A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program 2023

    Canada has opened its doors for yet another round of the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program in 2023. If you’ve received an invitation to apply, congratulations are in order! This program allows you to reunite with your loved ones in Canada. However, navigating the application process can be a bit daunting. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each step, ensuring that you submit a complete and error-free application for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) 2023.  

1. The Invitation Email

IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) has already started sending out emails inviting applicants to sponsor their parents or grandparents. These emails contain crucial information and instructions. If you’ve received one, it’s time to start the process.  

2. Submitting Your Application Online

To begin the process, the principal applicant (i.e., your parent or grandparent) or an authorized representative on their behalf must complete and submit the application online through the Permanent Residence Portal. If an authorized representative is involved, they must sign into their Representative Residence Portal account to submit the application.  

3. Deadline

It’s essential to adhere to the deadline. IRCC must receive your application by December 22, 2023, at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time. Any late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.  

4. Uploading Information and Supporting Documents

Upon expressing your interest in sponsoring, you should have received a barcode from IRCC. This barcode is crucial as it matches your application to the details you provided during the expression of interest. Make sure to upload this barcode as a digital copy under the “Additional Supporting Documents” section with the document name “Other” in the portal.  

5. Complete Application

To ensure your application is complete, follow all the steps outlined in the application guide provided. The information in your sponsorship application must match the details on your 2020 Interest to Sponsor form, including a copy of the exact status in Canada document you submitted.  

6. Paying Fees

IRCC only accepts online payments for all fees. It is vital to pay all the necessary fees online, and it’s recommended to pay the biometrics fee at the same time as your application fees. Failing to provide proof of payment for the required fees will render your application incomplete and unprocessable.  

7. Biometrics

Check whether you need to provide biometrics. If required, consider paying the biometrics fee alongside your application fees for a smoother process.  

8. Consent and SIN

You can submit your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and give consent to IRCC by using the Financial Evaluation for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship (IMM 5768) form. This allows IRCC to access your personal income tax information directly from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to verify if you meet the income requirements. However, if you choose not to provide consent and your SIN, you must complete and submit the Income Sources for the Sponsorship of Parents and Grandparents (IMM 5748) form. This should be accompanied by your Notices of Assessment issued by the CRA for the tax years 2020, 2021, and 2022. You can access your personal tax information through CRA’s My Account online service.  

9. Minimum Necessary Income Requirements

The sponsor and any co-signer (if applicable) must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement for each of the three consecutive tax years immediately preceding your application. For the 2023 intake, IRCC will assess sponsors based on their income for the tax years 2022, 2021, and 2020. The MNI requirement for the 2020 and 2021 tax years remains reduced to the minimum necessary income, without the additional 30% requirement. This reduction aims to prevent any undue penalties for individuals who experienced temporary income loss during the pandemic.   Reuniting with your parents or grandparents in Canada through the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program is a significant opportunity, and it’s crucial to follow the application process meticulously. From submitting your application on time to ensuring all fees are paid, and meeting the Minimum Necessary Income requirements, there are several steps to complete. By following this step-by-step guide, you can maximize your chances of a successful sponsorship and enjoy the company of your loved ones in the beautiful land of Canada.  

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