Immigration plans in mind? The Canada Parents and Grandparents Program can help you to the fullest in bringing your most loved ones closer to you.
Because no dream feels complete when your family’s miles away. This blog brings you everything you need to know about one of the most sensitive parts of your abroad dreams.
Let’s go…
Table Of Content
1What is the PGP Program in Canada?2Who is Eligible to Sponsor Under Canada’s PGP Program?3Canada PGP Income Requirements4Who Can Be Sponsored Under Canada’s PGP Program?5Canada Parents and Grandparents Program Processing Time6Canada Parents and Grandparents Program Fees7Difference Between PGP and Super Visa for Canada8How CanApprove Supports You in Canada’s PGP Application Process9Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PGP Program in Canada?
The Canada Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program is a key pathway under Canada immigration that enables citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their families by sponsoring their parents and grandparents for permanent residency.
The PGP program in Canada operates through a lottery-based selection system and includes specific eligibility and financial requirements for sponsors.
Who is Eligible to Sponsor Under Canada’s PGP Program?
To sponsor your parents or grandparents through Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be invited to apply (by the Canadian government)
- Be at least 18 years old
- Live in Canada, with your primary address in Canada throughout the process
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
- Meet minimum income requirements for the past three years, with proof of income; a spouse or partner’s income can be included
- Agree to financially support the sponsored persons by signing an undertaking (20 years outside Quebec, 10 years in Quebec)
- Meet all other requirements under Canadian immigration law
- If living in Quebec, meet additional provincial requirements after federal approval
You are ineligible if you are in jail, have defaulted on certain debts or support payments, have declared bankruptcy and are not discharged, receive social assistance (except for disability), or are under a removal order, among other reasons.
Canada PGP Income Requirements
The Canada Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency, supporting family reunification through a formal application process.
Here are the income requirements you must meet to apply for the PGP program:
Income Requirement
Sponsors must meet a minimum income threshold for each of the three years before applying. This ensures they can financially support their parents or grandparents without relying on social assistance.
Family Size
The minimum income required depends on the total family size, which includes the sponsor, their immediate family, and all persons being sponsored. The larger the family, the higher the income requirement.
Proof of Income
Sponsors must provide official Notices of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency for each of the relevant years to prove they meet the income criteria.
PGP Minimum Income Requirement Table (Sample Years)
| Family Size | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 people | $44,530 | $43,082 | $32,898 |
| 3 people | $54,743 | $52,965 | $40,444 |
| 4 people | $66,466 | $64,306 | $49,106 |
| 5 people | $75,384 | $72,935 | $55,694 |
| 6 people | $85,020 | $82,259 | $62,814 |
| 7 people | $94,658 | $91,582 | $69,934 |
| Each additional person | $9,636 | $9,324 | $7,120 |
These figures are subject to change annually, and sponsors in Quebec have different income requirements.
Who Can Be Sponsored Under Canada’s PGP Program?
Planning to bring your loved ones to Canada through the PGP program? Here’s an overview of who can be sponsored under the Parents and Grandparents Program:
Biological or Adopted Parents
You can sponsor your birth parents or parents who legally adopted you.
Biological or Adopted Grandparents
Both your grandparents by birth or adoption are eligible.
Dependent Children of the Parent or Grandparent being Sponsored
If your parent or grandparent has dependent children (such as your siblings, half-siblings, or step-siblings under 22 and unmarried), they can be included in the application.
Divorced Parents or Grandparents and their Current Spouse/Partner
If your parent or grandparent is divorced and now has a new spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner, you may sponsor both, but each requires a separate application.
If they are currently in a relationship, their spouse or partner can also be included in the same application, depending on their marital status.
Note:
- All individuals being sponsored must pass medical, criminal, and background checks.
- Aunts, uncles, and cousins are not eligible under the PGP.
Canada Parents and Grandparents Program Processing Time
The processing time for Canada Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025 is about 24 months for applications outside Quebec and 48 months for those destined for Quebec. These timelines represent the average period from submitting a complete application to receiving a final decision.
Factors Affecting PGP Processing Time:
- Application completeness: Missing or incorrect documents can cause significant delays.
- Volume of applications: High demand and backlogs can extend processing times.
- Country of residence: Processing may be faster or slower depending on local procedures for medical exams and background checks.
- Background and security checks: Issues or delays in these checks can slow down the process.
- Changes in immigration policy: Adjustments to quotas or requirements may impact timelines.
- Additional provincial steps: Quebec applicants face extra processing due to provincial requirements, leading to longer wait times.
To help avoid delays, ensure your application is complete, accurate, and all supporting documents are submitted promptly.
Canada Parents and Grandparents Program Fees
The Canada Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) requires sponsors and applicants to pay several government fees as part of the application process.
Canada PGP Visa Fees Overview:
- The main fee for sponsoring a parent or grandparent is CAD 1,205. This includes the sponsorship fee, principal applicant processing fee, and the right of permanent residence fee.
- If you are also sponsoring the spouse or common-law partner of your parent or grandparent, the fee is CAD 1,210 for that person.
- For each dependent child of your parent or grandparent included in the application, the fee is CAD 175 per child.
- All fees are non-refundable except for the right of permanent residence fee, which is refunded if the application is refused.
PGP Fee Breakdown Table (as of March 2025):
| Applicant Type | Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Parent or Grandparent (main applicant) | $1,205 |
| Spouse/Common-law partner (of parent/grandparent) | $1,210 |
| Dependent child (of parent/grandparent) | $175 |
These fees are subject to change by IRCC, and additional costs (such as biometrics, medical exams, and police certificates) may apply.
Difference Between PGP and Super Visa for Canada
The Canada Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) offers Canada PR to parents and grandparents, allowing them to live and work in Canada indefinitely, but has a limited intake and longer processing times. The Super Visa for parents in Canada is a temporary visa allowing extended visits of up to 5 years per stay, with faster processing and lower financial requirements, but it does not provide permanent residency.
| Feature | Canada Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) | Super Visa Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | PR for parents and grandparents | Temporary long-term visits |
| Length of Stay | Indefinite, permanent residency | Up to 5 years per visit, multiple entries up to 10 years |
| Application Availability | Limited intake, a lottery system once a year | Available year-round |
| Processing Time | Approximately 24 months (outside Quebec) | Approximately 3 months |
| Financial Requirements | Higher minimum necessary income (MNI) for 3 years | Must meet Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) and have private health insurance |
| Sponsorship Commitment | 20-year financial undertaking (10 years in Quebec) | No long-term financial undertaking |
| Status Granted | Permanent Resident | Temporary Resident |
| Eligibility | Canadian citizens or PRs sponsoring parents/grandparents | Parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs |
| Health Insurance Requirement | Not mandatory | Mandatory private health insurance for at least 1 year |
| Ability to Work | Yes, permanent residents can work | No, visitors cannot work |
| Access to Public Health Care | Yes, as permanent residents | No, must have private insurance |
How CanApprove Supports You in Canada’s PGP Application Process
CanApprove provides expert guidance and support to help you successfully migrate to Canada under Canada Parents and Grandparents Program application process.
Eligibility Assessment: Evaluates your profile to confirm you meet all PGP requirements.
Document Preparation: Guides you in collecting and organizing all required documents, including income proof and relationship evidence.
Form Submission: Assists with accurately completing and submitting the interest to sponsor form and full application.
Application Review: Checks your application for errors or missing information to prevent delays or refusals.
Program Updates: Keeps you informed about deadlines, intake periods, and any changes in PGP rules or procedures.
Alternative Options: Advises on alternatives like the Super Visa if you are not selected or eligible for the PGP.
Ongoing Support: Provides updates on your application status and offers guidance until your case is finalized.
