Sponsor Your Parents and Grandparents for Canada Immigration

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is one of the most sought-after immigration pathways for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their loved ones to Canada.

This program enables parents and grandparents to live permanently in Canada and enjoy the benefits of Canadian residency.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the PGP, including the eligibility criteria, application process, sponsorship obligations, and alternative options like the Super Visa.

On This Page, You Will Find:

• Overview of the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP):
  A detailed explanation of the program and its purpose in Canada’s immigration system.
• How the PGP Process Works:
  Step-by-step instructions for submitting an Interest to Sponsor form, receiving an Invitation to Apply, and completing the application process.
• Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors:
  Detailed requirements, including age, residency, income thresholds, and obligations under the sponsorship undertaking.
• Who Can Be Sponsored:
  A comprehensive list of eligible family members, including parents, grandparents, and their dependents.
• Responsibilities of Sponsors:
  A breakdown of financial commitments and obligations, including the duration of the undertaking period.
• Required Forms and Documentation:
  A list of forms for both sponsors and sponsored individuals, as well as additional supporting documents like medical exams, biometrics, and police certificates.
• Alternative Option: The Parents and Grandparents Super Visa:
  Information about the Super Visa as an alternative pathway for extended stays in Canada.
• Benefits of Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents:
  Insights into how family reunification enhances quality of life for sponsors and their loved ones.
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
  Answers to common questions about eligibility, timelines, co-signer options, and sponsorship obligations.

What Is the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?

The Parents and Grandparents Program allows eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents. It is part of Canada’s broader family reunification strategy and is crucial for fostering social and cultural ties among immigrant families.

How the PGP Process Works

The PGP follows a multi-step process, and applicants are selected through a lottery system managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

1. Submit an Interest to Sponsor Form:
   • Canadian citizens or permanent residents must complete an online Interest to Sponsor form during a specific intake period.
   • The form requires basic information to confirm eligibility as a sponsor.
2. Random Selection by IRCC:
   • IRCC conducts a random draw from the pool of submitted Interest to Sponsor forms.
   • Selected applicants receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
3. Application Submission:
   • Sponsors and their parents or grandparents must submit a complete application package within 60 days of receiving the ITA.
   • The package includes forms, financial documents, and supporting information about the applicants.
4. Application Processing and Decision:
   • IRCC reviews the application for completeness, eligibility, and admissibility.
   • Processing times can take up to two years, depending on the volume of applications.

Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors

To qualify as a sponsor under the PGP, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Age and Residency:
   • Be at least 18 years old.
   • Reside in Canada.
2. Legal Status:
   • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered under the Canadian Indian Act.
3. Financial Requirements:
   • Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold for the last three consecutive tax years.
   • Sponsors can include a co-signer (spouse or common-law partner) to meet the income requirements.
4. Commitment to Financial Support:
   • Agree to provide financial support for the sponsored individuals for 20 years (or 10 years if living in Quebec).
   • Reimburse the government for any social assistance provided to the sponsored family members during the undertaking period.

Who Cannot Sponsor Parents or Grandparents?

Certain situations make individuals ineligible to sponsor under the PGP. These include:

• Being in prison or serving a sentence for a criminal offense.
• Failing to repay:
  • Immigration loans.
  • Performance bonds.
  • Court-ordered family support payments (e.g., alimony or child support).
• Declaring bankruptcy and not being discharged.
• Receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability.
• Being convicted of certain criminal offenses, including violent crimes or sexual offenses.
• Being subject to a Removal Order from Canada.

Who Can Be Sponsored?

Sponsors can apply to bring the following family members to Canada under the PGP:

1. Parents and Grandparents:
   • Biological or adopted parents and grandparents.
2. Dependent Children of Parents and Grandparents:
   • Includes siblings, half-siblings, or step-siblings who are dependent on the sponsored parent or grandparent.
3. Current Spouse or Partner of Sponsored Individuals:
   • If your parents or grandparents are remarried or in a common-law relationship, their current spouse or partner can also be included.

Responsibilities of Sponsorship

Sponsors are legally bound to fulfill certain obligations under the sponsorship undertaking:

• Financial Support: Provide for the basic needs of the sponsored individuals, including:
  • Food, shelter, and clothing.
  • Health care not covered by public health insurance, such as dental and vision care.
• Undertaking Period: Commit to financial responsibility for 20 years (10 years in Quebec) from the date the sponsored individuals receive permanent residence.

Forms Required for the PGP Application

For Sponsors:

• IMM 5771: Document Checklist
• IMM 1344: Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and Undertaking
• IMM 5768: Financial Evaluation for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship
• IMM 5748: Income Sources for the Sponsorship of Parents and Grandparents

For Sponsored Individuals:

• IMM 0008: Generic Application Form
• IMM 5669: Background/Declaration
• IMM 5406: Additional Family Information
• IMM 5562: Supplementary Information on Travels

Additional Requirements:

• Medical exams.
• Police certificates (valid for one year).
• Biometrics (fingerprints and photos) for applicants aged 14 to 79.

Alternative Option: The Super Visa

If you are not selected in the PGP lottery, the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa offers a viable alternative.

What Is the Super Visa?

The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods. Unlike a regular visitor visa, it permits stays of up to two years per visit and multiple entries for up to 10 years.

Eligibility for the Super Visa:

• Applicants must undergo a medical exam and show proof of:
  • Private health insurance from a Canadian insurer with at least one year of coverage.
  • Financial support from their child or grandchild in Canada.

Benefits of Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents

1. Family Reunification: Strengthen family bonds by having loved ones close.
2. Permanent Residency Benefits: Sponsored individuals gain access to public health care and social benefits.
3. Support System: Parents and grandparents often play a crucial role in childcare and household support, enabling a better work-life balance for sponsors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)