Avoid These Common Mistakes When Applying for PR Through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)

If you’ve received an invitation to apply under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), this could be your only chance to sponsor your parent(s) or grandparent(s) for permanent residence in Canada. As IRCC hasn’t opened a new intake for interest-to-sponsor forms since 2020, getting selected through the lottery system is rare. That’s why it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes that can lead to delays or even rejection of your application.

Here are the top mistakes applicants make — and how to avoid them.

1. Submitting Incomplete Applications

Risk: Application returned or refused without processing.

IRCC is very strict about application completeness. If something is missing, IRCC may send a letter asking for the missing documents. You’ll only have 30 days to respond. If you don’t, your application will be returned, and you’ll have to wait for the next intake to submit again — which could take years.

How to avoid this:

• Use the official document checklist from IRCC.
• Double-check that all required forms, supporting documents, and fees are included before submission.
  
  

2. Responding to IRCC’s “Do Not Reply” Email Addresses

Risk: Important documents may not be received, causing delays or rejection.

Some applicants mistakenly respond to IRCC’s automated email addresses like “donotreply,” thinking they’ve sent in required information.

How to avoid this:

• Never reply to email addresses with “donotreply” in them.
• Follow the instructions provided by IRCC on where and how to submit documents.
• Use the official IRCC web form for updates or to submit additional documents.
  
  

3. Mismatch Between Interest-to-Sponsor Form and Application

Risk: Application may be refused due to inconsistencies.

IRCC compares the details submitted in the original interest-to-sponsor form (often from 2020) with your current PR application. Even small differences may be considered misrepresentation.

How to avoid this:

• Review your original interest-to-sponsor form and make sure all information matches your PR application exactly.
• Take extra care if your family composition, income, or personal details have changed.
• Be honest — even accidental errors can result in serious consequences.
  
  

4. Incorrect Signatures or Validation of Forms

Risk: Application may be rejected as incomplete.

Applications must be signed properly. Some forms need a physical signature (for paper applications), while others require an electronic signature through the designated field. Certain forms must also be validated to generate a 2D barcode.

How to avoid this:

• Carefully read signing instructions for each form.
• Use the "Validate" button (usually at the top or bottom of the form) to generate the barcode.
• Ensure Adobe Acrobat Reader 10 or higher is installed to complete IRCC forms properly.
  
  

5. Not Including Unemployment Periods on Resumes

Risk: Incomplete or inconsistent work history could lead to rejection.

IRCC expects a full history, including gaps in employment. Leaving out unemployment periods — even if unintentional — can raise concerns.

How to avoid this:

• Make sure the resumes of the parents or grandparents (and any dependents) include unemployment periods, if applicable.
• Update LinkedIn and other public job profiles to match the information in your application.
  
  

Final Thoughts

The Parents and Grandparents Program offers a valuable opportunity for family reunification. However, due to limited intakes and high demand, every detail in your application matters. Avoiding these common mistakes can save time, money, and the stress of reapplying.