On August 20th, the Canadian government announced the number of parent and grandparent sponsorship (PGP) applications will increase to 20,000 in 2019 and t. Additionally, the program will no longer use a lottery system to select applicants. Instead, applicants will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
In 2017, the Government of Canada said a randomized selection for applications would level the playing field and give everyone the same opportunity to be selected to sponsor their parents and/or grandparents, but was highly criticized for this approach.
20,000 New Applications for 2019
This number refers to the number of complete applications to be received in 2019 is 3,000 higher than the number processed last year.
Now candidates will be invited to submit an application based on the order in which their interest to sponsor forms are received. The forms will be available to submit at the beginning of 2019.
Reduced backlog allows for increased quota
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said its inventory of PGP applications stood at 26,000 in June 2018, down from a peak of 167,000 in 2011 and this reduction has allowed the government to increase its intake quota to 20,000 in 2019.
2019 will double IRCC’s original applications cap for 2018, which was set at 10,000 at the start of the year and was increased to 17,000 in July. To meet this increased 2018 quota, IRCC announced a second invitation round at the end of July and says those invited will have until October 5, 2018, to submit a complete application.
“As a result of listening to stakeholders and closely examining the PGP program, the government is making further changes to the application intake process that will streamline access to the program and improve client experience,” IRCC says.
Canada’s Immigration Minister, Ahmed Hussen, said the changes are evidence of the Government of Canada’s “commitment to helping families live, work and thrive together, in Canada.”
IRCC said those interested in sponsoring their parents and/or grandparents in the 2019 will have to complete an Interest to Sponsor form online at the beginning of the year. In 2018, they were accepted between January 2 and February 1.
Who Is Eligible?
Both the sponsor and the person being sponsored must meet certain requirements to be eligible for this program. Sponsors must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are living in Canada at the time of application. All sponsors must meet a minimum necessary income requirement, proving that they have enough funds to support the sponsored family members when they arrive in Canada.
All persons being sponsored through this program must be either the parents or the grandparents of the person sponsoring them. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements as determined by the government, so significant medical or criminal problems could render a person ineligible.
If a person is not eligible for PGP, they may be able to help their relatives travel to Canada more easily by applying for a super visa for parents and grandparents.
Foothills Immigration is now accepting clients for the 2019 Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship program. Get on the list early for the 2019 draw. Contact us directly at 403-910-0403 or visit us at BelongToCanada.com for a free assessment.
Written by:
Leann Iamartino; Senior Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant; Commissioner of Oaths
Foothills Immigration Inc.
