The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a Canadian immigration program that allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents to come to Canada as permanent residents.
Bringing your parents or grandparents to Canada to live with you is a significant step, and the Canadian Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is designed to make this a reality. This comprehensive guide simplifies the PGP application process, outlines the eligibility criteria, and explains the Super Visa as a key alternative for families looking to reunite.
The PGP Canada is one of the most popular and sought-after pathways for Immigration to Canada and to obtain Canadian permanent Residency. It operates on a lottery-based system, which means you must be invited to apply to proceed.
Quick Review: PGP Canada Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) |
| Sponsor | Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident |
| Sponsored Persons | Parents, Grandparents, and their dependent family members |
| Application Type | Invitation-based (lottery system) |
| Status | Leads to Permanent Residency in Canada |
| Key Requirement | The sponsor must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the three tax years prior to application. |
What is the PGP, Exactly?
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a way for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada. It is a highly sought-after immigration program that:
- Allows family reunification: Provides a path for sponsored family members to become permanent residents of Canada.
- Operates on a lottery system: The government opens a short window each year for eligible individuals to submit an “Interest to Sponsor” form.
- It is invitation-based: From the pool of submissions, a limited number of people are randomly selected and invited to submit a full application. Without this invitation, you cannot apply.
The Sponsor’s Checklist: Who Can Apply?
To sponsor parents to Canada, you must meet specific eligibility requirements. It’s crucial to confirm your eligibility before you submit an “Interest to Sponsor” form.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Live in Canada at the time of application and until your loved ones become permanent residents.
- Meet the financial requirements. You must demonstrate that you have enough income to support your family.
Understanding the Financial Requirement (MNI)
The financial obligation is a critical part of the PGP eligibility. You must prove you meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the three tax years immediately preceding your application. This is verified using your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notices of Assessment.
The required income depends on your “family size,” which includes:
- You, the sponsor.
- Your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable).
- Your dependent children.
- Any other person you have previously sponsored and for whom the undertaking is still in effect.
- The parents/grandparents you are sponsoring and their dependent family members.
Your spouse or common-law partner can co-sign the application to help you meet the income threshold, combining your incomes to meet the MNI.
The Application Journey: Step-by-Step
The process for the Parents and Grandparents Program follows a specific sequence.
1. Submit an “Interest to Sponsor” Form: The first step is to submit an online form during the short intake period. This form is your entry into the lottery.
2. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your name is randomly selected from the pool of applicants, you will receive an official Invitation to Apply (ITA). Without this invitation, you cannot proceed with the PGP visa application.
3. Prepare Your Application: Once invited, you have a limited time—typically 60 days—to submit a complete application package. The application consists of two parts that must be submitted together:
- The Sponsorship Application: You, the sponsor, fill out forms and provide documents to prove your eligibility and financial capacity.
- The Permanent Residence Application: Your parent(s) or grandparent(s) submit their forms and personal documents (passports, birth certificates, etc.).
4. Pay the Fees: All required government fees must be paid online when you submit your application. This includes the processing fee and the Right of Permanent Residence fee.
5. Submit the Application: The complete application package is submitted online through the Permanent Residence Portal.
✅ The 20-Year Financial Commitment
A crucial component of the PGP is the “undertaking.” By signing this legal agreement, you make a binding promise to the government to provide financial support for your sponsored family members for a period of 20 years.
This undertaking ensures your loved ones do not require social assistance from the government. It covers their basic needs, including:
- Food and clothing
- Housing
- Health care costs not covered by public health insurance
This is a serious, long-term commitment that remains in effect even if your financial situation changes or your sponsored family members find employment in Canada.
Canada Super Visa: A Flexible Alternative
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in Canada is a pathway to permanent residence, while the Super Visa is a type of visitor visa that allows parents to stay in Canada with their child for up to 5 years.
If you are not selected for the PGP Canada intake, the Super Visa is a fantastic and highly recommended alternative.
- Long-Term Stay: The Super Visa is a multi-entry visitor visa that allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to five years per entry. The visa itself is valid for up to ten years.
- No Lottery System: Unlike the PGP, you can apply for a Super Visa at any time of the year, and there is no lottery.
- Eligibility: To get a Super Visa, you must meet a lower-income requirement based on the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) for one year. Your sponsored family member must also obtain private medical insurance from a Canadian company for at least one year.
PGP vs. Super Visa: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) | Super Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Permanent residence in Canada | Long-term temporary visitor status |
| Application Method | Lottery-based (invitation required) | Open year-round (no invitation needed) |
| Financial Requirement | Sponsor must meet MNI for three consecutive years | Sponsor must meet LICO for one year |
| Processing Time | Approx. 24 months (or more) | Typically a few months |
| Duration of Stay | Permanent | Up to 5 years per entry; valid for up to 10 years |
| Health Care | Access to public health care (after a waiting period) | Must have private health insurance for at least one year |
| Work/Study | Can work or study | No authorization to work or study |
Common Reasons for PGP Refusal
An application can be refused even if you meet the main criteria. Here are the most common reasons and how to avoid them:
- Financial Documentation Errors: The most frequent reason for refusal. You must provide official CRA Notices of Assessment for the three required tax years. Pay stubs or bank statements are not accepted as proof of income.
- Incomplete or Outdated Forms: Always use the latest forms from the official IRCC website. Double-check that all fields are completed accurately.
- Misrepresentation: Providing false information, even accidentally, can lead to a ban from applying for five years. Be truthful and include all family members on your forms, even if they are not being sponsored.
- Medical Inadmissibility: Your parent or grandparent must pass a medical exam. A health condition that is deemed to place an “excessive demand” on Canada’s health services can be grounds for refusal.
- Missed Deadlines: Once you receive an ITA, you have a strict deadline to submit your complete application. Missing it will result in your invitation being canceled.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the Canadian Parents and Grandparents Program can be complex, but with careful planning and attention to detail, you can increase your chances of a successful application.
Remember, whether you are preparing for the PGP lottery or considering the flexibility of a Super Visa, the ultimate goal is to reunite with your family. By understanding the key requirements, gathering your documents meticulously, and staying informed, you can confidently take the next steps toward bringing your loved ones to Canada.
FAQs
You can reapply in a future intake, but it is best to first understand and address the reason for the refusal. For some reasons, such as a refusal based on an error in income, it may be possible to appeal.
Processing times vary but are approximately 24 months. You can check the official IRCC website for the most up-to-date information.
The government will assess these cases individually. The nature of the crime, the time since the offense, and whether it would be a crime in Canada are all factors considered.
No, you cannot update the “Interest to Sponsor” form. However, if you receive an ITA, you can provide updated information on the official application forms.
