October 28, 2015 – The popular Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) is expected to reopen on January 4, 2016. The PGP facilitates family reunification by accepting a limited number of applications to sponsor parents and grandparents for permanent residence in Canada. Last year, a total of 5,000 applications were accepted. While the recently elected Liberal government campaigned on a promise to improve family reunification, no determination has yet been made with respect to the quota of applications that will be accepted in 2016.
In order to sponsor a parent or grandparent, sponsors must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen
- Live in Canada
- Demonstrate that they meet basic income requirements
- Undertake to provide for the basic requirements of the person(s) being sponsored
Permanent residents and Canadian citizens interested in sponsoring a parent or grandparent to come to Canada should begin preparing their application as soon as possible. This program is exceedingly popular and it is expected that the application quota will be reached shortly after the program opens.
Parents and grandparents not selected for the PGP may wish to consider applying for a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa. Super Visa holders may stay with family in Canada for up to two years without any requirement to renew their status.
For more information about the Parent and Grandparent Program or the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, or for assistance in preparing an application please contact Green and Spiegel.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
