1. Understand the Program Overview
The PGP is an immigration pathway that allows you to bring your parents or grandparents to live permanently in Canada. If approved, your sponsored family members become permanent residents and can eventually apply for citizenship.
2. Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors
To sponsor your parents or grandparents, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
- Live in Canada
- Meet minimum income requirements for the last 3 taxation years (using your Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency)
- Sign an undertaking agreement to financially support the sponsored persons for 20 years (10 years in Quebec)
If you live in Quebec, you’ll need to meet Quebec’s specific income and undertaking requirements.
3. Income Requirement
You must prove that your income meets or exceeds the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) based on your family size (including those you want to sponsor). This is to ensure you can financially support your family members without relying on government assistance.
Tip: If you don’t meet the income requirement alone, you can include a co-signer (such as a spouse or common-law partner).
4. The Application Process (2025)
The process generally has three key steps:
Step 1: Submit an Interest to Sponsor Form
- IRCC opens a short intake window once a year.
- During this time, you can fill out and submit an online interest to sponsor form.
- The government may use a random selection process to invite potential sponsors to apply.
Watch IRCC’s official website for announcements about intake windows.
Step 2: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- If selected, you’ll get an Invitation to Apply.
- You must submit the full sponsorship and permanent residence applications within the deadline provided (usually 60 days).
Step 3: Submit the Full Application
- Submit both:
- Sponsorship application (by you, the sponsor)
- Permanent residence application (by the parents/grandparents)
- Applications are submitted online via IRCC’s Permanent Residence Portal.
Include all required documents (IDs, relationship proofs, income documents, police certificates, medical exams, etc.)
5. Alternative: The Super Visa
If you’re not invited under the PGP or want a faster option, consider the Super Visa:
- Allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time (with possible extensions)
- It is a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years
- Not a pathway to permanent residence, but useful for long visits
You’ll need to provide proof of private medical insurance and meet minimum income requirements for this visa too.
6. After You Apply
Once your application is submitted:
- IRCC will review it for completeness.
- You and your parents/grandparents may be asked to provide biometrics, complete a medical exam, and submit additional documents.
- Processing times can vary, often 12 to 24 months or more, depending on volume.
7. Important Tips
- Keep your contact information up to date with IRCC.
- Do not submit multiple interest forms (only one per sponsor is allowed).
- Keep track of your tax documents and income to be ready each year.
