Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)

Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) – A Complete Guide

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency in Canada. This program is managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and is one of the key pathways for family reunification in Canada.

1. Eligibility for Sponsors:

To sponsor a parent or grandparent under the PGP, the sponsor must meet the following requirements:

Status in Canada: Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
Residency: Must be residing in Canada.
Financial Requirement: Must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the last three tax years based on family size.
Financial Commitment: Must sign a 20-year undertaking (10 years for Quebec sponsors) to provide financial support to the sponsored person.

2. Who Can Be Sponsored?

You can sponsor:
Your biological or adoptive parents.
Your biological or adoptive grandparents.
?If parents are divorced or separated, both can be sponsored separately with their spouses.

Note:You cannot sponsor aunts,uncles,or siblings under this program.

A medical exam,police clearance,and biometrics are required for applicants.

3. How the PGP Works (Application Process)

Step 1: Submit an Interest to Sponsor Form:

IRCC opens the Interest to Sponsor form for a limited time (usually once a year).

Potential sponsors must fill out and submit the form online.

IRCC randomly selects sponsors through a lottery system.

Step 2: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA):

Selected sponsors receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

They have 60 days to submit a complete sponsorship application.

Step 3: Submit Sponsorship and PR Application:

Sponsors must submit both: 

Sponsorship application (for IRCC approval as a sponsor).

Permanent Residence application (for the parents/grandparents).

Step 4: Application Processing & Decision

IRCC reviews the application,conducts background checks, and verifies eligibility.

Processing time varies, typically 24-48 months.

Approved applicants receive Permanent Resident (PR) status and can live in Canada permanently.

4. Processing Time & Fees

Processing Time:Outside Quebec: ~ 24 months.

Quebec Applicants: ~ 48 months (Quebec has additional steps).

Fees (as of 2025):

Sponsorship Fee:$85 CAD

Principal Applicant Processing Fee:$547 CAD

Right of Permanent Residence Fee(RPRF):$575 CAD

Biometrics:$85 CAD per person

Total Cost Per Applicant:-$1205 CAD

5. Alternative Option:Super Visa

If you are not selected for PGP, another option is the Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit, with multiple entries for 10 years.

Super Visa Requirements:Medical insurance coverage of at least $100,000 CAD.
Proof of financial support from the sponsor.
Medical exam & police clearance.

6. Latest Updates for PGP 2025:

IRCC will issue invitations in 2025 from the pool of Interest to Sponsor forms submitted in 2020.

No new intake forms will be accepted in 2025.

Details on income requirements and application deadlines will be announced by IRCC.

Conclusion:

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a great way for Canadian citizens and PR holders to bring their loved ones to Canada permanently. However, due to the lottery-based selection process and high demand,the Super Visa remains a viable alternative.