Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)

Sponsoring your parents and grandparents is a rewarding experience that can bring your family closer together. It can also be a complex process, with many requirements that you need to meet.

In this guide, we will walk you through the entire process of sponsoring your parents and grandparents to immigrate to Canada. We will cover everything from eligibility requirements to required documents to processing times.

We will also discuss the benefits of sponsoring your parents and grandparents, as well as some alternatives to sponsorship. Finally, we will provide some tips to help you avoid common mistakes.

Whether you are just starting to think about sponsorship or you are ready to submit your application, we have the information you need.

How to sponsor your parents and grandparents in Canada?

1. Check your eligibility. You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and living in Canada. You must also meet the minimum income requirements and be willing to sign a sponsorship undertaking.
2. Check your parents’ and grandparents’ eligibility. They must be your biological or adoptive parents or grandparents, admissible to Canada, and meet the minimum health requirements.
3. Submit a sponsorship application. You can submit the application online or by mail. The application will ask for information about you, your parents and grandparents, and your financial situation. You will also need to provide supporting documentation, such as proof of income, proof of relationship, and police certificates.
4. Pay the application fees. There is a fee for each person you are sponsoring.
5. Wait for a decision. The IRCC will review your application and may request additional information. If your application is approved, your parents and grandparents will be able to apply for permanent resident status.
6. Help your parents and grandparents immigrate to Canada. Once your parents and grandparents have been approved for permanent resident status, they will be able to immigrate to Canada. You can help them with the immigration process by providing them with information and support.

How to submit an application to the PGP?

Requirements for sponsoring parents and grandparents in Canada

If you have been invited to apply for the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP), you must submit an application to sponsor your parents and grandparents. The application process requires you to submit the following:

Proof of applicant’s eligibility

• Completed application forms
• Proof of status in Canada
• Proof of physical presence in Canada
• Proof of meeting minimum income requirements for the three tax years before submitting the application

Proof of sponsored person’s eligibility

• Civil status documents
• Police certificates and clearances from all countries where the sponsored person has lived for six months or more after the age of 18
• Medical certificate

Other requirements

• Proof of payment for applicable government fees
• Digital photo

Parents and Grandparents minimum income requirements

The amount of income you need to show to sponsor your parents and grandparents under the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) depends on the following factors:

• The number of people you are sponsoring
• The province or territory you live in
• The year you are applying in

Outside Quebec:

Quebec:

How much time do I have to submit PGP application?

You have 60 days to submit an application after receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) under the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP). This is a tight deadline, so it is important to start preparing your application as soon as you receive your ITA.

How long does it take to process a PGP application?

It can take between 20 and 24 months for your PGP application to be processed, according to the IRCC’s current estimated processing times.

PGP sponsorship eligibility: What you need to know

Your parents or grandparents do not need a job offer or to speak English or French to be sponsored under the PGP. They also have no obligation to work in Canada after becoming permanent residents.

You can include eligible brothers and sisters in your PGP application, but you cannot sponsor your in-laws.

To be eligible for sponsorship, your parents or grandparents must be related to you by blood or adoption, pass a medical exam, and have a criminal record check. Even if your parent or grandparent has a serious medical condition, you may still be able to sponsor them, but they will need to pass a medical exam.

There is a limit to the number of PGP applications accepted each year, so it is important to start planning early.

Common mistakes to avoid when sponsoring Parents and Grandparents in Canada

1. Not checking your eligibility

Before you start the sponsorship process, it is important to make sure that you and your parents or grandparents meet all of the eligibility requirements.

2. Not completing the application forms correctly

The PGP application forms can be complex, so it is important to take your time and complete them carefully. Be sure to answer all of the questions accurately and completely.

3. Missing deadlines

The PGP sponsorship process has a number of deadlines, so it is important to be organized and stay on top of things.

4. Not providing all of the required documentation

There is a lot of documentation required for PGP sponsorship applications. Be sure to gather all of the required documents before you submit your application.

5. Not being prepared for the interview

If your application is selected for an interview, it is important to be prepared. You should be able to answer questions about your relationship with your parents or grandparents, your financial situation, and your plans for supporting them after they immigrate to Canada.

Read more: Sponsor Your Spouse to Canada