Parents & Grandparents (PGP)

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The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is one of Canada's most cherished and sought-after immigration pathways, embodying the nation's commitment to family reunification. At its core, the PGP allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents (PRs) to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence in Canada. This program is more than just an immigration stream; it's a bridge that reunites families, allowing loved ones to build new lives together in Canada, contributing to the country's social fabric and economic prosperity.

For many Canadian families, the ability to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada is a profound aspiration. It means providing care, sharing cultural heritage, and ensuring that families can thrive together across generations. The PGP recognizes the invaluable role that parents and grandparents play in supporting their families, whether through childcare, emotional support, or contributing to the household and community. Their presence enriches Canadian society, fostering stronger communities and promoting intergenerational connections.

Due to its immense popularity and the high demand for family reunification, the PGP operates on a unique intake system that has varied over the years, often involving a lottery or "Expression of Interest" process. This competitive structure means that while many aspire to sponsor their loved ones, only a limited number of applications are accepted each year. This underscores the critical importance of understanding the eligibility criteria, preparing thoroughly, and acting swiftly when the application window opens.

It's crucial to distinguish the PGP from the Super Visa program. While both facilitate the presence of parents and grandparents in Canada, the PGP offers permanent residence, granting sponsored individuals all the rights and privileges of a Canadian permanent resident, including access to healthcare and social services. The Super Visa, conversely, is a temporary resident visa that allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods (up to five consecutive years) without requiring renewal, but it does not lead to permanent residence. For those committed to long-term family reunification, the PGP remains the definitive pathway. As an RCIC, I guide families through the intricacies of both options, helping them choose the most suitable path for their unique circumstances.

Sponsoring your parents and grandparents through the PGP involves stringent eligibility criteria for both the sponsor in Canada and the parents/grandparents wishing to immigrate. Understanding these requirements thoroughly is the first critical step in a successful application.

Sponsor Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible to sponsor your parents or grandparents, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residence: You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada. Individuals living in Canada on a temporary basis (e.g., on a work permit or study permit) are not eligible to sponsor.
• Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Residency in Canada: You must reside in Canada at the time of your application and commit to continuing to reside in Canada throughout the sponsorship period.
• Income Requirements (Low Income Cut-Off - LICO): This is one of the most significant hurdles. You must meet or exceed the minimum necessary income (MNI) for your family size, which is based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus 30%. This income must be demonstrated for the three consecutive tax years immediately preceding the date you submit your interest to sponsor. The specific LICO + 30% thresholds are updated annually by IRCC and vary based on the number of people you are responsible for (including yourself, your spouse/common-law partner, dependent children, any other sponsored individuals, and the parents/grandparents you intend to sponsor).
  • Proof of Income: Acceptable proof includes Notices of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the required tax years.
  • Co-Signer Option: Your spouse or common-law partner can co-sign the sponsorship application, allowing their income to be included to meet the MNI. If they co-sign, they are equally bound by the sponsorship undertaking.
• Sponsorship Undertaking: You must sign an undertaking promising to provide financial support for your sponsored parents/grandparents for a specific period (currently 20 years from the date they become permanent residents). This undertaking is a binding legal agreement.
• No Social Assistance: You must not be receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability.
• No Criminal Record: You must not have a criminal record for certain offences, particularly those involving violence, sexual offences, or offences against a family member.
• No Default on Previous Sponsorship Undertakings: If you have previously sponsored someone and defaulted on your financial obligations, you will be ineligible to sponsor again until the default is resolved.
• No Default on Support Payments: You must not be in default of any court order for alimony or child support payments.
• No Bankruptcy: You cannot be an undischarged bankrupt.
• No Previous Conviction: You cannot have been convicted of an offence that resulted in deportation.

Sponsored Person Eligibility Requirements (Parents & Grandparents):

The individuals you wish to sponsor must meet the following criteria:

• Relationship: They must be your biological or adopted mother, father, grandmother, or grandfather.
  • Spouses/Common-Law Partners: Their spouse or common-law partner can be included in the same application. If your parents or grandparents are divorced or separated, you can only sponsor one parent/grandparent and their new spouse/common-law partner, if applicable.
  • Ineligible Relatives: Siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and other relatives are generally not eligible under the PGP.
• Admissibility to Canada: Like all immigrants, your parents and grandparents must be admissible to Canada. This means they must pass:
  • Medical Examination: They must undergo a medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician and be deemed medically admissible.
  • Criminality and Security Checks: They must not have a criminal record and must pass security background checks.
• Intention to Reside: They must intend to reside in Canada as permanent residents.

Meeting these requirements is complex, and even minor errors or omissions can lead to refusal. Working with an RCIC ensures all criteria are met and documentation is impeccable.

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) application process can be lengthy and intricate, primarily due to its unique intake system. Here's a detailed, numbered breakdown of the typical steps involved:

1. Step 1: Express Interest to Sponsor (EOI)

   • Monitor IRCC Announcements: The PGP intake window is usually announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) once a year. This window is often very short (e.g., a few weeks or even days).
   • Complete the Online Interest to Sponsor Form: During the designated intake period, eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents must submit an online "Interest to Sponsor" form on the IRCC website. This form gathers basic information about the potential sponsor and the individuals they wish to sponsor.
   • Crucial Note: This is not an application. It's an expression of your desire to sponsor and places your name into a pool of potential sponsors. Due to high demand, IRCC typically receives far more EOIs than available spots.

2. Step 2: Invitation to Apply (ITA)

   • Random Selection: IRCC conducts a random draw from the pool of eligible sponsors who submitted an EOI. If selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) via email.
   • Limited Window: The ITA will specify a deadline (typically 60 days) by which you must submit a complete application package. This is a critical period requiring swift action.

3. Step 3: Prepare and Submit the Full Application Package

   • Gather Documents: This is the most extensive step. You will need to collect a vast array of documents for both the sponsor(s) and the sponsored parent(s)/grandparent(s). This includes:
     • Sponsor Documents: Proof of Canadian citizenship/PR, detailed income records (NOAs for the past three tax years), proof of current employment, marriage certificate (if co-signing), birth certificates of dependent children, etc.
     • Sponsored Person Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, identity documents, police certificates from all countries where they've lived for 6 months or more since age 18, photos, etc.
     • Relationship Proof: Documents proving the relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored parents/grandparents (e.g., sponsor's birth certificate listing parents).
   • Complete Application Forms: Fill out all required IRCC application forms accurately and completely.
   • Pay Government Fees: Pay all applicable government processing fees, including the sponsorship fee, principal applicant fee, and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF).
   • Submission: Submit the complete application package, including all forms, supporting documents, and fee receipts, to IRCC by the ITA deadline. Incomplete applications will be refused.

4. Step 4: Biometrics and Medical Examinations

   • Biometrics Request: After submitting the application, IRCC will send a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) to the sponsored individuals. They will need to provide their fingerprints and a photo at a designated Service Canada location or an IRCC-approved biometric collection service point within a specified timeframe.
   • Medical Exam Request: IRCC will also issue instructions for the mandatory medical examination. Sponsored individuals must visit an IRCC-approved panel physician for their health assessment.

5. Step 5: Background and Security Checks

   • IRCC conducts thorough background and security checks on all sponsored individuals to ensure they are admissible to Canada. This involves verifying information provided, checking criminal records, and assessing security risks. This stage can often be the longest part of the processing.

6. Step 6: Final Decision

   • Approval: If the application is approved, IRCC will send a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if required, a permanent resident visa.
   • Refusal: If the application is refused, IRCC will provide reasons for the refusal. In some cases, there may be options to appeal or re-apply.

7. Step 7: Permanent Residence Confirmation (Landing)

   • Upon receiving the COPR, the sponsored parents/grandparents become permanent residents of Canada. If they are outside Canada, they will use their COPR and visa to enter Canada. If they are already in Canada, their status will be adjusted.

Throughout this complex process, the guidance of an RCIC is invaluable to ensure deadlines are met, documents are correctly prepared, and common pitfalls are avoided.

Navigating the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) requires a clear understanding of both the time commitment and the financial investment involved. As an RCIC, I emphasize that these are estimates and can fluctuate significantly.

Processing Times:

It's crucial to understand that PGP processing times are divided into several stages, and the overall journey can be quite lengthy.

• Expression of Interest (EOI) to Invitation to Apply (ITA): This initial phase is highly unpredictable. The EOI window typically opens once a year, and the draw for ITAs occurs sometime after the window closes. There is no set timeline for when an ITA will be issued after submitting an EOI, as it depends on the random selection process and IRCC's operational capacity. Some applicants may wait months, while many may not be selected in a given year.
• Application Processing After ITA: Once an ITA is received and the complete application package is submitted, IRCC's published processing times generally range from 20 to 24 months. However, this is an average and can vary based on several factors:
  • Country of Origin: Applications from certain countries may take longer due to varying security check complexities or document verification processes.
  • Completeness of Application: Incomplete applications or those requiring additional information will inevitably face delays.
  • IRCC Backlog and Workload: IRCC's operational capacity and the volume of applications received directly impact processing times. Global events and policy changes can also play a role.
  • Applicant Responsiveness: Delays in providing biometrics, completing medical exams, or responding to IRCC requests will prolong the process.
• Overall Timeline: From the initial EOI submission to the final decision, the entire process can easily span 2 to 4 years, or even longer, especially considering the uncertainty of the EOI selection.

It is always recommended to check the official IRCC website for the most up-to-date processing times, as they are subject to change without prior notice.

Financial Requirements & Costs:

The costs associated with the PGP can be categorized into government fees and other potential expenses.

• Government Processing Fees (Paid to IRCC):

  • Sponsorship Fee: CAD $105
  • Principal Applicant Processing Fee (Parent/Grandparent): CAD $570
  • Spouse/Common-Law Partner Processing Fee (if applicable): CAD $570
  • Dependent Child Processing Fee (if applicable, e.g., if a dependent child is accompanying a sponsored parent): CAD $155 per child
  • Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD $575 per adult (principal applicant and spouse/common-law partner). This fee is usually paid before permanent residence is granted but can sometimes be paid upfront.
  • Biometrics Fee: CAD $85 per person, or CAD $170 for a family of 2 or more.
  • Total Government Fees (for one parent): Approximately CAD $1,335 (Sponsorship + PA + RPRF + Biometrics).
  • Total Government Fees (for two parents/grandparents, e.g., a couple): Approximately CAD $2,580 (Sponsorship + 2xPA + 2xRPRF + Biometrics).

• Other Potential Costs:

  • Medical Examination Fees: These are paid directly to the panel physician and vary by country and clinic, typically ranging from CAD $150 to $350 per person.
  • Police Certificates: Fees for obtaining police certificates vary by country.
  • Document Translation: If any supporting documents are not in English or French, they must be translated by a certified translator, incurring additional costs.
  • RCIC Professional Fees: Engaging a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) provides invaluable expertise and support throughout the complex application process. RCIC fees vary based on the scope of services provided but typically range from CAD $3,000 to $7,000 for a PGP application, depending on the complexity and number of applicants. This investment significantly increases the chances of a successful application by ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely submission.

• Income Requirement (LICO + 30%): While not a direct "cost" in terms of fees, the sponsor must demonstrate that they meet the minimum necessary income (MNI) for their family size, which is LICO + 30%. This is a crucial financial prerequisite that must be maintained for three consecutive tax years.

It's vital for sponsors to budget for both the application fees and the potential ongoing financial support committed through the sponsorship undertaking.

Q1: What if I don't meet the income requirements for the PGP? Are there alternatives?

A1: Meeting the minimum necessary income (MNI), which is LICO + 30% for three consecutive tax years, is a non-negotiable requirement for the PGP. If you consistently fall short of this threshold, you will unfortunately not be eligible to sponsor your parents or grandparents for permanent residence under this program.

However, a highly recommended alternative is the Super Visa. The Super Visa is a multi-entry temporary resident visa that allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods, up to five years at a time, without needing to renew their status. While it does not lead to permanent residence, it provides a valuable pathway for long-term visits. The income requirement for the Super Visa is less stringent than the PGP, requiring the sponsor to meet the regular LICO (not LICO + 30%) for the current year, and the sponsored parents/grandparents must also obtain private Canadian medical insurance for at least one year. This makes it a more accessible option for many families seeking to reunite temporarily.

Q2: Can I sponsor my spouse's parents or grandparents?

A2: Yes, you can include your spouse's parents or grandparents in your PGP application, but only if your spouse or common-law partner is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident themselves and agrees to co-sign the sponsorship application. When your spouse co-signs, their income can be combined with yours to meet the minimum necessary income (MNI) requirement. Both you and your spouse will be jointly and severally liable for the financial undertaking to support the sponsored individuals for the 20-year period. If your spouse is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or if they do not wish to co-sign, you cannot include their parents or grandparents in your application unless they are also your biological or adopted parents/grandparents.

Q3: Can I sponsor more than one set of parents or grandparents?

A3: Yes, you can sponsor more than one set of parents or grandparents, but each set (e.g., your maternal grandparents, and then your paternal grandparents) would generally require a separate Expression of Interest and, if invited, a separate application process. However, if your parents are a couple (married or common-law), they would be included in one application as the principal applicant and their spouse/partner. The same applies to grandparents who are a couple. Your income must be sufficient to meet the MNI for all individuals you are sponsoring, including yourself and any other family members for whom you are financially responsible. It's important to remember that the PGP is highly competitive, and receiving an ITA for one set of parents/grandparents does not guarantee an ITA for another.

Q4: What happens if my PGP application is refused?

A4: If your PGP application is refused, the reasons for refusal will be provided by IRCC. Common reasons include not meeting the income requirements, incomplete documentation, failure to pass medical or security checks, or misrepresentation.

• Review the Refusal Letter: Carefully read the refusal letter to understand the exact reasons.
• Appeal (Limited Cases): If the refusal is based on a "finding of fact" regarding your eligibility as a sponsor (e.g., income calculation error, relationship proof), you might be able to appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) within 30 days of receiving the refusal. However, most refusals for PGP applications are not eligible for appeal to the IAD, particularly those related to the sponsored person's inadmissibility.
• Re-apply: If the issues leading to the refusal can be rectified (e.g., you now meet income requirements, missing documents can be provided, or a previous inadmissibility issue has been resolved), you may be able to re-apply in a future PGP intake cycle. This would mean submitting a new Expression of Interest and waiting for another ITA.
• Consider the Super Visa: As mentioned, if permanent residence is not immediately feasible, the Super Visa remains an excellent option for long-term visits, allowing your parents or grandparents to spend significant time in Canada with you.

It is highly recommended to consult with an RCIC immediately upon receiving a refusal. An RCIC can analyze the refusal reasons, advise on the best course of action, and assist with any appeal or re-application process.