Mohanad Moetaz - 20 October, 2020
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) not only helps Canadian citizens and permanent residents reunite with loved ones, but a strong economic case can also be made.
The 2020 window for the PGP will remain open until November 3. Canadian citizens and permanent residents who wish to sponsor their parents and/or grandparents to come to Canada are required to submit an interest to sponsor form to the Canadian immigration department.
After that date, Canada will invite up to 10,000 candidates to apply for sponsorship. The candidates will be picked at random.
The PGP offers a variety of benefits to those involved. The Canadian citizens and permanent residents and their families are once again brought together.
Complete our FREE PGP form to see if you are eligible to sponsor your parents or grandparent
The parents and grandparents enjoy the benefits of being a permanent resident, such as the ability to work in Canada, to gain access to healthcare, and to eventually become a Canadian citizen.
Furthermore, research shows that parents and grandparents contribute economically. This means that the household purchasing power increases which benefits the economy greatly.
In addition to contributing through work, parents and grandparents allow their children and grandchildren to work more hours if need be. This is because parents and grandparents can provide child care while they are at work.
Even though the PGP may not be viewed favourably by some because of the perception that parents and grandparents do not contribute much to the economy and likely collect significant financial benefits.
However, it is important to remember that parents and grandparents make up just 6 per cent of the total number of immigrants Canada welcomes every year.
They are also required to pass a medical screening prior to arriving in Canada so as not to create high demand in the Canadian healthcare system, as is the case with all other immigrants.
In addition, sponsors are required to agree to a 20 year undertaking period when sponsoring their parents and grandparents. This means that they will be financially liable to their parents and grandparents and will be required to pay back any social assistance collected.
Even though such a topic should not be explored through an economic perspective but a compassionate one, a strong economic case can still be made.
Complete our FREE PGP form to see if you are eligible to sponsor your parents or grandparents
