Having our parents away when we immigrate to an unknown land can be a mix of emotions that make us miss them. Mom’s meals, dad’s hug… So many things we crave from them while we’re away.
However, this is not forever. Once you achieve your residency or citizenship, meet requirements such as having a minimum necessary income (LICO) and previous tax returns, your chances will be very high to bring your parents and/or grandparents with you.
This program is known as PGP (Parents and Grandparents Program), and it allows Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents. This means that they will be able to become Permanent Residents once their application is approved by IRCC.
Eligibility requirements for 2021:
- You must have submitted an interest form for the PGP 2020 process between October and November 2020.
- Having received an invitation between September 23, 2021 and October 7, 2021, the IRCC will hold a lottery to invite 30,000 people.
- Be over 18 years
- Reside in Canada (potential applicants will need to provide proof of status during the interest in sponsoring phase).
- Exceed the minimum income level required for this program (if married or in common-law marriage, both sponsor and spouse's income may be included) and provide proof of income to IRCC.
- Sign a commitment to financial support for those sponsored for 20 years (from the time they become permanent residents).
- If the sponsor resides in Quebec, an additional “commitment” must be signed with the province of Quebec.
But this is not the only way you can help your parents to live the Canadian experience, there is also the program called SuperVisa, in which they can become long-term visitors (10 years) and unlike the tourist visa, they will be able to stay in Canada for up to 2 years without having to renew their status.
*It is important to note that the requirements for the province of Québec may vary.
Can you imagine being able to fulfill this Canadian dream with those who saw you grow up?
