Maple News reports that Canada’s long-awaited Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is now officially open for 2020. As of October 13th, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can submit an expression of interest to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency. The application intake window is open for three weeks and will close on November 3rd.
The PGP allows eligible Canadians to reunite with their parents and grandparents by sponsoring them for immigration to Canada. This initiative is not only a compassionate immigration stream but also supports family reunification, a key objective of Canada’s immigration strategy.
Interested applicants must submit their information online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) via an online interest to sponsor form. Once the submission period ends, IRCC will randomly select applicants to invite for sponsorship, creating a fair and transparent selection system.
To qualify, sponsors must meet specific income requirements to ensure they can financially support their family members and must commit to a legal undertaking to support the sponsored individuals for 20 years. These criteria are designed to safeguard the integrity of Canada’s family sponsorship system and ensure that new immigrants can integrate successfully.
The 2020 PGP intake was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the IRCC to introduce a revised and more accessible application process. This new approach aims to ensure fairness and to make it easier for people across the country to apply, especially during uncertain times.
Each year, Canada sets a target on how many sponsorship applications it will process. For 2020, IRCC aims to accept up to 10,000 applications under the PGP, with plans to increase that number to 30,000 in 2021 to make up for COVID-related delays.
This program presents a significant opportunity for families seeking long-term, multi-generational reunification in Canada. Maple News advises eligible sponsors to apply early within the three-week window and ensure that all information is accurate and complete to improve their chances in the lottery-based selection.