Canada’s PGP Application: Your Guide to Deadlines, Documents, & More

The clock is ticking for families hoping to reunite through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). The deadline to submit applications for the 2023 intake is December 22, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

The IRCC has also issued an update regarding this and said “We have sent out invitations to apply to potential sponsors who submitted sponsorship forms in 2020. If you received an invitation, you must submit your PGP application electronically through the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal by the deadline mentioned.”

Did you receive an invitation to apply? If so, this article is your one-stop guide to completing your application and making your dream of family reunification a reality.

Step 1: Got Your Invitation? Now Get Ready to Apply!

Invitations were sent out in October 2023 to potential sponsors who submitted forms in 2020. Check your email associated with your 2020 interest to sponsor form!

Invitations were dispatched between October 10 and 23, 2023, with the goal of accepting up to 15,000 complete applications.

• Two applications are required: one for you as the sponsor and one for your parents or grandparents seeking permanent residence.
• Submit both applications electronically through the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal.

Step 2: Application Process

If you’ve received an invitation, you must submit both the sponsorship and permanent residence applications online simultaneously. The submission deadline is strict and set for 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on December 22, 2023.

1. Apply to Become a Sponsor: The principal applicant or their representative must apply online using the Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal.
2. Parents/Grandparents Application: The sponsored individual must also apply for permanent residence, and both applications must be submitted together.

Step 3: Documents Required

Before initiating the application process, gather the necessary documents:

Don’t forget!

Biometrics: Applicants between the ages of 14 and 79, including dependents, need to provide fingerprints and photos. Biometrics must be submitted within 30 days of receiving the instruction letter.

Step 4: Application Fees

Several fees are associated with the PGP application:

• Processing fees for the sponsor, sponsored individuals, and dependents.
• Right of permanent residence fee (usually paid upon application approval).
• Biometrics fee, which covers fingerprint and photo collection.
• Third-party fees for medical exams and police certificates.

Step 5: Submit your online application

Before you submit your application, make sure you

• answer all questions on the forms
• electronically sign your application (type your full name exactly as shown on your passport)
• include your processing fee receipt
• upload all the supporting documents
  • upload a copy of your invitation to apply letter for the 2023 intake under the section “Required documents” in your online application

If your application is incomplete, we’ll send you a request letter to submit any missing documents. You’ll have 30 days to submit the missing documents.

Step 6: Additional Information During Processing

The sponsored individual must submit medical exams, police certificates, and biometrics within 30 days of receiving the biometric instruction letter.

Remember: Incomplete applications will be returned and not processed. This is your chance to bring your family together. Don’t miss the December 22nd deadline!

Conclusion

Navigating the Parents and Grandparents Program application process requires careful attention to deadlines, document preparation, and fee payments. Following the outlined steps ensures a smooth and successful application process, bringing families closer through Canadian immigration policies.