Overview
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) lets Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence. Intake is by invitation: when IRCC opens a round, potential sponsors submit an interest-to-sponsor form and selected sponsors are invited to apply. Sponsors must meet the minimum necessary income for the three tax years before applying and commit to a 20-year undertaking. Because intake changes year to year, we often recommend the Super Visa as a reliable alternative.
Who it’s for
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents who want their parents or grandparents to live permanently in Canada
- Households whose income has met the required level for each of the past three tax years
- Families planning ahead so they are ready when IRCC opens its next intake
Key requirements
- The sponsor is at least 18, lives in Canada, and is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered under the Indian Act
- An invitation to apply from IRCC, usually issued after you submit an interest-to-sponsor form during an intake window
- Household income at or above the minimum necessary income for your family size in each of the 3 tax years before you apply
- Income proven with Canada Revenue Agency notices of assessment; a spouse or common-law partner may co-sign to combine income
- A signed 20-year undertaking to support those you sponsor and repay any social assistance they receive (Québec has its own undertaking rules)
- No disqualifying history, such as defaulting on a previous sponsorship or court-ordered support, or receiving social assistance other than for disability
- Sponsored parents or grandparents, and any dependants included, must pass medical, security and criminality checks
How it works
- 01
Plan ahead
We review your income history, household size and documents so you are ready before IRCC announces its next intake.
- 02
Submit your interest to sponsor
When IRCC opens an intake window, we help you submit an accurate interest-to-sponsor form on time.
- 03
Receive an invitation
IRCC invites selected potential sponsors to apply and has used random selection in recent intakes. If you are invited, we move quickly.
- 04
File the complete application
Within the deadline, we prepare your sponsorship and your parents' permanent residence applications with full income evidence.
- 05
Approval & landing
After processing, your parents or grandparents receive confirmation of permanent residence and land in Canada.
Advantages
- Parents and grandparents gain permanent residence, with access to provincial health care and a path to citizenship
- Parents and grandparents can include their own dependent children in the application
- A spouse or common-law partner can co-sign so your combined income counts
- Families can use the Super Visa for long visits while waiting for an invitation
Good to know
- Intake changes yearly and has recently been limited or paused, so an invitation is never certain — the year-round Super Visa is a reliable alternative.
- The undertaking lasts 20 years and continues even if your circumstances change or your parents become citizens.
- Québec residents follow Québec's own selection and undertaking rules in addition to federal requirements.
FAQ
Is the Parents and Grandparents Program open this year?
Intake changes year to year, and IRCC has limited or paused new interest-to-sponsor submissions in recent years. We monitor IRCC announcements and confirm the current status during your consultation.
What if we are not invited?
The Super Visa lets parents and grandparents stay for up to five years per entry on a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years. Many families use it while they wait for PGP.
Can my spouse's income count toward the requirement?
Yes. Your spouse or common-law partner can co-sign the undertaking, and their income can be combined with yours for each of the three tax years.
Last reviewed: October 2026. This page provides general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change often — we confirm the latest requirements for your situation during your consultation.