Family Sponsorships: Parents & Grandparents
Under the Family Class, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents to come to Canada as permanent residents through the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP). The PGP is different from the other sponsorship programs because candidates are selected by a randomized lottery system.
This article will explain the eligibility requirements and how to apply for permanent residence.
The Objective: Family Reunification
The objective of the PGP is to to reunite Canadian citizens and permanent residents with their loved ones such as parents and grandparents.
Who Can Sponsor?
The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada to sponsor their parents and grandparents to come to Canada as permanent residents.
The sponsor must be at least 18 years old, must reside in Canada, and is not subject to bars against sponsorship. To apply, eligible sponsors must submit a notice of interest to sponsor form. This form is made available closer to the date the government announces that particular year’s PGP intake and is only open during a set period each year.
IRCC runs a lottery by randomly selecting and inviting interested sponsors who have submitted a notice of intent to sponsor. This usually occurs once a year.
In addition, one other requirement that you need to meet as a sponsor is the minimum necessary income (MNI).
Minimum Necessary Income
In the article on sponsoring dependents, we explained the MNI as. While the MNI requirement may be triggered by sponsoring dependent children who have dependent children of their own, it is an automatic requirement for the PGP.
To recap, the MNI is an income level requirement set by the Canadian government for sponsors who wish to bring certain family members to Canada as permanent residents. This includes parents and grandparents.
The MNI’s purpose is to ensure that the sponsor has enough income to provide for family members to whom he/she is financially responsible. The MNI varies annually depending on current economic indicators. It also varies depending on your family size. In other words, the larger the family, the larger the MNI.
Take note that you must include all your family members plus the ones you are sponsoring in order to determine your MNI. This includes your spouse or common-law partner and your financially dependent children.
Sponsors must meet the MNI requirements for the last 3 taxation years prior to applying. As such, sponsors must provide their last three Notices of Assessment. This is a document you receive once you file your taxes annually with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Who Can You Sponsor?
Canadian Citizens or permanent residents of Canada are permitted to sponsor their parents and grandparents, whether they be related by blood or adoption.