Rossei said:After CIC paused Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP) back in Nov, 2011 for 24 months in order to eliminate backlogs, it re-opened the program with 5,000 cap (FCFS/FIFO method) on the number of applications in 2014. Soon it turned out to be a big challenge to make it to 5,000 cap.
Being one of the 2015 PGP applicants, I've seen the stressful period that members of this forum went through. So, here I am to give you some tips for upcoming PGP application hurdle:
1. Use Updated Forms:
- CIC tends to update various PGP application forms every year. For 2014 PGP program, it updated form(s) at the eleventh hour; but for 2015, the latest form was dated November, 2014. So, get informed about the updates and only submit the latest forms from CIC website.
- Make sure you fill all the required forms correctly. Signature fields are very important not to leave empty. It's always a dilemma for those whose parents/grandparents live in home country and you need to have their signature on updated forms before CIC re-opens PGP. Well, you have to take chances here and sort it out yourself.
- All forms (for both 'sponsorship' and 'permanent residence') need to be submitted at the same time unless CIC changes the rules.
- Remember: You are the 'sponsor'and your one of the parents is the 'principal applicant'.
- It's convenient to choose the family size to be same for each year you have to enter in the forms.
(Family Size = Your family + Your Parent(s) + Accompanying Dependents)
2. Start Gathering Supporting Documents:
- If you haven't done so, start gathering all your supporting docs now for 2016. Follow Instruction Guide IMM5772 and Checklist IMM5771.
- The most important document that you (and co-signer if applicable) require to submit is your NOA or Option C for the last 3 taxation years. Since the checklist doesn't say if they have to be original, it's convenient to order Option C by calling CRA. Usually, it takes 2 weeks to deliver. DO NOT try to suffice this requirement by submitting online printouts or any other income proof (T4 or Pay Stubs).
3. Choose Your Courier Wisely:
- This is perhaps the biggest challenge just to send the application in time. In 2014, it took 19 days to fill out the 5000 cap whereas it took only 1 and half day in 2015. So, you can imagine what can happen in 2016. I can bet that only the applicants left out from 2014 & 2015 can fill out 2016 quota themselves.
- In order to deliver your application package on the very first day (preferably by noon) CIC re-opens PGP; you have to choose your courier wisely. Since PGP applications are to be sent to CPC-Mississauga, applicants living in GTA have advantage over the rest of the people. Many large courier services (like UPS, Purolator) couldn't deliver on time as promised in 2015. CanadaPost posted wrong time stamp of delivery. The local express services available in GTA proved to be the most efficient in 2015.
- CIC initially checks for the following things. If any of them is missing, it will not count among 5000 even in case of yours reaching CPC-M on time.
- All forms are in the application package
- Latest forms have been used
- No blanks (especially in signature field)
- NOA/Option C provided for last 3 taxation years
- Correct method of payment used
4. Use Correct Method of Payment:
- Incorrect amount or method of payment will result in rejection. Follow Instruction Guide IMM5772.
- If you make it to 5000 cap; CIC will withdraw/encash your payment within 1~4 weeks. This is the unofficial sign of initial acceptance. If you used your credit card info on Payment Form IMM5770, you will see the withdrawal within minutes/hours on your online bank statement.
- In 2014, CIC sent the official AOR in 6 months while in 2015, we received email AOR within 3 months. Some were able to see their E-Cas activated with 'Received' status within 1.5 months.
I hope this info helps you get inside 5,000 cap. Feel free to look at our 2015 timeline spreadsheet (link given in my signature).
Hello everyone
Please help me for my concern. CIC requested 3 years of income which have to meet the minimum requirements on table 3 show on CIC websites . For 2013 I did not match the number. From 2014 and 2015 I made to and over the income require. Should I apply next year even the 2013 was not met the income inquire. Or should I wait until I fully meet the income inquirie which is show on table 3 on CIC website ?
