Maple News reports that Canadian citizens and permanent residents have until Tuesday, November 3, 2020, at 12:00 PM EST to submit their interest in sponsoring their parents or grandparents through the federal Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
The PGP is a family reunification initiative offered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows successful applicants to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada as permanent residents, with a pathway to eventual citizenship.
The current expression of interest window opened on October 13, and IRCC will soon close it. After the deadline, the department will randomly select up to 10,000 potential sponsors through a lottery system. Chosen applicants will receive invites to officially submit their full PGP sponsorship applications.
To participate, eligible individuals must first complete and submit the online ‘Interest to Sponsor’ form available through the IRCC’s website. Candidates whose names are drawn in the randomized selection will receive an invitation from IRCC, with instructions on how to proceed with the full application—including paying required fees and submitting supporting documentation.
Applicants residing in Quebec must also obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) as part of the process. This certificate confirms the province’s approval of the family sponsorship before IRCC finalizes the application.
As part of the first step, individuals must include proof of their Canadian status when completing the online form. Acceptable documentation includes a digital copy of a Canadian passport or a Permanent Resident card.
With limited spots and a fast-approaching deadline, Maple News encourages interested Canadians and permanent residents to act promptly to ensure their loved ones have a pathway to join them in Canada permanently.
The PGP remains one of Canada’s most sought-after immigration streams for family reunification. By streamlining the process through digital submissions and a lottery approach, the government aims to offer a fair system that balances demand with processing capacity while prioritizing transparent access for all applicants.