Parent And Grandparent Program Set To Reopen in 2015

November 13, 2014 nkic

The hugely popular Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) for Canadian immigration is expected to reopen in 2015. This family sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their foreign parents and grandparents to Canada as Canadian permanent residents.

There was a cap of 5,000 applicants accepted for processing under the most recent PGP application cycle, which opened in January, 2014. This allocation was reached in just three weeks, and the program has since been closed.

The government of Canada has said that the PGP will reopen in 2015, though it has not said whether this will be at the beginning of the year or at a later date. The most recent application cycle opened in January, 2014 and it is quite possible that the next one will open in January, 2015. The government has not indicated that there will be any changes to the eligibility criteria of the 2015 program.

Given that last year’s allocation was snapped up in such a short duration space of time and that many prospective sponsors and their families have been waiting with anticipation for the PGP to reopen, it seems that demand will continue to outweigh supply if the government of Canada decides to implement a similar cap on the program for the next application cycle. Therefore, sponsors and sponsored parties may be able to maximize their chances of submitting an application before the 2015 program fills by preparing their relevant documents and having them ready to submit by January. Failure to prepare for the program in advance may result in applicants missing their opportunity to apply.

Successful parents and grandparents applying under this program will receive Canadian permanent resident status and be able to apply for Canadian Citizenship after fulfilling residence obligations. To be eligible for PGP sponsorship, the sponsor in Canada must meet the following requirements:

Be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident;
Be 18 years of age or older;
Exceed the minimum necessary income level for this program by submitting notices of assessment issued by the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) in support of their sponsorship. Sponsors must also demonstrate they have met the minimum necessary income level for three consecutive years. If married or in a common-law relationship, the income of both persons can be included;
The sponsor must sign an undertaking to repay any provincial social assistance benefits paid to the sponsor 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.

Another option for Canadian citizens and permanent residents hoping to bring their parents and/or grandparents to Canada continues to be the Super Visa. This visa is not a program for permanent residence, but allows parents and grandparents to come to Canada as long-term visitors. Successful applicants receive multiple-entry visitor visas that are valid for up to 10 years. Unlike standard visitor visas, which must be renewed every six months, a Super Visa remains valid for two years at a time.

Please Contact Us for more information on this program.

http://www.cicnews.com/2014/11/parent-grandparent-program-set-reopen-2015-114041.html

Reducing Backlogs and Improving Processing Times

November 13, 2014 nkic

As a result of actions taken by the Government of Canada since 2009, the backlog of permanent resident applications has been reduced by nearly 45 percent, paving the way for a faster and more flexible immigration system. The 2015 levels plan is building on the success of the Government of Canada’s efforts to reduce backlogs and improve client service by increasing application numbers in key categories such as the Canadian Experience Class, the Humanitarian and Compassionate categories, as well as categories targeted to caregivers.

Highlights as of December 31, 2013:

The backlog of applications across all immigration streams has been cut by nearly 45 percent from the end of 2009 to the end of 2013.
The Economic Class inventory has been reduced by almost 57 percent, including the Federal Skilled Workers inventory having been reduced by almost 92 percent.
The Parents and Grandparents inventory will have been reduced by over 70 percent by the end of 2015.
The Humanitarian and Compassionate inventory has been reduced by 43 percent.

Over the years, efforts have been made to reduce the number of new applications received. In 2012 and 2013, the Government of Canada temporarily stopped accepting new applications in the Parent and Grandparent category and greatly increased admissions. Legislation to terminate the Federal Skilled Worker category backlog in 2012 removed more than 100,000 old applications. Economic Action Plan 2014 announced the Government of Canada’s intention to cancel the federal Immigrant Investor and Entrepreneur programs, and the 2014 Budget Implementation Act terminated the vast majority of the investor and entrepreneur backlogs.

The Government of Canada’s continued focus on reducing the application backlog helps to better manage the intake of applications to support a smooth transition to the new application management system, Express Entry, on January 1, 2015.

http://news.gc.ca

Citizenship by Investment - European Countries, NKIC Newsletter

Changes to the Cyprus Fast Track Citizenship Program

November 13, 2014 nkic

We would like to introduce our partners in Canada. Confederation is a company that we have had a long and beneficial relationship with.

Confederation Partners is pleased to announce the new Cyprus Fast Track Citizenship Program. This program grants applicants Cyprus citizenship in approximately 90 days.

Cyprus has been a member of the European Union since 2004. It offers a high quality of life, including modern medical facilities, shopping, good infra-structure, natural beauty, a warm cli-mate, and many English private schools and universities. This program is known for its simplicity and the short time frame in which citizenship is issued.

Option 1:
To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1) Possess a valid passport.
2) To buy One Residential House for 2.5 Million Euros Plus VAT( 5%) 2,625,000 Euros. It is required to keep this property for 3 years after which you are permitted to sell and have to purchase a property min value 500,000 Euros Plus VAT to keep indefinitely.
3) Pass a medical and security back-ground check.

Option 2:
To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1) Possess a valid passport.
2) Buy one residential property valued at over 500,000 Euros plus VAT(5%), in addition to investment in properties worth over 2.5 million Euros plus VAT ( 19%), after three years you can liqui-date the investment but must keep a residence worth over 500,000 Euros ( Plus VAT 5%)
3) Pass a Medical and security back-ground check.

The advantages of this program are as follows:
1) Each applicant, his/her spouse, and dependents, have the right to reside, work, and attend school throughout the European Union.
2) Cyprus does not collect tax on worldwide income.
3) No management experience requirement.
4) No language requirement.
5) No education requirement.
6) Net worth and source of funds must be declared, but not proven in detail.

Please find attached the PowerPoint presentation for your reference.

Confederation Passports and NK International Consultants look forward to providing fast, personalized service to you and your family. Please let us know if we can provide any additional information or assistance.

Please Contact Us for more information on this program.

NK Immigration Consultants

Global Immigration Consulting Services