Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship Program
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents to become permanent residents of Canada. This program supports family reunification by enabling families to live together and share their lives in Canada.
Through this program, eligible sponsors can help their parents or grandparents immigrate to Canada and benefit from the country’s opportunities, healthcare system, and quality of life
Because of the high demand for this program, the Canadian government typically accepts applications through a limited intake process. Interested sponsors must first submit an online form indicating their intention to sponsor their parents or grandparents.
Eligibility Criteria
To sponsor your parents or grandparents, you must meet the following requirements.
Sponsor Status
You must be either:
- A Canadian citizen, or
- A permanent resident of Canada
Minimum Income Requirement
Sponsors must demonstrate that they meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) required to support their parents or grandparents. The required income level depends on the total number of people in the household, including the sponsored individuals.
Financial Commitment
Sponsors must sign an undertaking agreement, committing to financially support their parents or grandparents for a specified period. This ensures that the sponsored family members will not require government financial assistance.
Sponsorship Process
The process of sponsoring parents or grandparents generally involves several steps.
Step 1: Submit the Interest to Sponsor Form
Sponsors must first submit an online Interest to Sponsor form during the intake period announced by immigration authorities.
Step 2: Receive an Invitation to Apply
If selected, the sponsor will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Sponsors must respond within the specified timeframe to proceed with the application.
Step 3: Submit the Sponsorship Application
After receiving the invitation, the sponsor must submit the complete sponsorship application, including all required forms and supporting documents.
Step 4: Application Review
Immigration authorities will review the application to confirm the sponsor’s eligibility and determine whether the sponsored parents or grandparents meet the admissibility requirements.
Step 5: Approval and Arrival
If the application is approved, the sponsored parents or grandparents will receive confirmation of permanent residence and can make arrangements to move to Canada.
Required Documents
Applicants may be required to provide the following documents when applying for the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program.
Financial Documents
Sponsors must provide proof of financial ability, such as:
- Tax returns or Notice of Assessment
- Employment letters
- Pay stubs or income statements
Proof of Relationship
Documents confirming the relationship between the sponsor and the parents or grandparents may include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Family records or other official documents
Medical Examination
Sponsored parents or grandparents may be required to undergo a medical examination performed by an approved physician.
Police Clearance Certificates
Applicants may also need to submit police certificates to confirm that they do not have a serious criminal record.
Important Note
The Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program has limited intake and high demand each year. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection. Sponsors must wait for an invitation before submitting the full sponsorship application.