Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship
Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) offers Canadian citizens and permanent residents the opportunity to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada and secure permanent residency for them. Managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this program is designed to reunite families. This guide provides all the necessary information based on official IRCC data and the 2024 intake period to assist you on this journey.
2024 Intake Period
In 2024, starting May 21, invitations were randomly issued to individuals who submitted an interest form in 2020. A total of 35,700 invitations were sent, aiming to accept up to 20,500 complete applications. The deadline for submitting applications was August 2, 2024, and currently, no new applications are being accepted. If you didn’t receive an invitation, an alternative is the Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 consecutive years with a possible 2-year extension.
For more information about the eligibility and details of the Super Visa, click here.
→ If you’re unsure whether to choose the PGP or Super Visa, contact us at the numbers below for personalized guidance.
What Does Being a Sponsor Mean?
Sponsoring means making a financial and legal commitment to support your parents or grandparents (and their dependents, if applicable). This commitment consists of two main parts:
- Undertaking:
- Duration of Commitment: 20 years in most provinces and 10 years in Quebec, starting from the day they receive permanent residency.
- Financial Responsibility: You must meet their financial needs so they don’t rely on government social assistance. If they do, you’re required to repay it, and until it’s fully repaid, you cannot sponsor anyone else.
- Non-Cancellable: This commitment cannot be canceled or shortened under any circumstances (e.g., their citizenship, relationship changes, relocation, or your financial difficulties). You can only withdraw before they gain permanent residency.
- Sponsorship Agreement:
- Sponsor’s Obligations: Provide essentials like food, clothing, housing, and healthcare (e.g., dental and vision care not covered by public insurance).
- Obligations of the Sponsored: They must strive for self-sufficiency and support their own and their family’s expenses.
Who Can Sponsor?
If eligible, you can:
- Sponsor your biological or adopted parents or grandparents.
- Include their dependent children (e.g., your siblings or nieces/nephews) if they qualify.
- Sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner (if divorced, with a separate application).
But you cannot:
- Sponsor your spouse’s parents (unless your spouse has an invitation and you’re a co-signer).
- Sponsor individuals legally barred from entering Canada (e.g., due to inadmissibility).
Who Cannot Sponsor?
You cannot sponsor if:
- You’re in prison or have a history of violent, sexual, or family-related crimes.
- You have unpaid immigration debts, loans, or family support payments (e.g., alimony).
- You’re bankrupt or receiving social assistance (except for disability reasons).
- You’ve been ordered removed from Canada or are not living in Canada at the time of application.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsoring
To qualify as a sponsor, you must:
- Have received an official invitation from IRCC (in 2024, from the 2020 pool).
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Live in Canada with your primary address here.
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Indian Act.
- Have sufficient financial ability to support them (proven with three years of financial records).
- Meet all requirements of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
In Quebec, you must sign a separate undertaking with the provincial government, requested after initial IRCC approval.
Financial Requirements for Sponsoring
- Minimum Income: You must have earned the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) plus 30% for the past three tax years, calculated based on your family size and the number of people you’re sponsoring.
- Documents: Tax documents (Notice of Assessment) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to prove your income.
- Co-Signer: If your income is insufficient, your spouse or partner can co-sign to add their income.
- Quebec Residents: Income from the past 12 months is reviewed and approved by the Quebec Ministry of Immigration (MIFI).
Key Tips:
- Processing Time: Usually takes between 20 to 24 months.
- Accuracy of Information: Any errors or missing information may lead to delays or refusal of the application.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check the official IRCC website for the latest information.
*Notes on Using an Immigration Representative:
- A representative can help you complete forms and prepare documents, but they cannot Create an account or sign the application on your behalf.
- You must complete and sign the “Use of a Representative” form and submit it along with your application.
→ Need help finding a trusted immigration representative? Call us now for expert assistance.
In addition to the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP), there are other family sponsorship pathways available, including options for sponsoring a spouse and dependent children. If you’d like to learn more, click the links below:
Spouse Sponsorship
Dependent Child Sponsorship
→The Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Visa is a fantastic opportunity to live with your loved ones in Canada, but it requires strict adherence to financial and legal conditions. Contact us today and benefit from the expert advice of our specialists!