Canada began to issue Parents and Grandparents Program (2021) invitations on September 23.
Over a two-week period ending on October 7, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue some 30,000 sponsorship invitations to eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Sponsors have 60 days from the date of their invitation to submit their applications to IRCC.
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Who is eligible to get a PGP 2021 invitation between September 23 and October 7?
IRCC notes that to get an invitation you must have submitted an interest to sponsor form on its website for the 2020 PGP process (between October and November 2020). No one else is eligible for the 2021 process.
Invitations come from CIC.CPCMississaugaDoNotReply-CTDMississaugaNePasRepondre.CIC@cic.gc.ca
The email subject is “Parents and Grandparents Program Invitation / L’invitation à présenter une demande dans le cadre du Programme des parents et des grands-parents – CPCM / CTDM”.
Before you go ahead and submit your sponsorship application, IRCC asks you to ensure you meet the PGP’s eligibility criteria.
The criteria includes being at least 18 years old, and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or status First Nations.
You (and your co-signer, if applicable) must also meet the requirement for Minimum Necessary Income (MNI). This includes submitting to IRCC your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) notices of assessment for the 2020, 2019, and 2018 tax years. Quebec residents need to show they meet their province’s income requirements for sponsors over the last 12 months.
Get a Free Legal Consultation if you Receive a PGP Invitation
How to submit your PGP 2021 application
While you do not need to hire an immigration lawyer, you may wish to do so to ensure you submit a complete and accurate application. IRCC permits the use of an immigration lawyer on behalf of PGP 2021 applicants.
IRCC’s guide outlines the following steps to help you prepare and submit your application:
Step 1: Gather documents: IRCC provides a document checklist.
Step 2: Complete the application
Step 3: Pay the fees
Step 4: Check your application to avoid common mistakes
Step 5: Submit the application
Get a Free Legal Consultation if you Receive a PGP Invitation
What happens after I submit my PGP 2021 application?
IRCC outlines its current average processing times on its website.
The person(s) you are sponsoring can get instant email updates and more detailed status updates by creating an online account on IRCC’s website.
Those in Canada and the U.S. can contact IRCC via this link to get application status information.
Those outside of Canada are asked to contact the Canadian diplomatic office responsible for their region.
Consider the Super Visa
The Super Visa is another option you may wish to consider if you want to bring your parents and grandparents to Canada. Canadian citizens and permanent residents are able to submit Super Visa applications to IRCC that enables their parents and grandparents multiple entries into Canada over a 10 year period.
Learn More about the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa
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