There will be a cap of 5,000 complete applications accepted, the announced cap is the same number as the previous year, that opened in January, 2014. Due to the closure of the program for a few years many applicants have been waiting for the opportunity to submit their application therefore the cap was reached in just three weeks. Given that many potential applicants were not able to submit their applications last year , it is likely that the next application cycle will reach its cap as fast as last year therefore it is strongly suggested to have the applications and all required supporting documents prepared prior to the opening date. It is also important to note that applications received before January 2, 2015 will not be accepted and will be returned to the applicant.
• In order to be eligible to sponsor parents or grandparent the applicant is required to be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident:
• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Exceed the minimum income requirement for this program by submitting notices of assessment issued by the Canadian Revenue Agency in support of the sponsorship application. Sponsors must also demonstrate they have met the minimum necessary income level for the last 3 years prior to the application date. If married or in a common-law relationship, the income of both persons can be included.
• The sponsor must sign an undertaking to accept all financial responsibilities for the cost of living of the sponsored person for a period of time and repay any provincial social assistance benefits paid to the sponsored and accompanying family member(s), if any, for a period of 20 years, if necessary. If the sponsor resides in Quebec, an additional ‘undertaking’ must be signed. it is also important to note that Quebec minimum income threshold is different from Federal requirement therefore Quebec residents must meet the Quebec requirement.
