Maple News reports that Canada’s federal government has officially reopened the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program (PGP) for 2020, reaffirming its commitment to keeping families together. Canadian citizens and permanent residents now have until November 3, 2020, to submit an online interest to sponsor their parents and grandparents and help them become permanent residents of Canada.
Under the rules outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), interested individuals must first submit an online ‘Interest to Sponsor’ form. After the submission window closes, IRCC will randomly select 10,000 sponsors from the pool of applicants. Selected individuals will then have 60 days to complete and submit a full sponsorship application.
This year, IRCC has introduced temporary income requirement adjustments due to the economic hardship caused by COVID-19. For 2020, sponsors only need to meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI), rather than the usual requirement of MNI plus an additional 30%. This change is designed to accommodate those who experienced a loss of income during the pandemic.
In addition, unlike in previous years where only special Employment Insurance (EI) benefits could be counted toward income eligibility, regular EI payments received in 2020 can now also be included. This makes it easier for more Canadians to qualify to sponsor their loved ones under the PGP.
However, it’s important to note that these relaxed income requirements apply only to the 2020 tax year. Sponsors still need to meet the standard requirements—including the additional 30% income threshold—for the other relevant taxation years.
Residents of Quebec should be aware that this temporary federal policy does not apply to them, as the province administers its own family reunification program with separate criteria.
IRCC confirmed that up to 10,000 applications will be accepted for processing in this round. Looking ahead, the federal government plans to significantly expand family reunification opportunities by accepting up to 30,000 new applications in 2021.
This announcement represents a major opportunity for Canadians and permanent residents wishing to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada, with flexible criteria that reflect the economic difficulties posed by the pandemic.
Stay with Maple News for continued updates on Canadian immigration programs and policy changes.