Parent-Grandparent Sponsorship

Explore our products

Provide a short description of categories listed below.

Parent-Grandparent Sponsorship

Write a short description of this category

Super Visa

Write a short description of this category

Other Family Members

Understanding the PGP Process

The Parent and Grandparent Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence in Canada.

Key Points

• Submitting an Interest to Sponsor does NOT guarantee you'll be invited

• The lottery is random - meeting requirements doesn't improve your chances of being selected

• You must be ready to apply immediately if invited

• If not selected, you can try again when the next intake period opens

We help you:

• Prepare in advance so you're ready if selected

• Submit a complete application within the 60-day deadline

• Gather all required income and identity documents

The PGP Lottery System

The PGP program is highly competitive and operates through a lottery system:

How it works:

1. IRCC opens a brief period (usually a few weeks) for people to submit an Interest to Sponsor form

2. Hundreds of thousands of people submit forms during this short window

3. IRCC randomly selects a limited number of potential sponsors (usually 20,000-30,000 per year) and invites them to apply

4. If you are invited, you have 60 days to submit a complete sponsorship application

Income Requirements --The Biggest Challenge

The income requirement is where most potential sponsors face difficulty. You must prove that you earned at least the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for 3 consecutive taxation years immediately before you apply.

The MNI is based on:

• The Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) + 30%

• The number of people in your household (including yourself, your spouse/dependents, anyone you've previously sponsored, and the parents/grandparents you want to sponsor)

Income requirements are strict:

• You must meet or exceed the MNI for ALL 3 years

• Even one year below the threshold disqualifies you

• Income must be from Canadian sources and reportable to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

We help you:

• Calculate whether you meet the income requirements

• Determine which income sources count

• Gather proof of income documentation (Notices of Assessment, T4s, T1s, etc.)

• Address complex income situations (self-employment, multiple jobs, co-signers, etc.)

For detailed information about income calculation and what counts as eligible income, see the FAQ section below.

The Undertaking - Your Legal Commitment

When you sponsor your parents or grandparents, you sign an undertaking - a legal commitment to financially support them for 20 years from the date they become permanent residents.

This means:

• You are responsible for their basic needs (food, shelter, clothing)

• If they receive social assistance during this 20-year period, the government may seek repayment from you

• This undertaking is legally binding even if your relationship breaks down or circumstances change

This is a significant, long-term financial responsibility. We ensure you understand what you're committing to before you apply.

Bring Your Parents or Grandparents to Canada Sooner

If you were not selected for the PGP lottery, or if you want your parents or grandparents to come to Canada while you wait for PGP processing, the Super Visa may be an option.

For more information about Super Visa requirements and the application process, visit our Visitor Visa Page.

Sponsoring Other Family Members

In certain rare circumstances, if you have no other family members you could sponsor (no spouse, partner, parent, grandparent, child, or sibling who is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian), you may be able to sponsor one relative of any age or relationship.

This is sometimes called the "Lonely Canadian" provision and is intended for situations where you have no close family in Canada and no ability to sponsor immediate relatives.

Eligibility is very narrow and strictly assessed. If you believe you may qualify to sponsor another relative, contact us for an assessment.

Frequently asked questions

How do I enter the PGP lottery?

IRCC opens a brief period (usually a few weeks) each year where you can submit an Interest to Sponsor form online. You must watch for announcements on the IRCC website. The next intake period has not been announced yet.

How is the income requirement calculated?

The Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) is based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) + 30% for your total household size. Your household includes: you (the sponsor), your spouse/partner, your dependent children, anyone you've previously sponsored who is still under undertaking, and the parents/grandparents you want to sponsor. For example, if you live alone and want to sponsor both parents, your household size is 3 people, and you need to meet LICO + 30% for 3 people for each of the 3 taxation years.

What are my chances of being selected?

The lottery is random. Hundreds of thousands of people submit Interest to Sponsor forms, but only 20,000-30,000 are typically invited to apply. Your chances depend on the number of submissions that year, but it's highly competitive.

What income counts toward the requirement?

Income that counts includes: employment income, self-employment income (net income after expenses), pension income, Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, and disability benefits. Income that does NOT count includes: social assistance (welfare), student loans, capital gains, RRSP withdrawals (in most cases), and investment income from assets. We help you determine which of your income sources are eligible.

What if I'm not selected?

You can try again when the next intake period opens. In the meantime, consider the Super Visa option to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada temporarily.

Can my parents work in Canada after they get PR?

Yes. Once they become permanent residents, they have the same rights as other PRs, including the right to work, access to healthcare, and eligibility for citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Can I sponsor just one parent?

Yes, you can sponsor one parent or both parents. You can also sponsor just grandparents, or any combination of eligible relatives. As income requirements are based on total household size, if you are sponsoring one parent, you will need to meet LICO + 30% for your household size including that parent accordingly.

Ready to Sponsor Your Parents or Grandparents?

If you're preparing for the next PGP intake, were recently invited to apply, or want to explore Super Visa options, we're here to help.