December 22, 2017 – Canada immigration authorities announced a new lottery system for selecting candidates under the Parents and Grandparents Program, as it reopens on January 2, 2018.
More questions have been added to the ‘Interest to Sponsor’ form to try and ensure only those eligible to sponsor their parents and grandparents enter the lottery.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has faced criticism over the PGP, first for introducing the lottery system so late in 2016, then after nearly 100,000 people expressed an interest in the program, and finally when very few of the 10,000 names picked from the hat submitted applications. As a result, a second draw had to take place later in 2017.
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IRCC promised to act, and changes have come in the shape of the extra questions on the ‘Interest to Sponsor’ form.
An IRCC statement said: “To help ensure the efficiency of the system and to allow as many eligible sponsors as possible to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada, it is important that only those who meet the sponsorship eligibility requirements submit an ‘Interest to Sponsor’ form.
Canada Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen said: “Family reunification is a priority for the government of Canada. On January 2, I invite those who are eligible to sponsor to express their interest to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada. Helping more people reunite with their parents and grandparents in Canada demonstrates the government’s commitment to keeping families together, leading to successful integration and stronger ties to Canada.”
When Does The Lottery Open?
The lottery reopens on January 2, 2018 and closes on February 1, 2018.
What Is The Process Under the PGP?
A draw will be made from all those who fill in the ‘Interest to Sponsor’ form later in 2018, with successful candidates notified by email. They then have to complete a detailed application form within 90 days of being notified of their selection.
What Are The Requirements?
To qualify to sponsor parents and grandparents, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident must meet, in addition to the general requirements for sponsorship, the following enhanced criteria:
- Demonstrate, for a period of 3 consecutive years prior to sponsorship, income greater than the annual Minimum Necessary Income published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada;
- Sign an undertaking to financially support the parent or grandparent, and reimburse the government for any social assistance paid out to the relative, for a period of 20 years from the date of permanent residence;
To establish whether a sponsor meets the income requirements, the following rules apply:
- Only official documents issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will be accepted to demonstrate income for the three years prior to submission;
- If a co-signer is included in the sponsorship application, the combined income of the co-signer and the sponsor will be considered;
- Any amounts from the following sources will be deducted from the sponsor and co-signer’s income for the purposes of financial eligibility:
- Provincial allowances received for a program of instruction or training;
- Social assistance received from a province;
- Financial assistance received from the Government of Canada under a resettlement program;
- Amounts received under the Employment Insurance Act, other than special benefits;
- Monthly guaranteed income supplement received under the Old Age Security Act;
- Canada child tax benefit received under the Income Tax Act.
What Is The Alternative?
Parents and grandparents of qualified applicants, who do not meet the annual application intake threshold, may continue to apply for temporary admission to Canada. Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents intending to obtain temporary residence to visit their close relatives may apply for extended visitors’ visas known as Super Visas.
Interested employers: Kindly contact us here to receive further information.
Interested candidates: Find out whether you qualify to Canada by completing our free on-line evaluation. We will provide you with our evaluation within 1-2 business days.
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