How do I know if my application has been accepted?

If you’re one of those who submitted their interest to sponsor your parent or grandparent in 2020, you might want to regularly check your emails for an update. You will also need to have your application confirmation handy when submitting your applications.

I don’t have my confirmation number, what do I do?

If you’ve lost your confirmation number, or are you using a different email address than when you sent in your interest, you can retrieve your confirmation number and invitation status using the Lost My Confirmation Number tool. You should receive a response from the IRCC within 10 business days.

The tool will be active once all invitations have been sent out to prospective applicants.

Is there a deadline to apply?

Yes, you have 60 days from the date you receive the invitation to submit the application. You must apply online using the new Permanent Residence Portal. If due to an accessibility reasons or disability you are unable to apply online, you can request a paper based application package by sending an email to IRCC.2021PGPPaperApplication-2021PGPDemandesenversionpapier.IRCC@cic.gc.ca before October 21, 2021.

Do I have to show a minimum earning to sponsor?

Yes, you will need to show that you can support your parents or grandparents when they’re with you in Canada. However, for the tax year 2020, the IRCC requires that you should have meet the minimum necessary income (MNI) requirement, instead of the MNI+30%. It will also allow recipients of COVID-19 related benefits to be included in the MNI towards sponsorship. This is to ensure that applicants who have been affected by the pandemic are not penalized if they’re unable to meet the MNI requirement.

It is important to note though that for prior years, the requirement will continue to be MNI+30%. Read more about minimum necessary incomes here.

I haven’t received an invitation; do I have any other option to sponsor?

As a matter of fact, you still have the option to apply for a super visa for your parents or grandparents. The super visa allows your loved ones to visit and stay with you for up to 2 years at a time, instead of just 6 months if they were on a visit visa. They can also enter Canada multiple times, for up to 10 years. We however advise that all travellers follow the health guidelines related to the pandemic and their physicians to ensure they always travel safely and in good health.