For many families in Canada, being able to sponsor their parents or grandparents so they can live there permanently is a deeply personal and significant step. If you’ve been invited to apply (ITA) under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), you should know that the process might be your only chance and that mistakes might be very costly.

The PGP is highly competitive, with invitations issued via lottery and long gaps between intakes. So, when the opportunity arises, making sure your application is error-free becomes crucial.

Here are some important mistakes to avoid and methods to address them:

1. Incomplete applications can halt everything.

One of the most prevalent reasons for rejection is sending in an application with missing papers or fields that haven’t been reviewed. You only have 30 days to reply if IRCC asks for the missing parts. Your application will be sent back if you miss the deadline, and you’ll have to wait for a new intake, which might take years.

Tip: Before you send in your application, make sure to double-check everything using IRCC’s official document checklist and recommendations.

2. Don’t answer emails that say “Do Not Reply.”

Reacting to an IRCC email may lead you to believe that the recipient will read your message, but this isn’t always the case. A lot of IRCC emails come from addresses that aren’t checked.

Tip: Always check the address of the sender. Don’t respond if the address says “do not reply.” To make changes to your application or transmit documents that are needed, use the webform that IRCC gives you.

3. Information that doesn’t match can get you turned down.

People who apply don’t know that the information they gave in their initial interest-to-sponsor form (which they probably sent in years ago) has to match exactly what they put in their application today. Even small differences can be seen as lying.

Tip: Revisit your original interest form and compare every detail with your current application—names, dates, family information, income, and more.

4. It’s easy to miss signing mistakes.

It matters how you sign your paper or online application. Some forms need to be validated, which means they need to be checked electronically before they can be sent in to make a barcode.

Tip: Use Adobe Acrobat Reader 10 or higher, and make sure you follow the instructions for signing and validating documents. If you don’t do this step, your application may not be complete.

5. Unemployment Gaps Should Be Disclosed

A lot of parents and grandparents are out of work at some point. Not mentioning them in your CV or personal history may make people doubt the application.

Tip: Make sure that the résumé of the person you are sponsoring includes any times they were out of work. To avoid problems, public profiles like LinkedIn should have the same chronology.

It’s difficult to get back together with your parents or grandparents in Canada, so it’s a special opportunity. A tiny mistake could mean missing out on an opportunity for years to come. Please take your time, follow all the steps carefully, and if you have any uncertainties, consult an immigration specialist for assistance.