July 2021

After much expectation, the 2021 Parents and Grandparents (PGP) Program will reopen the week of September 20^th.  However, new applications are not being accepted.  Only those who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 are eligible for the random selection process.  This will be great news for those not selected in the January 2021 draw, as they will be getting a second chance in the ‘lottery.’  However, no new ‘lottery tickets’ are available, which will be devastating for anyone who couldn’t apply in 2020. 

A record number of people will be invited to apply in 2021. IRCC will accept up to 30,000 applications in the next intake, in addition to the 10,000 invitations sent out in January. 

Applicants are being directed to check the email address they used to submit the interest to sponsor form.  After the draws are made, applicants can double-check whether they missed an invitation using the confirmation number received in 2020.  Those who cannot locate their confirmation number will be able to submit an online form. 

Those invited to apply will be able to use a new Permanent Resident Digital Intake tool, which allows applications to be submitted electronically.  IRCC has recently implemented numerous new online portals, none of which permit a representative to assist with the application process.  It remains to be seen if this new tool will also limit the ability of representatives to help their clients.

As was the case for the January draw, the income requirement will continue to be the minimum necessary income instead of the minimum necessary income plus 30%.  Further, the sponsor’s income can include regular Employment Insurance benefits and temporary COVID-19 benefits, such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. 

Selected applicants will have 60 days to submit their applications.