Parents & Grand Parents Program

Parents & Grandparents Program (PGP) Canada – 2026 Guide

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence (PR) in Canada. This program is one of the most popular family reunification pathways offered by the Government of Canada.

What is the Parents & Grandparents Program?

The Parents and Grandparents Program is designed to help families reunite in Canada by granting permanent residence to eligible parents and grandparents. Once approved, applicants receive full PR status and can enjoy long-term settlement benefits.

• They can live in Canada permanently and do not need to leave after a limited stay period. This provides long-term stability and family support.
• They gain access to public healthcare and other social benefits depending on provincial eligibility, improving their quality of life.
• After meeting residency requirements, they may apply for Canadian citizenship and become full citizens of Canada.
• They enjoy rights similar to other permanent residents, including the ability to travel in and out of Canada freely.

Who Can Sponsor?

• You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and at least 18 years old. This ensures that the sponsor has legal status and maturity to take responsibility.
• You must be living in Canada during the application process and when the sponsored family members become permanent residents.
• You must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement for the last three consecutive tax years, proving financial stability.
• You must sign an undertaking agreement confirming that you will financially support your parents or grandparents for a specific period.

Who Can Be Sponsored?

• You can sponsor your biological or adoptive parents under this program, provided you can prove the relationship with proper documentation.
• Grandparents are also eligible under the same sponsorship stream, allowing extended family reunification.
• This program does not include extended relatives such as siblings, cousins, or in-laws directly, unless through specific family connections.

Income Requirements (MNI)

To qualify as a sponsor, you must meet income requirements set by the Canadian government based on your family size. These requirements ensure that sponsors can support their family members without financial hardship.

• You must provide proof of income through Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notices of Assessment for the last three years.
• Your income must meet or exceed the minimum threshold for each of those years, which varies depending on family size.
• If needed, your spouse or common-law partner can act as a co-signer to help meet the financial requirements.

Sponsorship Obligations

• You must provide financial support for your parents or grandparents for up to 20 years, depending on the province you live in.
• The sponsored individuals should not rely on social assistance, as this can create legal and financial responsibility for the sponsor.
• You are responsible for basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, and healthcare not covered by public systems.

Application Process

Step 1: Receive Invitation

Only applicants who receive an official invitation from immigration authorities can proceed. Invitations are issued randomly from the existing pool.

Step 2: Submit Sponsorship Application

The sponsor must submit forms and financial documents demonstrating eligibility, including proof of income and status in Canada.

Step 3: Submit PR Application

The parents or grandparents must submit their permanent residence application along with medical exams, police certificates, and biometrics.

Step 4: Processing

The application is reviewed by immigration officers to ensure all requirements are met, including admissibility and completeness.

Step 5: Approval

Once approved, parents or grandparents receive confirmation of permanent residence and can move to Canada permanently.

Processing Time

Processing times generally range from 20 to 36 months. However, timelines may vary depending on the complexity of the application, background checks, and volume of applications.

Alternative Option: Super Visa

If you are not invited under the PGP, the Super Visa is a great alternative that allows extended visits to Canada without waiting for permanent residence approval.

• The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit without renewal.
• It is valid for up to 10 years, allowing multiple entries and long-term family visits.
• Applicants must purchase private medical insurance and meet specific income requirements set by the government.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PGP open for new applications?

Currently, new applications are not open. Invitations are being issued from the existing pool of applicants who submitted interest forms in 2020.

Can I apply without invitation?

No, you must receive an invitation before submitting a sponsorship application. Without an invitation, your application will not be accepted.

What if I don’t meet income requirements?

You can include your spouse or common-law partner as a co-signer to combine income and meet eligibility requirements.

Can parents work in Canada?

Yes, once they become permanent residents, they can live and work anywhere in Canada without restrictions.