Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship: Complete Guide to Reuniting with Parents in Canada 2026

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for Canadian permanent residence, enabling families to reunite and live together permanently in Canada. This highly sought-after program recognizes the important role parents and grandparents play in Canadian families and communities, while requiring sponsors to demonstrate significant financial ability to support their family members long-term.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about sponsoring parents and grandparents to Canada in 2026, including the invitation process, strict income requirements, application procedures, required documentation, processing times, the 20-year undertaking commitment, and alternative options like the Super Visa for parents who want to visit Canada while awaiting permanent residence.

Ready to sponsor your parents or grandparents? Get a free assessment to determine your eligibility and learn about the sponsorship process.

What is the Parents and Grandparents Program?

The Parents and Grandparents Program is a family class sponsorship pathway that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for Canadian permanent residence. Unlike spousal or dependent child sponsorship which accepts applications year-round, the PGP operates through an annual invitation system due to high demand and program capacity limits.

As a sponsor, you make a legally binding commitment to financially support your parents or grandparents for 20 years from the date they become permanent residents. This undertaking ensures sponsored family members will not require social assistance and protects Canadian taxpayers while facilitating meaningful family reunification.

Key Features of the Parents and Grandparents Program

Invitation System: Limited annual intake through random selection process
Strict Income Requirements: Must meet Minimum Necessary Income for three consecutive years
20-Year Undertaking: Long-term financial commitment to support sponsored parents/grandparents
Permanent Residence: Successful applicants receive full permanent resident status
Include Spouse: Parents'/grandparents' spouse can be included in application
Processing Time: Approximately 20-24 months after invitation

The PGP Application Process

The Parents and Grandparents Program operates through a multi-stage process designed to manage demand while ensuring sponsors can genuinely support their family members.

Stage 1: Interest to Sponsor Form Submission

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) opens a limited submission period each year (typically in early January) when potential sponsors can submit an interest to sponsor form. This online form is simple and takes only minutes to complete.

Information required for interest to sponsor form:

Sponsor's full name, date of birth, and contact information
Number of persons you want to sponsor (parents and/or grandparents)
Your confirmation of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence
Declaration that you meet residency and income requirements

The submission window is typically open for only 2-3 weeks. You can only submit one interest to sponsor form per year, and submitting does not guarantee you'll be invited to apply.

Stage 2: Random Selection and Invitation

From the pool of interest to sponsor submissions, IRCC randomly selects sponsors and sends invitations to apply. Selection is completely random—submitting multiple forms or resubmitting does not improve your chances and violates program rules.

If selected, you'll receive an email invitation with instructions and a deadline (typically 60 days) to submit your complete sponsorship application.

Stage 3: Submit Complete Application

After receiving an invitation, you have 60 calendar days to submit a complete application including all forms, documents, and fees. Applications received after the deadline will be refused without processing.

Stage 4: Application Processing

IRCC processes your application, verifying sponsor eligibility, reviewing income documentation, and assessing the sponsored persons for admissibility. Processing typically takes 20-24 months from submission.

Stage 5: Decision and Landing

If approved, your parents/grandparents receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence and permanent resident visas, then travel to Canada to complete their landing and officially become Canadian permanent residents.

Sponsor Eligibility Requirements

To sponsor parents or grandparents, you must meet strict eligibility criteria demonstrating your ability to provide long-term financial support.

Basic Sponsor Requirements

Canadian Status: Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Age: Be at least 18 years old
Residency: If you're a permanent resident, live in Canada. If you're a citizen living abroad, prove you'll return to Canada when your parents/grandparents become permanent residents
Income Requirements: Meet Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for three consecutive taxation years
No Social Assistance: Not receiving social assistance (disability benefits are permitted)
No Default: No previous sponsorship defaults, unpaid immigration loans, or court-ordered support payment defaults
No Bankruptcy: Not an undischarged bankrupt
No Certain Criminal Convictions: Not convicted of violent crimes, sexual offenses, or offenses against relatives

Co-Signing the Sponsorship

Your spouse or common-law partner can co-sign the sponsorship, allowing you to combine incomes to meet the Minimum Necessary Income threshold. Both co-signers become equally responsible for the 20-year undertaking.

To co-sign, your spouse or partner must:

Be your spouse or common-law partner
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Be at least 18 years old
Meet all other sponsor eligibility requirements
Live in Canada (if a permanent resident)

Income Requirements: Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)

The most challenging aspect of parent and grandparent sponsorship is meeting the strict income requirements. You must demonstrate income at or above the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold for three consecutive taxation years immediately before your application.

How MNI is Calculated

MNI is calculated based on your total family size, which includes:

Yourself (the sponsor)
Your spouse or common-law partner (whether co-signing or not)
Your dependent children
Any persons you previously sponsored where the undertaking is still in effect
The parents and/or grandparents you're sponsoring
The parents'/grandparents' spouse or partner (if being sponsored)

2024-2026 Minimum Necessary Income Thresholds

For applications in 2026 (based on 2023, 2024, and 2025 taxation years), approximate MNI requirements are:

Family size 2: CAD $46,362
Family size 3: CAD $56,970
Family size 4: CAD $69,177
Family size 5: CAD $78,451
Family size 6: CAD $88,490
Family size 7 or more: Add CAD $10,039 for each additional person

These amounts are updated annually based on Statistics Canada's Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus 30%. Always verify current MNI amounts on the IRCC website.

What Income Counts Toward MNI?

Qualifying income sources include:

Employment income (salary, wages, commissions)
Self-employment income (net income after expenses)
Interest and investment income
Pension income (including foreign pensions)
Rental income (net after expenses)
RRSP income
Certain disability benefits

Income that does NOT count:

Social assistance payments
Provincial disability support payments
Federal COVID-19 emergency benefits (CERB, CRB, etc.)
Employment Insurance (EI) benefits
Child benefit payments

Proving Income: Required Documents

You must provide official documents proving your income:

Option C Printout or Notice of Assessment: From Canada Revenue Agency for all three required taxation years
T1 General Tax Returns: Complete tax returns for all three years
T4 Slips: All T4s for employment income
T5 Slips: For investment income (if applicable)
T2125 or Financial Statements: For self-employment income
Employment Letter: From current employer confirming position, salary, and employment dates

If co-signing with a spouse/partner, provide income documents for both sponsors.

The 20-Year Sponsorship Undertaking

When you sponsor parents or grandparents, you sign an undertaking—a legally binding promise to provide financial support for 20 years from the date they become permanent residents.

What the Undertaking Means

For 20 years, you promise to:

Provide for your parents'/grandparents' basic needs (food, shelter, clothing)
Ensure they do not need to apply for social assistance
Repay any provincial social assistance they receive during the undertaking period

The Undertaking is Binding

Your undertaking remains in effect even if:

Your relationship with your parents/grandparents deteriorates
Your financial circumstances change
You separate from or divorce your spouse (if they co-signed)
Your parents/grandparents separate or divorce
You leave Canada
Your parents/grandparents leave Canada

The only way an undertaking ends early is if the sponsored person becomes a Canadian citizen, dies, or is removed from Canada.

Consequences of Default

If your sponsored parents/grandparents receive social assistance:

You must repay the full amount to the government
You cannot sponsor other family members until the debt is repaid
The government can take legal action to recover the debt
Your credit rating may be affected

Who Can Be Sponsored?

You can sponsor your parents and grandparents (including your spouse's/partner's parents and grandparents if you're co-signing).

Including Your Parent's/Grandparent's Spouse

When sponsoring a parent or grandparent, their spouse or common-law partner can be included as a co-applicant in the same application. For example, if you're sponsoring your mother, your stepfather (her spouse) can be included even if he's not your biological father.

Dependent Children of Sponsored Persons

If your parent or grandparent has dependent children (your siblings or other relatives), those dependent children may also be included in the application if they meet the definition of dependent child.

Application Requirements and Documentation

Parent and grandparent sponsorship applications require extensive documentation for both sponsors and sponsored persons.

Sponsor Documents

Completed sponsorship application forms (IMM 1344, IMM 5768)
Proof of Canadian status (citizenship certificate, PR card, or passport)
Income documents for three taxation years (Notices of Assessment, tax returns, T4s, etc.)
Current employment letter
Marriage certificate or proof of common-law union (if co-signing)
Birth certificates showing relationship to sponsored persons
Option C Printouts from CRA

Application Fees

Sponsorship fee: CAD $75 per application
Principal applicant (first parent/grandparent): CAD $490 processing + CAD $515 RPRF = CAD $1,005
Spouse of parent/grandparent: CAD $1,005
Dependent child: CAD $230 each
Biometrics: CAD $85 per person

For example, sponsoring both parents costs CAD $75 (sponsorship) + CAD $2,010 (two principal applicants) + CAD $170 (biometrics for both) = CAD $2,255 total.

Processing Times and What to Expect

Current Processing Times

Sponsor Eligibility Assessment: 3-6 months
Total Processing (Application to Decision): 20-24 months
Medical Examinations: Requested during processing
Police Certificates: Required from all countries of residence

Application Processing Steps

After submitting your application:

IRCC sends acknowledgment of receipt (typically within 2-4 weeks)
Sponsor eligibility is assessed first
If sponsor approved, application proceeds to process sponsored persons
Medical examinations and police certificates are requested
Background checks and security screening are conducted
Final decision is made and communicated

After Approval

If approved, your parents/grandparents receive:

Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
Permanent resident visa
Instructions for landing in Canada

After landing, they become permanent residents with rights to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada. They can apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Alternative: Parent and Grandparent Super Visa

If you don't qualify for PGP sponsorship or want to bring your parents to Canada while waiting for permanent residence processing, consider the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa.

What is the Super Visa?

The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa allowing parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to 5 years at a time (recently extended from 2 years) without needing to renew their status. The visa itself is valid for up to 10 years.

Super Visa Requirements

Letter of Invitation: From child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Proof of Financial Support: Sponsor must meet minimum income threshold (lower than PGP requirements)
Medical Insurance: Minimum CAD $100,000 coverage from Canadian insurance company, valid for at least one year
Medical Examination: Parents/grandparents must pass medical exam
Proof of Ties to Home Country: Evidence of intention to return home

Super Visa vs. Regular Visitor Visa

Stay Duration: Super Visa allows 5 years per entry vs. 6 months for regular visitor visa
Processing Priority: Super Visa applications may receive priority processing
Requirements: Super Visa has additional requirements (insurance, income proof)
Not Permanent Residence: Both are temporary status, not pathways to PR

Many families use the Super Visa to bring parents to Canada while waiting for PGP invitations or processing permanent residence applications.

Common PGP Application Challenges

1. Not Meeting Income Requirements

Failing to meet MNI for all three required taxation years is the most common reason for sponsor ineligibility. Carefully calculate your family size and verify your income meets thresholds before applying. Consider having your spouse co-sign to combine incomes.

2. Missing Application Deadline

You have only 60 days after receiving an invitation to submit your complete application. Missing this deadline results in automatic refusal without the possibility of extension. Start gathering documents immediately upon receiving an invitation.

3. Incomplete Applications

Missing forms, unsigned documents, or insufficient income proof leads to refusals. Use IRCC's document checklist meticulously and double-check everything before submission.

4. Medical Inadmissibility

Parents and grandparents must pass medical examinations. While there are exemptions for immediate family members regarding excessive demand on health services, serious health conditions requiring extensive treatment may still result in inadmissibility concerns. Address potential medical issues proactively.

5. Misrepresentation About Income

Providing false income information or inflated income figures is misrepresentation and results in refusal, bans, and potential criminal charges. Always provide accurate, verifiable income documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Parent Sponsorship

How long does parent and grandparent sponsorship take?

From the time you submit a complete application after receiving an invitation, processing typically takes 20-24 months. However, you must first submit an interest to sponsor form during the annual intake period and be randomly selected to receive an invitation to apply. The entire process from interest to sponsor submission to permanent residence can take 2-3 years or longer depending on when you're selected.

What income do I need to sponsor my parents?

You must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for three consecutive taxation years. MNI is based on your total family size including yourself, your family members, and the parents/grandparents you're sponsoring. For example, if you're sponsoring both parents and have a spouse and one child, your family size is 5, requiring approximately CAD $78,451 per year for each of the three required taxation years. Your spouse can co-sign to combine incomes.

Can I sponsor my mother-in-law or father-in-law?

You cannot directly sponsor your spouse's parents. However, your spouse can sponsor their own parents, and you can co-sign the sponsorship to combine your incomes to meet the Minimum Necessary Income requirement. Both of you become equally responsible for the 20-year undertaking when co-signing.

What happens if I don't get invited to apply?

If you submit an interest to sponsor form but are not randomly selected for an invitation, you can submit a new interest to sponsor form during the next year's intake period. There is no limit to how many times you can submit interest forms in different years. Continue submitting each year until selected, and ensure you maintain the required income levels.

Can I include my parent's spouse who is not my biological parent?

Yes, when sponsoring a parent, you can include their spouse or common-law partner in the same application even if that person is not your biological parent. For example, if sponsoring your mother, her second husband (your stepfather) can be included as a co-applicant. You become responsible for both through the undertaking.

What is the Super Visa and should I apply for it instead?

The Super Visa is a multi-entry visitor visa allowing parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time. It does not provide permanent residence but offers a way for parents to visit while you wait for PGP processing or build up qualifying income. Many families pursue both options simultaneously—submitting interest forms for PGP while using Super Visa for extended visits.

Can I sponsor my parents if I'm receiving disability benefits?

Receiving disability benefits does not automatically disqualify you from sponsoring parents, unlike other forms of social assistance. However, you must still meet the Minimum Necessary Income requirements based on your total income, which can include certain disability benefits. Verify which disability income counts toward MNI and ensure you meet the threshold.

What happens to the undertaking if I lose my job or income drops?

Your 20-year undertaking remains in effect regardless of changes in your financial circumstances, employment status, or relationship status. If your parents/grandparents receive social assistance during the undertaking period, you must repay those amounts even if your income has decreased. This is why meeting the income requirements for three years before applying is so important—it demonstrates financial stability.

Can I sponsor my parents if I live outside Canada?

If you're a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you can sponsor your parents, but you must prove you will return to Canada to live when they become permanent residents. Evidence includes job offers, property ownership, or other concrete ties demonstrating your return plans. If you're a permanent resident, you must be living in Canada when you apply and throughout the processing period.

Should I hire an immigration consultant for parent sponsorship?

Given the strict income requirements, limited opportunities to apply, lengthy undertaking commitment, and significant documentation requirements, many sponsors benefit from professional assistance. A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) like Azadeh Haidari-Garmash can help ensure you meet income requirements, prepare complete applications, address potential medical issues, and maximize your chances of success. Contact us for a consultation about your parent sponsorship situation.

Ready to Sponsor Your Parents or Grandparents?

Parent and grandparent sponsorship allows you to reunite with your parents permanently in Canada, ensuring your family can live together and support each other. With careful financial planning, comprehensive documentation, and understanding of the long-term undertaking commitment, you can successfully bring your parents or grandparents to Canada.

Get Expert Parent Sponsorship Assistance from VisaVio

VisaVio Immigration Consultants specializes in parent and grandparent sponsorship applications. As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R710392), Azadeh Haidari-Garmash has helped numerous families successfully navigate the PGP process and reunite parents and grandparents in Canada.

Free Income Assessment

Verify if you meet the income requirements to sponsor your parents or grandparents

Check Eligibility

Parent Super Visa

Learn about the Super Visa for extended visits while pursuing permanent sponsorship

Explore Super Visa

Book Consultation

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Additional Family Sponsorship Resources

Explore more family immigration information:

Family Sponsorship Overview - All family sponsorship categories
Spousal Sponsorship - Sponsor your spouse or partner
Super Visa - Extended visits for parents and grandparents
PR Card and Citizenship - Information for sponsored parents after arrival
Immigration Blog - Latest PGP updates and success stories
Immigration News - Breaking updates on parent sponsorship
Service Fees - Transparent pricing for our services

About the Author: This guide was prepared by VisaVio Immigration Consultants, led by Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R710392) registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. All information is current as of January 2026 and based on official IRCC guidelines.

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