On January 2, 2018 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (“IRCC”) reopened its Parents and Grandparents Program (“PGP”) to Canadian citizens and permanent residents who wish to sponsor their parents or grandparents for Canadian Permanent Residence in 2018.
The Interest to Sponsor form was made available on January 2, 2018 and will remain open until February 1, 2018 at 12:00 PM (EST). The submission of an Interest to Sponsor is the first step for those who would like to participate in the PGP.
After the February 1, 2018 deadline, IRCC will review all submissions and will randomly invite potential sponsors to submit Permanent Resident application to sponsor their parents and grandparents. Those not invited to apply will have another opportunity to show interest in 2019 when the PGP reopens.
All potential sponsors must review the eligibility requirements to ensure they qualify for the program prior to submitting the Interest to Sponsor. The updated Interest to Sponsor form now requires sponsors to declare that they have the Minimum Necessary Income (“MNI”) to support their parent or grandparent.
If you are sponsoring a parent or grandparent, you must meet the MNI requirement for each of the three years immediately preceding the date of the application. The MNI is equal to the Low Income Cut offs (LICOs) plus 30%, considering the member of family members for whom they will be financially responsible.
