Overview
Canada's Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) lets Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence. It reunites families so that older relatives can live in Canada with their children and grandchildren.
Current status: on July 15, 2026, IRCC paused new PGP intake. It is not accepting new Interest to Sponsor forms or issuing new invitations to apply until further notice, and no reopening date has been announced. Applications already submitted after an invitation continue to be processed. Check IRCC's PGP page for the latest update.
While you wait, the Super Visa lets your parents or grandparents stay with you for up to 5 years at a time. Speak with us about the best option for your family.
The Lottery System
Before the July 2026 pause, PGP invitations were issued from an Interest to Sponsor pool, selected at random by IRCC:
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Interested sponsors must submit an Interest to Sponsor Form during the designated period announced by IRCC
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Those not selected may try again in future years.
IRCC randomly selects individuals and invites them to apply for sponsorship
For applications already in the queue, processing times vary and depend on factors like:
• The volume of applications IRCC has received
• Whether the application is complete and error-free
• The visa office handling the application
IRCC has indicated that processing can take well over two years. Check IRCC's processing-times tool for the latest estimate.
Processing time
PGP eligibility requirements
To sponsor a parent or grandparent, the sponsor must:
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Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
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Be at least 18 years old.
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Meet the minimum income requirement (based on family size) for the last 3 consecutive years, as proven through Notices of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
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Commit to a 20-year undertaking to provide financial support to the sponsored individual(s) and ensure they do not rely on social assistance.
The sponsored parent or grandparent must:
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Be the biological or adoptive parent/grandparent of the sponsor.
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Pass medical, criminal, and security checks required by IRCC.
Who Qualifies?
Examples of qualified applicants include:
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Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
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Sponsors with sufficient income to support the undertaking.
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Elderly family members who meet the medical and security requirements.
Who DOES NOT Qualify?
Sponsors who:
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Do not meet the income requirement.
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Have defaulted on previous sponsorship agreements or court-ordered payments.
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Are receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability.
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Are bankrupt or under a removal order.
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Parents or grandparents with medical conditions that pose excessive demand on Canada’s healthcare system.
Common Challenges in Parents Sponsorship Application
Applying for parents and grandparents sponsorship can be a rewarding yet complex process. This section highlights common challenges applicants face, helping you better prepare for a smoother journey to reunite with your family.
Income Requirement
Sponsors must prove they meet the minimum necessary income (MNI) for 3 consecutive years, which increases with family size. Missing even one year of required income can make a sponsor ineligible.
Document Collection
Multiple forms, financial documents, medical reports, and police clearances are required. Missing or incomplete documentation leads to delays or refusal.
Strict Deadlines
Once invited to apply, sponsors must submit the complete application package within the specified timeframe.
Medical and Security Clearances
Sponsored individuals must pass strict medical exams and security checks, which can delay the process.
Uncertainty with the Lottery System
Many eligible sponsors are not selected due to the limited number of invitations issued each year.
Alternative Options:
What If You’re Stuck in the 2020 Pool or Waiting for the Draw to Reopen?
If you’re still in the 2020 Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship pool and haven’t been chosen, or if you’re waiting for IRCC to reopen the program, you might feel frustrated and unsure of what to do next.
For families in this situation, the Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) program may be an option to consider. While it’s not a straightforward pathway like the Parent Sponsorship program, H&C applications can provide a route to permanent residency in unique and compelling cases, especially for families with strong ties to Canada or where significant hardship exists.
Important Note:
Certain restrictions apply to H&C applications, and not every case is eligible. Consulting with an expert is crucial to understanding whether this pathway might work for your family.
Reach out to us today to explore your options and see if the H&C program could be a fit for your family’s unique circumstances. Don’t let delays keep you from reuniting with your loved ones—let us guide you toward the best possible solution!
FAQ
1 / What is the minimum income required to sponsor a parent?
The minimum income depends on your family size and is set by IRCC. Check IRCC's current income table, or ask us to review your numbers.
2 / What if I don’t meet the income requirement?
You can wait until you meet the requirement or explore other pathways like a Super Visa for long-term visits.
3 / How does the lottery system work?
Before the pause, you submitted an Interest to Sponsor form and IRCC randomly selected sponsors to invite. As of July 15, 2026, IRCC is not accepting new forms or issuing invitations. Check IRCC for updates.
4 / Can I apply if my parent has a medical condition?
Yes, but their condition must not pose an excessive demand on Canada’s healthcare system.
5 / What happens if my parent’s application is refused?
You may appeal the decision or reapply with a stronger case. Consulting a professional is highly recommended to address the reasons for refusal effectively.
6 / What is the difference between the Parent Sponsorship Program and the Super Visa?
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Parent Sponsorship provides permanent residency, while the Super Visa allows long-term temporary visits for up to 10 years.
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The income requirement is lower for the Super Visa, and it’s a faster option for those not selected in the lottery.
7 / How long does the process take?
Parent sponsorship applications typically take 2-3 years to process, depending on the complexity of the case and whether additional documentation is required.
8 / Do parents receive social benefits after being sponsored?
Sponsored parents are not eligible for most benefits for the first 20 years due to the sponsorship undertaking, which ensures the sponsor is financially responsible.
9 / Can I sponsor both parents and grandparents at the same time?
Yes, as long as you meet the financial requirements for the combined family size.
10 / Can I sponsor my step-parent or adoptive parent?
Yes, step-parents and adoptive parents are eligible as long as they meet all program requirements.