Family Reunification

Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship Program

Welcome to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), a family reunification program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents to become permanent residents of Canada and eventually join their families in Canada.

Family Unity

Reunite With Your Parents & Grandparents in Canada

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is designed to help families stay together by allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence in Canada.

Canada recognizes the importance of family unity and the valuable contributions that older family members make to their families and communities. The PGP reflects Canada's commitment to family reunification and maintaining Canada's reputation as a welcoming nation that values family connections.

Consult with Our Experts

Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply for Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship?

To sponsor your parents or grandparents, both the sponsor and the persons being sponsored must meet certain requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Sponsor Requirements

Requirements for Sponsors

Citizenship Status

You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. If you are a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you must demonstrate that you plan to live in Canada when the sponsored persons become permanent residents.

Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible to sponsor your parents or grandparents for Canadian permanent residence.

Financial Capability

You must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements for the three consecutive taxation years immediately preceding the date of your application. The income threshold depends on your family size, including the parents or grandparents you wish to sponsor.

Relationship Requirements

Eligible Relationships

Parents

You can sponsor your biological parents or adoptive parents. If your parents are divorced or separated, you can sponsor both of them. Step-parents may also be eligible if they have been in a legal marriage with your biological parent.

Grandparents

You can sponsor your biological grandparents or the grandparents of your spouse or common-law partner. The relationship must be clearly established through documentation.

Undertaking Agreement

As a sponsor, you must sign an undertaking agreement promising to provide financial support for your parents or grandparents for a period of 20 years from the date they become permanent residents. This is a legally binding commitment.

Financial Requirements

Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) Requirements

To sponsor your parents or grandparents, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient income to support your family, including the persons you are sponsoring. The income requirements are based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus 30%.

Income Assessment

How Income is Assessed

Your income will be assessed based on your Notice of Assessment (NOA) or Option C printout from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the three consecutive taxation years immediately preceding the date of your application.

The following sources of income are considered:

Employment income
Self-employment income (with proof of business ownership)
Pension income
Investment income
Rental income

The following sources of income are NOT considered:

Social assistance (welfare)
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
Employment Insurance (EI) benefits

Calculate Your Income Requirements

2023 Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) Requirements

Family Size	Minimum Income Required
2 persons (sponsor + spouse/partner)	$49,106
3 persons	$60,366
4 persons	$73,274
5 persons	$83,096
6 persons	$93,675
7 persons	$104,254
Each additional person	Add $10,579

Note: These figures are for illustration purposes only. The actual MNI requirements may change annually. Please consult with our immigration experts for the most up-to-date information.

Application Process

How to Apply for Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has a unique application process that involves an Interest to Sponsor form and an invitation to apply. Understanding this process is crucial for a successful application.

Step 1: Interest to Sponsor

When the PGP intake period opens, potential sponsors must submit an Interest to Sponsor form online. This form collects basic information about the sponsor and the parents or grandparents they wish to sponsor.

The Interest to Sponsor form is typically available for a limited time, often just a few weeks. It's important to be prepared and submit your form as soon as the intake period opens.

Step 2: Invitation to Apply

After the intake period closes, IRCC randomly selects potential sponsors from the pool of Interest to Sponsor submissions. If selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the Parents and Grandparents Program.

The ITA will include instructions on how to submit your complete application package and the deadline for submission, typically 60 days from the date of the invitation.

Step 3: Complete Application

If you receive an ITA, you must prepare and submit a complete application package, including all required forms, supporting documents, and fees. The application must be submitted by the deadline specified in your ITA.

Your application package must include proof of your relationship, proof of income for the past three years, and a signed undertaking agreement, among other documents.

Step 4: Medical Examination

After your application is reviewed, your parents or grandparents will be required to undergo a medical examination by a designated panel physician. The medical results are valid for 12 months.

While medical conditions generally do not lead to refusal, they may affect the processing time of your application if additional assessments are required.

Step 5: Biometrics

Your parents or grandparents will need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) at a designated collection service point. They will receive a biometrics instruction letter with details on how and where to provide their biometrics.

Biometrics are valid for 10 years and may be used for future applications to enter Canada.

Step 6: Final Decision

After reviewing your application, medical results, and biometrics, IRCC will make a final decision. If approved, your parents or grandparents will receive their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and permanent resident visa (if applicable).

They must enter Canada before the expiry date on their COPR and visa to validate their permanent resident status.

Alternative Options

Other Ways to Bring Your Parents & Grandparents to Canada

If you're unable to sponsor your parents or grandparents through the PGP due to income requirements or program limitations, there are alternative options to bring them to Canada temporarily or permanently.

Super Visa

The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents to visit their children or grandchildren in Canada for up to 5 years at a time, without the need to renew their status. The visa is valid for up to 10 years.

Requirements:

Letter of invitation from a child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Proof that the child or grandchild meets the minimum income requirements
Proof of private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company, valid for at least 1 year
Medical examination

Advantages:

Faster processing than permanent residence applications
Long-term stays of up to 5 years at a time
Multiple entries over a 10-year period

Learn More About Super Visa

Humanitarian & Compassionate Grounds

In exceptional circumstances, parents or grandparents may apply for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) grounds. This option is typically considered when there are compelling reasons why the person should be granted permanent residence outside of the regular immigration programs.

Considerations:

Establishment in Canada and ties to Canadian citizens or permanent residents
Hardship the person would face if not granted permanent residence
Best interests of any children directly affected
Health considerations and availability of medical treatment in home country

Important Notes:

H&C applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis
Success rates are generally low without strong humanitarian factors
Professional legal assistance is strongly recommended

Learn More About H&C Applications

Required Documents

Essential Documents for Your Sponsorship Application

A complete and well-organized application package is crucial for a successful parents and grandparents sponsorship application. Make sure to include all the following documents to avoid delays or refusals.

Personal Documents

Valid passports for all parties
Birth certificates
Digital photos meeting specifications
Marriage certificates (if applicable)

Relationship Documents

Proof of relationship to parents/grandparents
Family photos spanning multiple years
Communication records (emails, letters, etc.)
Travel history showing visits

Application Forms

Sponsorship application (IMM 1344)
Sponsorship agreement (IMM 1344A)
Generic application form (IMM 0008)
Schedule A – Background/Declaration

Financial Documents

Notice of Assessment (NOA) for past 3 years
T4 slips for past 3 years
Employment letter confirming job and salary
Pay stubs for the past 3-6 months

Medical Documents

Medical examination results
Upfront medical form (IMM 1017)
Medical history documentation
Vaccination records (if available)

Legal Documents

Police certificates
Court records (if applicable)
Statutory declarations
Divorce certificates (if applicable)

Common Challenges

Overcoming Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship Challenges

Many applicants face challenges when applying for parents and grandparents sponsorship. Understanding these common issues can help you prepare a stronger application and avoid potential pitfalls.

Common Application Challenges

Limited Application Intake

The PGP has a limited number of applications accepted each year, making it competitive

Income Requirements

Meeting the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for three consecutive years

Proving Relationship

Difficulty providing sufficient documentation to prove the family relationship

Medical Inadmissibility

Health conditions that may cause excessive demand on health or social services

Long Processing Times

Applications can take 20-24 months or longer to process after submission

Our Solutions

How We Can Help You Overcome Challenges

Our team of immigration experts specializes in parents and grandparents sponsorship applications and has helped hundreds of families successfully navigate the application process. We understand the common pitfalls and know how to avoid them.

We provide comprehensive support throughout the entire sponsorship process, from initial eligibility assessment to document preparation and submission. Our expertise can help you:

Prepare for the Interest to Sponsor submission period
Assess your income and financial eligibility
Gather compelling evidence of your family relationship
Prepare a complete and accurate application package
Address any inadmissibility issues proactively
Explore alternative options if you don't meet PGP requirements

Get Expert Help

Our Services

Comprehensive Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship Support

Our team of immigration experts provides comprehensive support throughout the parents and grandparents sponsorship process, from initial assessment to final approval and beyond.

Eligibility Assessment

We conduct a thorough assessment of your eligibility for parents and grandparents sponsorship, reviewing your income, family relationship, and any potential inadmissibility issues to determine the best path forward.

Interest to Sponsor Preparation

We help you prepare for the Interest to Sponsor submission period, ensuring you have all the necessary information ready and can submit your form as soon as the intake period opens.

Application Preparation

Our experts will help you prepare a complete and accurate application package, including all required forms and supporting documents. We ensure that your application presents your case in the strongest possible light.

IRCC Communication

We manage all communication with IRCC on your behalf, responding to requests for additional information or clarification promptly and effectively to ensure your application continues to progress smoothly.

Alternative Options

If you don't qualify for the PGP or are not selected in the random draw, we can help you explore alternative options such as the Super Visa or other immigration pathways to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada.

Settlement Support

Our support doesn't end when permanent residence is granted. We provide guidance on settlement services, healthcare access, senior benefits, and other aspects of establishing a new life for your parents or grandparents in Canada.

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Our Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship Services

Rajesh Patel

Calgary, AB

After years of trying to bring my parents to Canada, I was struggling with the income requirements. Apni Immigration helped me understand exactly what I needed to do to meet the MNI and prepared a flawless application. My parents are now permanent residents and living with us in Calgary. I couldn't be happier!

Maria Rodriguez

Toronto, ON

The random selection process for the PGP was stressful, but Apni Immigration helped us prepare for both the Interest to Sponsor and the full application. When we received our invitation to apply, we were ready with all our documents. Their expertise made the process so much smoother than I expected.

Li Wei

Vancouver, BC

When my application to sponsor my parents was initially refused due to missing documentation, I was devastated. Apni Immigration helped me appeal the decision and provided the additional evidence needed. Thanks to their persistence and knowledge, my parents' application was eventually approved.

Ready to Begin Your Family Reunification Journey?

Our expert immigration consultants will guide you through every step of the parents and grandparents sponsorship process, from determining eligibility to document preparation and submission.

Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward bringing your parents or grandparents to Canada.

Request a Free Consultation

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