Avoid These Common Mistakes When Applying for Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship in Canada
If you’ve recently received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), this may be your only opportunity to sponsor your loved ones for permanent residency (PR) in Canada. Since IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) has not reopened the intake pool since 2020, every ITA is crucial.
To make the most of this opportunity, it’s important to avoid these frequent and costly mistakes that can result in delays or outright refusal of your application.
1. Submitting Incomplete Applications Can Cost You Your Chance
One of the most common errors is submitting an incomplete application. Missing documents or forms often result in the application being returned without processing. IRCC may issue a 30-day deadline to submit missing items, but failing to meet it can disqualify you.
Given that the IRCC selects new sponsors by lottery, missing this round may mean waiting years for another chance. Use IRCC’s official document checklist to ensure everything is complete before submission.
2. Avoid Responding to IRCC ‘No-Reply’ Email Addresses
Another frequent mistake is replying to IRCC emails that are not monitored, such as those with “donotreply” in the address. This leads to your documents being lost or ignored.
To prevent this, always:
- Double-check the sender’s email address.
- Follow the specific reply instructions provided in the email.
- Use the official IRCC webform for updates or document submission.
3. Mismatched Information Between Forms Can Lead to Rejection
If details in your Interest to Sponsor Form don’t align with your final application, IRCC may refuse your application for misrepresentation—even if the mismatch was unintentional.
Ensure all personal and family information, income details, and contact data match exactly between the two submissions. Double-check your older entries, especially if your interest-to-sponsor form was submitted years ago.
4. Incorrect Signatures and Validation Errors
Every signature on your forms must follow IRCC’s instructions. For online forms, use the electronic signature tool. For paper forms, provide handwritten signatures as required.
Also, certain forms require validation—you must click the “Validate” button on the form to generate a barcode page, which IRCC uses to confirm completion. Missing this step can result in application refusal.
5. Unexplained Gaps in Employment History
IRCC occasionally rejects applications when parents or grandparents omit periods of unemployment in their resumes or personal history. Even if not explicitly required, such omissions can trigger concerns or raise red flags.
To avoid this:
- Update resumes for both principal applicants and dependents to include all time periods, even when unemployed.
- Align this information with LinkedIn or other public profiles to maintain consistency.
Final Thoughts
The Parents and Grandparents Program is highly competitive, and opportunities are limited. With no new intake announced since 2020, every ITA counts. Sponsors should proceed with caution, attention to detail, and the correct documentation. Following IRCC guidelines precisely is essential for a smooth and successful application process.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
