The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a Canadian immigration pathway that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence in Canada. This family reunification program is designed to help families stay together by enabling older family members to live permanently in Canada and benefit from healthcare, social support systems, and a higher quality of life.
Managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the PGP program operates through a lottery-based invitation system, making it one of the most competitive family sponsorship streams in Canada. Successful applicants receive Canadian permanent resident status, allowing them to live, work, and access healthcare in Canada.
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a federal immigration program that allows eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency. Unlike other sponsorship programs, PGP operates through a randomized invitation system, meaning interested sponsors must first submit an Interest to Sponsor form and wait for an invitation to apply from IRCC.
Once selected, sponsors can submit a complete application for permanent residence on behalf of their parents or grandparents. Approved applicants receive permanent residency status and can settle in Canada with access to public services and benefits.
To sponsor parents or grandparents under the PGP program, the sponsor must meet specific eligibility requirements set by IRCC. The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years of age, and residing in Canada. Sponsors must also demonstrate sufficient financial ability to support their parents or grandparents.
Under the PGP program, eligible family members include biological or adoptive parents and grandparents. In some cases, additional dependents of the parents or grandparents may also be included in the application if they meet IRCC dependency requirements.
The sponsored individuals must undergo medical examinations, background checks, and security screening before receiving permanent resident status in Canada.
The first step in the PGP process is submitting an online “Interest to Sponsor” form during the intake period announced by IRCC. This form collects basic information about the sponsor and determines eligibility for future invitations.
Due to high demand, IRCC uses a lottery system to randomly select sponsors from the pool of eligible applicants. Only those selected receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the full sponsorship application.
One of the most important eligibility factors in the Parents and Grandparents Program is the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI). Sponsors must prove they have sufficient income to support their family unit, including the sponsored parents or grandparents.
IRCC typically requires income proof for the last three consecutive tax years. Sponsors may also include their co-signer spouse or common-law partner to meet income thresholds if necessary.
The PGP program provides several long-term benefits for families who wish to reunite in Canada. It allows aging parents and grandparents to live permanently with their children and grandchildren, creating stronger family support systems.
For families not selected under the PGP lottery system, the Super Visa offers an alternative option. The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods of up to five years per stay, with multiple entries over a 10-year period.
While it does not grant permanent residency, the Super Visa is a flexible option for families who wish to spend extended time together in Canada while waiting for future PGP intake opportunities.
The Parents and Grandparents Program follows a structured application process that begins with the invitation system and ends with permanent residency approval.
Processing times for the Parents and Grandparents Program can vary depending on application volume, background checks, and document completeness. Because of high demand and limited intake, processing may take longer compared to other family sponsorship streams.
Submitting accurate documentation and meeting all eligibility requirements helps reduce delays and improves the likelihood of successful approval.
PGP applications may be refused for several reasons, especially if eligibility or financial requirements are not met.
Sponsors under the PGP program must sign a legally binding undertaking to financially support their parents or grandparents for a specified period. This includes basic needs such as housing, food, clothing, and healthcare expenses not covered by provincial insurance systems.
The financial undertaking typically lasts for 20 years, depending on the province of residence, and ensures that sponsored family members do not rely on social assistance.
Given the complexity and competitiveness of the Parents and Grandparents Program, many applicants seek professional immigration assistance. Consultants can help ensure eligibility, prepare strong financial documentation, and improve the accuracy of applications.
Professional support is especially useful for income verification, invitation tracking, and managing tight submission deadlines after receiving an Invitation to Apply.
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is one of Canada’s most important family reunification pathways, allowing citizens and permanent residents to bring their loved ones to live permanently in Canada. Although the program is highly competitive due to its lottery-based selection system, successful applicants gain long-term benefits including permanent residency, healthcare access, and family stability. With proper preparation, financial readiness, and accurate documentation, families can significantly improve their chances of reuniting under this valuable immigration program.
Book a consultation with our immigration experts today.
Book AppointmentCan Entry Immigration proudly assists clients across India, Canada, and international destinations with study visas, work permits, visitor visas, PR applications, and citizenship services.