khalid says

    November 5, 2016

    I want to to live in Canada to work I want to help my family, it’s poor I ask you to help I speak from my heart Please answer me Yes or no

    Reply
  20. Md Faisal chowdhury says

    November 5, 2016

    Dear Sir,

    I would love to be an immigrant in canada. please kindly co operate for futher proccedure.

    I look forward hearing from you soon.

    thanks with regards

    md faisal chowdhury

    Reply
  21. Adeshina Ganiyu Tunde says

    November 6, 2016

    Please how about getting visa that is free to study and work in Canada

    Reply
  22. Nhu Y Nguyen says

    November 8, 2016

    Sponsor parents or grandparents, the sponsor must demonstrate a minimum income.
    Sponsor spouse and dependent children of the spouse, do sponsor need to prove income?
    Thank you.

    Reply
  23. Sunil says

    November 8, 2016

    Can newly landed immigrants provide proof of income for last 3 years based upon foreign tax returns? Or do they have to wait for 3 years before sponsoring parents?

    Reply
  24. Fatma says

    November 11, 2016

    Hi

    My name is fatma from kenya looking for a job in Canada and I will appreciate if you give me that opportunity to work to Canada. Canada is my favorite country that I love. Thank you
    Regard
    Fatma

    Reply
  25. laleh Ghabaei says

    November 12, 2016

    Dear madam/ ser

    Hello
    I am laleh.and my husband is hossein.ourboy is 23 years.and he is a student at suskachvan university.and we are retired.how we can come to Canada.
    please answer me
    sincerely you:Laleh
    Thank you.
    So he in Agust 2016 com here.

    Reply
    • EDDIE says

      November 15, 2016

      Canada is a great country i wish i could be given a job to look after my family

      Reply
  26. Sukh says

    November 29, 2016

    Hi,
    My parents are both 70 years above. Can I sponsor them for immigration to Canada?

    Cheers
    S

    Reply
  27. Makhosi says

    December 14, 2016

    can parents (of a Canadian PR) who came on supervisa program eligible to apply for a permanent residence status while in Canada?

    Reply
  28. Marion Mehrtash says

    February 7, 2017

    I am 75 years old, wearing a pacemaker and take medications to regular my heartbeat
    Am I eligible for a grandparents PR? I like to be united with my family three Canadian citizensMarion

    Reply
    • Marion Mehrtash says

      February 7, 2017

      I am 75 years old wearing a pacemaker and take medications to regulate my heart beat
      Am I eligable for a PR visa under Grandparents Visa. Daughter in law, two native Canadian grandchildren and USA citize son in Canada
      Thank you I was not able to find the answer of this medical condition otherwise Ivam healthy and regular have my pacemaker checked every 6 month.
      Thank you kindly
      Marion Mehrtash

      Reply
  29. gurbinder kaur kamboh says

    April 6, 2017

    hi,can i apply for my grandmother

    Reply
  30. Ramesh Patel says

    August 24, 2017

    I have applied for PR under PGP Category in Jan 16. My file was accepted and in July 16 I have got email to submit medical results and PCC. I have submitted it in same month. ie July 16.
    Thereafter I have no news about my file.
    On line status shows Application in Process , Medical Results Received.
    Is there anybody in same boat from India ? Please comment..

    Ramesh Patel

    Reply
  31. Rizza says

    September 11, 2017

    I have a question regarding my mother’s situation here in canada.. I already applied her extension of stay as visitor status. My relative and i invited her. How could i help my mother to stay here with us, all her family are here in canada and she cannot live alone to go back home in philippines. How could i help my mother? I am still not required to sponsor because of my salary. . My mother is 72 yrs old.

    Reply

Do you qualify for immigration?

There are over 60 options for immigration to Canada. Find out if you qualify with our free assessment!

find out now

Join CanadaVisa’s Social Community

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Why subscribe to CICNEWS?

Don't let policy changes catch you by surprise - stay up to date with the latest breaking news on Canadian Immigration!

Your email address will not be disclosed to any third-party. See our Privacy Policy for details.

Recent Posts

  • Canada extends application period for Post-Graduation Work Permits, drops valid study permit requirement
  • If you’re in the Express Entry pool, these provincial immigration streams may be looking for you
  • Ontario issues new invitations to French-speaking Express Entry candidates
  • L’Ontario émet des nouvelles invitations aux candidats Entrée express francophones
  • Quebec moves to terminate backlog of 18,000 Skilled Worker Program applications

Tools and Resources

  • » Canada Job Search Tool
  • » Canada Salary Calculator
  • » IELTS Practice Tests
  • » Canada Immigration FAQ
  • » Resume Guide
  • » School Search
  • » School Match
  • » CLB Language Converter
  • » CRS Calculator
  • » Visiting Canada Tool
  • » Processing Times

CanadaVisa-PNP-Finder-Tracker

Latest Editions

  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
View all editions

© 1996-2019 CIC NEWS

Copyright | Privacy | Unsubscribe | Resources | RSS Feeds