Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Canada
Canada is one of the most attractive destinations for skilled professionals, students, and families seeking better opportunities. For many, the biggest challenge is finding an employer willing to sponsor a job offer or go through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. This is where the open work permit Canada option becomes a game-changer. Unlike employer-specific permits, an open work permit allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada without restrictions.
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What Is the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP)?
The Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP) Canada is a federal immigration program under the Family Class category. It allows eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their biological or adoptive parents and grandparents for permanent residency in Canada. This program is separate from the Super Visa, which allows temporary visits of up to 5 years but does not grant permanent resident status.
Here’s how the PGP works:
- Each year, IRCC opens an “Interest to Sponsor” window during which sponsors submit their intent to sponsor via a web form.
- IRCC conducts a random lottery (also known as the Invitation to Apply process), selecting a limited number of sponsors.
- Only those selected can submit a full sponsorship application within the deadline.
The advantage of the PGP over a Super Visa is that it results in permanent residency for parents or grandparents, including access to public health care, social benefits, and a pathway to citizenship.
Note: The PGP intake window typically opens once a year, and demand exceeds available spots, making planning and compliance absolutely essential.
Canada Parent Sponsorship Eligibility Criteria
To sponsor a parent or grandparent under the PGP, both the sponsor and the applicants must meet specific criteria set by IRCC. Below are the detailed Canada parent sponsorship eligibility conditions:
Sponsor Eligibility:
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act).
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must reside in Canada at the time of application.
- Must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement for 3 consecutive taxation years preceding the application.
- Must agree to financially support the sponsored family members for 20 years (10 years in Quebec).
- Must not have defaulted on any previous sponsorship undertakings, immigration loans, or court-ordered support payments.
Applicant (Parent/Grandparent) Eligibility:
- Must be the biological or legally adoptive parent or grandparent of the sponsor.
- Must undergo medical exams and provide police certificates.
- Must be admissible to Canada (no criminal history or serious health issues that would cause excessive demand on the healthcare system).
You can also co-sign the sponsorship application with your spouse or common-law partner to meet the income threshold if needed.
Can I sponsor in-laws or step-parents?
Yes, you may sponsor:
- One or both parents
- Step-parents (if legally married to your biological parent)
- In-laws (if you are co-signing the application with your spouse)
However, you cannot sponsor aunts, uncles, or siblings through this program.
PGP Application Process (Step-by-Step)
The PGP application process in 2025 is a multi-stage system. You cannot apply directly unless invited by IRCC. Here’s a complete breakdown of the PGP application process:
Step 1 – Submit the Interest to Sponsor Form
This step only happens when IRCC opens the intake window. During this time, you must submit an Interest to Sponsor form online with:
- Sponsor’s name, address, date of birth, and contact details
- Proof of status in Canada (passport or PR card)
- Family size and income details
Make sure all details are accurate. Duplicate submissions can lead to disqualification.
Step 2 – Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If selected in the lottery, you’ll receive an official ITA email from IRCC. This invitation is time-sensitive—typically, applicants have 60 days to submit the full application package. If not selected, your submission expires at the end of the year.
Step 3 – Prepare and Submit Sponsorship Application
With the ITA in hand, you’ll now submit a full sponsorship application including:
- Completed forms (IMM 1344, IMM 5768, IMM 5771, etc.)
- Proof of relationship with parents/grandparents
- Signed the undertaking agreement
- Proof of income (NOAs from the past 3 years)
This is the most document-heavy part of the process. Any error or missing field can lead to a return or rejection.
Step 4 – Biometrics and Medical Examinations
Parents and grandparents will be required to provide biometrics at an authorized center. They will also need to complete a medical exam from an IRCC-approved physician. These results are shared directly with the Canadian immigration authorities.
Step 5 – Background Checks and Final Decision
IRCC will conduct security and background checks on all applicants. If everything is in order, they will approve the application and issue Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). Your parents or grandparents can then land in Canada and begin their new life.
Required Documents for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship
A complete PGP application must include the following documents. Incomplete submissions are the leading cause of refusal or delay.
Documents from the Sponsor:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency (passport or PR card copy)
- Notice of Assessment (NOA) from CRA for last 3 years
- Signed undertaking form (IMM 1344)
- Relationship proof (birth certificate showing parental link)
Documents from Parents/Grandparents:
- Passports and IDs
- Police clearance certificates from countries lived in for more than 6 months
- Medical examination reports
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Translated documents (if not in English or French) with certification
All documents must be submitted in PDF format, clearly labeled, and according to IRCC’s checklist for the given year. Scanned files must be legible and professionally prepared.
Canada Parent Sponsorship Income Requirement
One of the most important components of the parents and grandparents sponsorship Canada program is meeting the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) level. IRCC uses this requirement to ensure sponsors are financially capable of supporting their family members, preventing future reliance on social assistance.
To qualify for PGP Canada in 2025, you must show that you met the MNI for the three taxation years immediately before the date of your application.
Here’s how the Canada parent sponsorship income requirement works:
- You must submit your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notices of Assessment (NOAs) for the past three years.
- Your income must meet or exceed the published MNI thresholds based on your family size (including yourself, your spouse, your dependents, and all family members being sponsored).
- If you’re married or in a common-law relationship, your spouse can co-sign the application. In this case, your combined income is assessed.
Sample Income Thresholds (2025 Estimate — subject to IRCC update):
- Family of 2: $44,500
- Family of 3: $54,800
- Family of 4: $66,700
- Family of 5: $75,800
Note: These figures are examples only. Always check the official IRCC website for current MNI levels before applying.
IRCC strictly enforces this requirement. Even being short by $1 can result in a refusal. Therefore, accurate income verification is critical to your PGP application’s success.
Fees & Processing Times
In 2025, the parents and grandparents sponsorship Canada application comes with a standard set of IRCC government fees.
Sponsorship Application Fees:
- Sponsor Processing Fee: CAD $75
- Principal Applicant Fee: CAD $490
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD $515
- Biometrics Fee (per person): CAD $85
Total: Approximately CAD $1,165 per applicant (not including medical exams, translation, or courier fees).
Processing Times:
The PGP Canada timeline varies depending on your country of residence, the completeness of your application, and IRCC’s overall volume. On average:
- From Interest to Sponsor submission to Invitation: up to 12 months (depending on lottery date)
- From ITA to final PR approval: 24–32 months
Applications may be delayed due to:
- Incomplete forms or documents
- Background/security check delays
- Medical inadmissibility concerns
- Request for additional information
That’s why our clients at Visarete always receive a customized document checklist and support from submission through decision.
Common Reasons for Refusal
Despite being family-focused, the PGP Canada application is often refused due to technical or legal issues. Here are the most common reasons:
1. Income Shortfall
Failure to meet the Canada parent sponsorship income requirement is the most frequent reason for rejection. Even if you miss the threshold by a small amount in any of the 3 years, your application may be refused.
2. Incomplete or Incorrect Forms
Mistakes in IRCC forms (missing signatures, incorrect family member listing, outdated versions) can result in application returns or refusals.
3 Inadmissibility of Parents or Grandparents
Medical or criminal inadmissibility—such as a serious health condition or past criminal convictions—may prevent approval. All applicants must pass medical and police checks.
4. Misrepresentation
If IRCC believes the sponsor or applicant provided false or misleading information, the application may be rejected and could result in a 5-year ban from reapplying.
5. Missing Documents
Failure to submit even one required document (such as birth certificates or NOAs) can lead to long delays or a refusal. IRCC will not always offer a second chance to submit missing documents.
Why Choose Visarete for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorships
At Visarete, we understand how important family reunification is. Our experienced consultants have helped hundreds of Canadian citizens and permanent residents successfully sponsor their loved ones through the PGP Canada program.
Don’t leave your application to chance. With limited invitations and strict income rules, Visarete gives you the edge to succeed.
FAQs on Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Canada
1. What is the difference between PGP and Super Visa?
The PGP provides permanent residency to parents and grandparents, allowing them to live in Canada permanently with access to health care and social benefits. The Super Visa, on the other hand, is a long-term visitor visa that allows stays of up to 5 years per visit but does not grant PR status.
2. How do I apply for parents and grandparents sponsorship in Canada?
First, you must submit an Interest to Sponsor form during IRCC’s annual intake period. If selected, you will receive an invitation to apply and then submit a full application, including proof of income and relationship. IRCC will review the application and issue a PR decision.
3. What is the minimum income requirement for parent sponsorship?
Sponsors must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) level for 3 consecutive years before applying. This varies by family size. For example, a family of 4 needs approx. $66,700/year. Income is verified through CRA’s Notices of Assessment.
4. Can I sponsor my in-laws under the PGP?
Yes. If your spouse is listed as a co-signer and they meet all eligibility requirements, you may sponsor your in-laws (your spouse’s parents or grandparents). The co-signer’s income is combined with yours to meet the threshold.
5. How long does the PGP Canada process take?
The full process—from submitting your Interest to Sponsor to receiving final PR status for your parent or grandparent—can take between 24 and 36 months, depending on volume, background checks, and application completeness.
6. What happens if I get invited but can’t meet the income requirement?
If you’re invited but fail to meet the income threshold, your application will likely be refused. You may consider reapplying next year, seeking legal advice, or exploring the Super Visa as a temporary alternative.
