Family Sponsorship
Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship
Sponsoring parents or grandparents for Canadian permanent residence.
Overview
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence.
Because demand regularly exceeds the number of spots available, IRCC has in different years used methods such as a lottery-style invitation process to manage intake — so timing and process can change from year to year.
Where the PGP isn't currently open or a fit, the Super Visa is often discussed as a complementary option for extended visits in the meantime.
Who may consider this: Canadian citizens or permanent residents who want their parents or grandparents to immigrate permanently.
Eligibility Considerations
- A parent or grandparent relationship to the sponsor
- The sponsor meeting income requirements over a specified period, in addition to citizenship/residency and age requirements
- Being invited to apply, where intake is managed through an interest-to-sponsor or lottery process
- The parent or grandparent meeting admissibility requirements
How It Works
Income & Eligibility Review
We review the sponsor's income history against the current PGP threshold.
Interest to Sponsor / Intake
Where required, we help submit an interest form or profile for the current intake process.
Invitation to Apply
If invited, we prepare the full sponsorship application within the deadline.
Document Preparation
Relationship, income, and admissibility documents are compiled.
Application Submission
The complete package is submitted to IRCC.
Government Processing
IRCC processes the application; timelines are generally longer for this category.
Documents You May Need
Document requirements vary by applicant and pathway — not every applicant needs every item below. We confirm your specific list during an assessment.
- Proof of relationship (birth certificates)
- Sponsor's Notices of Assessment for the required income period
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
- Police certificates and medical exam results for the applicant
Common Issues to Watch For
These are presented to help you prepare, not to cause concern — most are avoidable with careful preparation.
- Income that falls short of the required threshold for the relevant years
- Missing an intake window because the process is only open periodically
- Incomplete income documentation across the full required period
How We Help
- Review income eligibility honestly before you commit to the process
- Track current intake announcements so you don't miss a window
- Prepare a complete, well-organized sponsorship application
- Discuss the Super Visa as an interim option where appropriate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Parents and Grandparents Program always open for new applications?+
No — intake has historically been managed in limited periods or through an invitation process, so timing depends on current IRCC announcements.
What income does the sponsor need?+
A minimum income threshold applies, assessed over a specified number of recent tax years, which we check against current published figures.
What can we do if the PGP isn't currently open?+
The Super Visa is often considered as a way to spend extended time together while waiting for a future PGP intake.
The information on this website is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies, fees, processing times, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Please verify current requirements with official government sources or a qualified immigration professional before making decisions.