Parents & Grandparents Program (PGP): Complete Guide

What Is the Parents and Grandparents Program?

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence in Canada. Due to high demand, the PGP operates through an interest-to-sponsor intake process with limited spots each year.

---

Eligibility

Sponsor Requirements

Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)

You must prove income for the 3 most recent tax years (using your Notice of Assessment):

“

Important: Family size includes you, your spouse/partner, your dependents, AND the people you're sponsoring (and their dependents).

---

How the Intake Process Works

1. IRCC opens the Interest to Sponsor form — typically once per year
2. Submit your interest — during the open window
3. Random selection — IRCC randomly selects potential sponsors from the pool
4. Invitation to apply — selected sponsors receive an invitation
5. Submit full application — within 60 days of invitation
6. Processing — IRCC reviews and decides

Recent Intake Numbers

---

Processing Times

---

The 20-Year Undertaking

When you sponsor parents/grandparents, you sign a 20-year undertaking:

---

Tips

1. Start early with income — you need 3 years of MNI, so plan ahead
2. Submit interest as soon as the window opens — don't delay
3. Super Visa is your backup — while waiting for PGP selection
4. Income can include spouse's income — if co-signing
5. The 20-year undertaking is serious — understand your obligations
6. Keep all tax documents — NOAs for 3 years are essential

Source: IRCC — Sponsor Parents & Grandparents