ENCanada Parents Sponsorship 2026: PGP Complete Guide
Canada Parents Sponsorship allows eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence in Canada, subject to IRCC eligibility and income requirements.
This guide explains Canada Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship (PGP), including sponsor eligibility, minimum income requirements, application procedures, processing times, government fees, and alternatives such as the Canada Super Visa.
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is one of Canada’s primary family reunification pathways and may allow eligible parents and grandparents to become permanent residents of Canada.
Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Overview
| Key Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Type | Permanent residence through family sponsorship |
| Eligible Sponsors | Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in Canada |
| Eligible Family Members | Parents and grandparents |
| Main Requirement | Meeting the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) |
| Application Intake | IRCC invitation-based system |
| Alternative Option | Canada Super Visa |
| Outcome | Canadian permanent residence |
Table of Contents
What Is the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP Canada)?
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP Canada) is a family sponsorship pathway that allows eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for Canadian permanent residence. The program is administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and is generally operated through an invitation-based intake system.
Unlike the Canada Super Visa, which provides temporary resident status for extended visits, the Parents and Grandparents Program leads to permanent residence and may eventually create a pathway toward Canadian citizenship for eligible applicants.
When people search for “PGP Canada” or “Canada PGP”, they are usually referring to the Parents and Grandparents Program operated by IRCC.
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How to Sponsor Parents and Grandparents in Canada
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence in Canada.
Because demand exceeds available spots, IRCC operates the program through an invitation-based process. Sponsors must meet eligibility and income requirements before submitting a complete sponsorship application.
Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship Pathway
Confirm Sponsor Eligibility
Verify your status in Canada, age, residence, and sponsorship eligibility.
Meet Income Requirements
Demonstrate that you meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements.
Receive an Invitation to Apply
IRCC invites eligible potential sponsors through the Parents and Grandparents Program intake process.
Prepare Supporting Documents
Collect identity documents, income records, civil status documents, and supporting evidence.
IRCC Review and Admissibility Checks
IRCC reviews eligibility, income, medical exams, police certificates, and background checks.
Receive the Final Decision
If approved, parents or grandparents may receive Canadian permanent resident status.
Can I sponsor my parents if I am not invited by IRCC?
No. Most parents and grandparents sponsorship applications require an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC before a complete application can be submitted.
If you are not invited, you may wish to consider the
Canada Super Visa, which allows eligible parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods.
Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Eligibility
To sponsor parents or grandparents through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), sponsors must meet specific eligibility requirements established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Unlike spouse sponsorship, the Parents and Grandparents Program includes financial eligibility requirements and typically operates through an invitation-based application process.
Sponsors must demonstrate sufficient financial capacity, meet sponsorship obligations, and satisfy all applicable program requirements before a parent or grandparent can obtain permanent residence through the PGP.
Who Can Sponsor Parents and Grandparents?
You may be eligible to sponsor your parents or grandparents if you:
- Are at least 18 years old;
- Are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered under the Canadian Indian Act;
- Reside in Canada when the sponsorship application is submitted;
- Meet the required financial criteria for the applicable taxation years;
- Sign a sponsorship undertaking agreeing to financially support the sponsored family members;
- Are not prohibited from sponsoring under Canadian immigration legislation.
Meeting these requirements does not automatically guarantee eligibility to apply. Most sponsors must first receive an invitation from IRCC before submitting a complete Parents and Grandparents Program application.
Who cannot sponsor parents or grandparents?
You may not be eligible to sponsor if you:
- Receive social assistance for reasons other than disability;
- Failed to comply with a previous sponsorship undertaking;
- Failed to pay court-ordered family support payments;
- Defaulted on an immigration loan or performance bond;
- Are subject to a removal order;
- Are incarcerated in a penitentiary, jail, reformatory, or prison;
- Are an undischarged bankrupt;
- Have certain criminal convictions that affect sponsorship eligibility.
IRCC reviews sponsor eligibility carefully before assessing the permanent residence portion of the application.
Do Canadian citizens living outside Canada qualify?
Unlike some spouse sponsorship applications, sponsors under the Parents and Grandparents Program are generally expected to reside in Canada during the sponsorship process.
Can a spouse or common-law partner help meet sponsorship requirements?
Yes. A spouse or common-law partner may generally co-sign the sponsorship application, allowing certain income sources to be combined when assessing financial eligibility.
Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) Requirements
One of the most important requirements under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is demonstrating sufficient income. Most sponsors outside Quebec must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement for each of the three taxation years immediately preceding the application.
The income requirement is designed to ensure that sponsors can support the sponsored parents or grandparents without relying on social assistance after permanent residence is granted.
IRCC normally verifies income directly through Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) records. Sponsors are generally required to provide authorization allowing IRCC to review their tax information.
How Family Size Affects Income Requirements
The required income depends on family size. When calculating family size, IRCC generally includes:
- The sponsor;
- The sponsor’s spouse or common-law partner;
- Dependent children of the sponsor;
- Persons covered under previous sponsorship undertakings that remain in effect;
- The parents or grandparents being sponsored;
- Any accompanying family members included in the application.
A larger family size results in a higher minimum income requirement.
Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Income Requirements (2025 Intake)
The following income thresholds applied to sponsors residing outside Quebec for the 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program intake.
| Family Size | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | $47,549 | $44,530 | $43,082 |
| 3 | $58,456 | $54,743 | $52,965 |
| 4 | $70,972 | $66,466 | $64,306 |
| 5 | $80,496 | $75,384 | $72,935 |
| 6 | $90,784 | $85,020 | $82,259 |
| 7 | $101,075 | $94,658 | $91,582 |
| Each Additional Person | +$10,291 | +$9,636 | +$9,324 |
What if I do not meet the required income?
Sponsors who do not meet the required Minimum Necessary Income may not qualify under the Parents and Grandparents Program. In some situations, a spouse or common-law partner may co-sign the application to help meet the income requirement.
Do Quebec sponsors follow the same income requirements?
No. Sponsors residing in Quebec are subject to separate provincial sponsorship rules and financial requirements established by the Government of Quebec.
Interest to Sponsor and Invitation to Apply
Parents and grandparents sponsorship is not usually available as an open application that can be submitted at any time. In most intake periods, IRCC first requires potential sponsors to be selected or invited before they can submit a complete application.
This invitation-based system is important because demand for the Parents and Grandparents Program is usually higher than the number of applications IRCC accepts each year.
Receiving an invitation does not guarantee approval. It only allows the sponsor to submit a complete application, which must still meet eligibility, income, document, and admissibility requirements.
How the Invitation Process Works
| Step | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Interest to Sponsor | A potential sponsor expresses interest when IRCC opens or uses an intake process. |
| Invitation to Apply | IRCC invites selected potential sponsors to submit a complete sponsorship application. |
| Application Deadline | Invited sponsors must submit the full application within the deadline set by IRCC. |
| Final Assessment | IRCC reviews sponsor eligibility, income, documents, and admissibility after submission. |
Can I apply if I did not receive an invitation?
In most PGP intake periods, you cannot submit a complete parents and grandparents sponsorship application unless IRCC has invited you to apply.
If you were not invited, the Canada Super Visa may be an alternative option for long-term visits by eligible parents and grandparents.
What should I prepare before receiving an invitation?
Potential sponsors should review their income history, family size, civil documents, passports, and relationship documents before an invitation is issued. This helps avoid last-minute problems if IRCC sets a short submission deadline.
Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Documents
After receiving an Invitation to Apply, sponsors and applicants must prepare a complete application package. Missing or inconsistent documentation can result in processing delays, requests for additional documents, or application refusal.
Although document requirements vary depending on the circumstances of the sponsor and applicant, most Parents and Grandparents Program applications include identity, relationship, income, and admissibility documentation.
All documents not issued in English or French should generally be accompanied by certified translations and supporting translator documentation.
Sponsor Documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Proof of Canadian Status | Confirms eligibility to sponsor |
| CRA Notices of Assessment | Verifies income requirements |
| Marriage Certificate (if applicable) | Confirms family composition and co-signer relationship |
| Proof of Residence in Canada | Supports sponsor eligibility |
Parent or Grandparent Documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Passport | Identity verification |
| Birth Certificates | Establishes family relationship |
| Marriage Certificates (if applicable) | Family composition evidence |
| Police Certificates | Criminal admissibility assessment |
| Medical Examination Results | Medical admissibility assessment |
Why are CRA Notices of Assessment important?
IRCC normally relies on Canada Revenue Agency records to determine whether the sponsor met the required Minimum Necessary Income for the applicable taxation years.
Can IRCC request additional documents?
Yes. IRCC may request updated financial records, civil status documents, police certificates, passports, or other supporting evidence if additional information is required to assess the application.
What are common document mistakes?
- Missing translations;
- Expired passports;
- Incomplete civil status documents;
- Incorrect family size calculations;
- Missing signatures on IRCC forms;
- Submitting outdated supporting documents.
Submit the Application to IRCC
Once you have received an Invitation to Apply and gathered all required documents, the next step is to submit the sponsorship and permanent residence applications to IRCC.
A complete application generally includes sponsorship forms, permanent residence forms, supporting documents, government fees, and all required declarations and signatures.
Applications that are incomplete, unsigned, or missing required documents may be returned or delayed by IRCC.
What Is Included in the Application Package?
| Application Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship Forms | Assess sponsor eligibility and sponsorship obligations |
| Permanent Residence Forms | Assess the applicant’s eligibility for permanent residence |
| Identity and Civil Documents | Verify identity and family relationships |
| Income Evidence | Confirm compliance with MNI requirements |
| Government Fees | Required for processing the sponsorship and PR application |
Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Fees
Government fees may change over time. However, most applications typically include the following categories of fees:
| Fee Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship Fee | Processing of the sponsor’s application |
| Principal Applicant Processing Fee | Permanent residence processing fee |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | Required before permanent residence is granted |
| Biometrics Fee | May apply if biometrics are required |
Can fees change after I submit my application?
Government fees occasionally change. Applications are generally assessed using the fee schedule in effect at the time the application is submitted.
Can I submit additional documents after applying?
Yes. IRCC may request additional information or updated documentation during processing. Applicants may also proactively submit certain updates if circumstances change.
Parents Sponsorship Processing Times and Final Decision
After IRCC completes eligibility, medical, criminality, and security assessments, a final decision will be made on the sponsorship and permanent residence application.
Processing times vary significantly depending on application volume, country of residence, document verification requirements, and IRCC workload.
Parents and grandparents sponsorship applications are often among the longer family sponsorship processes due to high demand and extensive admissibility reviews.
How Long Does Parents Sponsorship Take?
There is no guaranteed processing time for Parents and Grandparents Program applications. Processing may vary based on:
- Application completeness;
- Country of residence of the applicant;
- Medical examination processing;
- Police certificate verification;
- Security screening requirements;
- Overall IRCC workload and application volumes.
Applicants should always review the latest IRCC processing times, as timelines may change throughout the year.
What Happens If the Application Is Approved?
If the application is approved, the sponsored parent or grandparent will generally receive instructions to finalize permanent residence processing.
Depending on the applicant’s location and circumstances, IRCC may request updated documents, passport submission, photographs, or additional information before permanent residence is finalized.
| Approval Stage | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Passed | Sponsor and applicant satisfy program requirements |
| Admissibility Passed | Medical, criminality, and security checks completed |
| Final Approval | Permanent residence approved |
| PR Confirmation | Applicant completes landing or permanent residence confirmation process |
What If IRCC Requests Additional Documents?
Additional document requests are common during processing and do not necessarily indicate a problem with the application.
IRCC may request updated passports, police certificates, medical examinations, financial records, civil status documents, or other supporting evidence before making a final decision.
Will a document request delay processing?
Possibly. Processing may pause while IRCC waits for the requested information. Responding promptly and providing complete documentation can help avoid unnecessary delays.
What If the Application Is Refused?
If IRCC refuses the application, the refusal letter will normally explain the reasons for the decision.
Depending on the circumstances, applicants may consider reapplying, requesting legal advice, or exploring alternative immigration options.
Common Refusal Reasons
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Income Requirements Not Met | Sponsor failed to meet the required MNI threshold |
| Incomplete Documentation | Missing forms or supporting evidence |
| Relationship Evidence Issues | Family relationship could not be sufficiently established |
| Medical Inadmissibility | Applicant did not meet health-related admissibility requirements |
| Criminal or Security Concerns | Applicant did not satisfy admissibility requirements |
Can I sponsor my parents again after a refusal?
Potentially. Eligibility depends on the refusal reasons, current program requirements, and whether a new invitation to apply is required by IRCC.
Super Visa vs Parents Sponsorship
Many Canadian citizens and permanent residents compare the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) with the Canada Super Visa when deciding how to reunite with their parents or grandparents.
Although both programs are designed to help families spend more time together in Canada, they serve very different immigration goals. Parents Sponsorship leads to permanent residence, while the Super Visa provides temporary resident status for extended family visits. [oai_citation:0‡Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/sponsor-parents-grandparents.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
If your primary goal is permanent residence, Parents Sponsorship is usually the preferred pathway. If your goal is faster family reunification and long-term visits, the Canada Super Visa may be a practical alternative. [oai_citation:1‡Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/sponsor-parents-grandparents.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
| Factor | Parents Sponsorship (PGP) | Canada Super Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration Status | Permanent Residence | Temporary Residence |
| Application Availability | Invitation-based intake | Available year-round |
| Invitation Required | Usually Yes | No |
| Income Requirement | Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) | Host income requirement |
| Medical Insurance | Not required as a sponsorship condition | Mandatory private medical insurance |
| Length of Stay | Permanent | Up to 5 years per visit |
| Long-Term Outcome | Permanent Resident Status | Extended Family Visits |
When Is Parents Sponsorship the Better Option?
Parents Sponsorship is often the preferred option when the long-term objective is permanent residence, settlement in Canada, access to permanent resident benefits, and eventually eligibility for Canadian citizenship. [oai_citation:2‡Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/sponsor-parents-grandparents.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
When Is the Super Visa the Better Option?
The Super Visa may be more suitable for families seeking a faster solution for extended visits, especially when no invitation has been received under the Parents and Grandparents Program. The Super Visa allows eligible parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time and may remain valid for up to ten years. [oai_citation:3‡Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/parent-grandparent-super-visa.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
For a complete overview of eligibility requirements, insurance rules, income requirements, and application procedures, see our
Canada Super Visa Guide.
Can I apply for a Super Visa while waiting for Parents Sponsorship?
Yes. In many situations, parents or grandparents may apply for a Super Visa while a Parents and Grandparents Program application is being processed. [oai_citation:4‡Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/parent-grandparent-super-visa/eligibility.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Official Government Sources and Legal References
Parents and grandparents sponsorship applications are primarily governed by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).
Official eligibility requirements, income thresholds, sponsorship obligations, invitation procedures, and application instructions for parents and grandparents sponsorship are available through the Government of Canada Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) guide.
Sponsors should also review current medical examination, police certificate, biometrics, and admissibility requirements published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Families considering temporary options for parents and grandparents may also review the Government of Canada Super Visa program.
Parents Sponsorship FAQ (2026)
Below are common questions about Canada parents sponsorship, grandparents sponsorship, income requirements, processing times, Super Visas, and permanent residence applications.
Who can sponsor parents and grandparents in Canada?
Eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and persons registered under the Canadian Indian Act who are at least 18 years old and meet sponsorship requirements may be able to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence.
Can I sponsor both my parents and grandparents?
Possibly. Eligibility depends on your relationship to the applicants, available invitations, family size calculations, and your ability to meet applicable income requirements.
Do I need an invitation to apply?
Yes. The Parents and Grandparents Program generally operates through an invitation-based process. Most sponsors must receive an Invitation to Apply before submitting a complete application. [oai_citation:0‡Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/sponsor-parents-grandparents.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
What is the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)?
The Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) is the income threshold that most sponsors outside Quebec must meet to demonstrate they can financially support the parents or grandparents they wish to sponsor.
Can my spouse co-sign the application?
Yes. In many situations, a spouse or common-law partner may co-sign the sponsorship application, allowing certain income sources to be combined when assessing eligibility.
How long does parents sponsorship take?
Processing times vary based on application volume, country of residence, admissibility checks, document verification, and IRCC workload. Applicants should always check the latest IRCC processing times before applying. [oai_citation:1‡Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
What documents are required for parents sponsorship?
Common documents include proof of Canadian status, CRA tax records, passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, police certificates, medical examination results, and completed IRCC forms.
Can my parents stay in Canada while waiting for a decision?
Depending on their immigration status, some parents may remain in Canada temporarily while a sponsorship application is being processed. Individual circumstances should be reviewed carefully.
What is the difference between Parents Sponsorship and a Super Visa?
Parents Sponsorship leads to permanent residence. A Super Visa provides temporary resident status and allows eligible parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for extended periods without becoming permanent residents. [oai_citation:2‡Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/parent-grandparent-super-visa.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Can I apply for a Super Visa while waiting for Parents Sponsorship?
Yes. IRCC allows eligible parents and grandparents to apply for a Super Visa while waiting for a sponsorship decision. [oai_citation:3‡Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/parent-grandparent-super-visa/eligibility.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
How long can parents stay in Canada on a Super Visa?
Eligible parents and grandparents may generally stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit under the current Super Visa rules. [oai_citation:4‡Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/parent-grandparent-super-visa.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Can a parents sponsorship application be refused?
Yes. Applications may be refused if sponsorship requirements are not met, income thresholds are insufficient, required documents are missing, or the applicant is found medically, criminally, or security inadmissible.
Can I sponsor adopted parents?
Possibly. Eligibility depends on the legal relationship and whether the adoption is recognized for Canadian immigration purposes.
Do Quebec sponsors follow the same rules?
No. Quebec sponsors are subject to additional provincial sponsorship requirements and financial criteria that differ from the federal program.
Is Parents Sponsorship the only option to bring parents to Canada?
No. Many families also use the Canada Super Visa, which remains available year-round and may provide a faster solution for long-term family visits. [oai_citation:5‡Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/parent-grandparent-super-visa.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Need Help With a Canada Parents Sponsorship Application?
Canada parents and grandparents sponsorship applications require careful planning, accurate income calculations, complete supporting documentation, and compliance with IRCC sponsorship requirements.
Proper preparation of sponsorship forms, financial evidence, relationship documents, and application strategy may help reduce delays and avoid common application issues during processing.
Whether you are preparing for a future Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) intake, assessing your eligibility, calculating Minimum Necessary Income (MNI), or considering alternatives such as a Super Visa, professional guidance can help you understand your available options.
For personalized guidance, you can book a Canada immigration consultation or send us a message on WhatsApp.
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About Borhanifar Immigration
Borhanifar Immigration provides professional Canadian immigration services and strategic guidance for temporary and permanent residence applications, including business immigration and individual immigration pathways. Professional memberships include CICC, CBA, OBA, and CAPIC.
Our practice is supervised by a licensed Canadian immigration professional (RCIC) and focuses on practical immigration solutions, strategic case preparation, and clear guidance based on current Canadian immigration laws and IRCC policies.
This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as individualized legal advice or a guarantee of approval or immigration results.