Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) stands as a unique immigration pathway that empowers both Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for Canadian permanent residence, fostering family reunification and a brighter future.

Eligibility Criteria for PGP Canada

Sponsoring parents or grandparents through the PGP requires meeting specific eligibility criteria:

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act.
• Possess an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
• Attain a minimum age of 18.
• Reside in Canada.
• Demonstrate adequate income to support the sponsored family members.
• Fulfill all stipulated requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations.

Responsibilities and Obligations of Sponsors

Aspiring sponsors embracing the PGP must enter an undertaking agreement with IRCC. Sponsors outside Quebec commit to financially supporting sponsored family members for 20 years after their permanent residency. Additionally, any provincial social assistance received by the sponsored family member during this period must be repaid.

This commitment extends to providing essential needs such as food, clothing, and utilities.

For sponsors residing in Quebec, the obligation extends to 10 years from the sponsored family members’ permanent residency date.

Minimum Income Requirements for Sponsorship

All sponsors must demonstrate sufficient financial capability to support their parents and grandparents in Canada. If selected for application, sponsors must prove they meet the income requirements for the last three tax years. Co-signers, such as spouses or common-law partners, can contribute their income from the last three tax years to fulfill the minimum income threshold. Income evaluation for 2021 applications will encompass tax years 2020, 2019, and 2018.

The exact income threshold depends on family size, number of sponsored individuals, and residency location (Quebec or elsewhere).

Related Links:

Family Class Sponsorship Program
Spouse/Common-Law/Conjugal Partner and Child Sponsorship
Sponsorship of Parents and Grandparents
Canada Super Visa

Sponsorship with a Co-Signer

Spouses or common-law partners can act as co-signers for PGP applications. When a co-signer participates, their income contributes to meeting the minimum income requirement. Additionally, the co-signer must pledge financial support for the sponsored parents or grandparents.

Residency Requirement for Sponsors

To sponsor parents or grandparents through the PGP, the sponsor must be a resident of Canada. The application mandates a primary residential address in Canada from submission until a decision is reached.

Navigating the Invitation Process

To secure an Invitation to Apply under the PGP, sponsors must submit an interest to sponsor form through the IRCC PGP portal. While the portal periodically accepts new forms, please note that the PGP portal is currently closed.

Selection from the PGP Portal

The selection of interest to sponsor forms from the PGP portal occurs through a random process. Selected applicants receive a confirmation number via email, essential for submitting the complete sponsorship application for parents or grandparents.

Application Documents for the PGP Pool

Submitting an interest to sponsor form via the PGP portal does not require document submission. Instead, applicants must furnish information demonstrating compliance with PGP program eligibility criteria. This encompasses sponsor details, family information, and the intended parents or grandparents. Additionally, income details for the past three tax years must be provided.

Documentation for Permanent Residency Application

Upon receiving an Invitation to Apply for the PGP Canada, applicants must submit a comprehensive application package. This includes:

• Completed application forms.
• Proof of Canadian status.
• Confirmation of physical presence in Canada.
• Civil status documents.
• Evidence of meeting the minimum income requirement for the three tax years preceding the application.
• Police clearances from countries of residence for over six months after turning 18.
• Medical certificates for parents or grandparents.
• Payment proof for applicable government fees.
• Digital photo.

Submitting Your PGP Application

Applications must be submitted online via IRCC’s permanent residence application portal. Only individuals with disabilities preventing online application can request an exemption to submit a paper-based application. Such requests should be sent via email soon after receiving the invitation to apply.

Timelines for Submission

After receiving an Invitation to Apply, a comprehensive PGP sponsorship application must be submitted within 60 days. The deadline specifics are outlined in the invitation received from IRCC.

No Job Offer Required

Parents and grandparents sponsored through the PGP need not possess a job offer in Canada. Equally, they are not obligated to work in Canada upon obtaining permanent residency through the PGP.

Language Proficiency Not Mandatory

Parents and grandparents sponsored via the PGP are not required to demonstrate English or French language proficiency.

Including Siblings in the PGP Application

Eligible siblings can be included in a PGP application. To qualify, siblings must be below 22 years old during application submission or financially reliant on parents or grandparents due to physical or mental conditions.

Sponsoring In-Laws

Sponsoring in-laws under the PGP is not permissible. However, you can co-sign your spouse’s PGP sponsorship application if they meet the sponsor eligibility criteria.

Requirements for Sponsored Parents and Grandparents

Sponsored parents or grandparents must share a blood or adoptive relationship with the sponsor. They must also undergo medical examinations, demonstrate criminal admissibility, and provide biometric data.

Sponsorship for Individuals with Medical Conditions

For sponsorship eligibility, sponsored parents or grandparents must pass a medical examination verifying their medical admissibility.

Fees for Processing PGP Applications

Submitting an interest to sponsor form via the PGP portal incurs no processing fees. However, when invited to apply, application processing fees are mandatory. These fees comprise $1050 per adult sponsored and $150 per dependent child included in the application.

Processing Timelines

As per IRCC’s estimates, processing times for PGP applications typically range between 20 to 24 months.

Future PGP Canada Intake

In 2023, the program aims to bring in 28,500 permanent residents, reflecting a strong commitment to family reunification.

Super Visa Program for Waiting Periods

While awaiting PGP application processing, parents and grandparents can travel to Canada using the super visa program. This program enables eligible individuals to visit Canada for periods of up to 2 years.

Exploring Alternatives: Super Visa

If you did not receive an invitation in the recent round, you can still welcome your parents and grandparents to Canada through the super visa program. This allows them to visit for up to 2 years at a time.