PGP Closes Expression Of Interest Window For 2020

The Parents and Grandparents Program is essential to Canada’s goal of family reunification. In the wake of COVID-19, it is more important than ever that families find it easy to bridge borders and come together.

The expression of interest window for the PGP 2020 opened back in October for Canadian citizens and permanent citizens planning to sponsor their parents or grandparents. After running for over two weeks, the window finally closed on November 3. If you are disappointed to have missed out, do not worry because PGP 2021 is going to be even bigger.

The Process

This program helps parents and grandparents to become permanent residents and then citizens much more smoothly. If you are interested in offering sponsorship to your loved ones this year, you should have submitted the interest form virtually already. IRCC will soon hold its lottery to choose the 10,000 lucky sponsors who will be allowed to go ahead with their plan. You will be contacted immediately if your name is drawn. Now, the onus will be on you to fill and submit the PGP application before the deadline. You will also have to pay your application fees.

Why is your income important for sponsorship?

When it comes to sponsorships, your income is the main criteria that the government will look at. You need to show that you will be able to support the family members you bring to the country. By submitting your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notices of Assessment (NOA), you will have to show that you met the minimum income requirement for the last three years, including 2020. Since there is a chance that you might not get your hands on the 2020 NOA by the early months of 2021, you can submit it later as well.

Quebec does a few things differently. So if you live in Quebec, you should check the requirements specific to you.