CANADA PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS PROGRAM (PGP)
2026 Update: The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is currently not accepting new sponsorship applications. IRCC is not accepting new Interests to Sponsor and is not issuing new invitations until further notice. Previously submitted PGP applications continue to be processed.
Therefore, clients who do not currently hold an invitation cannot submit a new PGP application on their own. KeyApply can assist in evaluating the status of past applications, preparing for when the program reopens, and reviewing the Super Visa option for parents/grandparents in the meantime.
WHAT IS PGP?
PGP is a Family Sponsorship program that allows Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, or persons registered as Indians under the Canadian Indian Act, upon meeting eligibility requirements, to sponsor their parents or grandparents to become permanent residents of Canada.
WHO CAN BE A SPONSOR?
When the PGP is open and the sponsor has been invited by IRCC to apply, the basic requirements generally include:
- Being at least 18 years old.
- Living in Canada.
- Being a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person registered as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Meeting the income requirements as prescribed for the corresponding intake.
- Signing an undertaking and meeting other sponsorship obligations.
Income tables from past intakes should not be used to assess a future intake. KeyApply will cross-reference the income table applied by IRCC when the program reopens.
SPONSORS RESIDING IN QUÉBEC
Québec has its own undertaking process. After submitting a sponsorship application to IRCC, sponsors in Québec must wait for IRCC to confirm their eligibility as a sponsor before submitting an undertaking application to the Gouvernement du Québec. Do not send an undertaking to Québec before being requested to do so by IRCC.
Québec's financial requirements and intake caps apply according to Québec's regulations at the time of processing.
WHO CAN BE SPONSORED?
- Biological parents or grandparents.
- Parents or grandparents through legal adoption, provided eligibility requirements are met.
- Spouses or common-law partners of parents/grandparents may be included in the application according to regulations.
- Dependent children of the sponsored person can only be included if they meet IRCC's definition of a dependent child.
PROCEDURE WHEN PGP REOPENS
- Check IRCC's official intake announcements.
- Complete the Interest to Sponsor or the intake process announced by IRCC.
- If you receive an Invitation to Apply, prepare the sponsorship and permanent residence application within the deadline stated in the invitation.
- IRCC will assess the sponsor and the principal applicant; they may request biometrics, medical examinations, police certificates, or additional documentation.
- For sponsors in Québec, complete the additional undertaking with Québec when instructed by IRCC.
SUPER VISA – AN OPEN OPTION WHILE PGP IS PAUSED
The Super Visa is not permanent residence, but it allows eligible parents or grandparents to come to Canada for extended periods. A Super Visa can be valid for multiple entries for up to 10 years, and the holder may be allowed to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry.
The Super Visa has its own requirements regarding the inviter/host, income, medical insurance, and admissibility. As of March 31, 2026, IRCC has changed how Super Visa income requirements are met, where the income of the parents/grandparents may be counted in certain cases after the income of the host and co-signer has been factored in.
KEYAPPLY SERVICES
- Evaluating sponsor eligibility and family composition.
- Checking previously received PGP applications/invitations.
- Preparing sponsorship and permanent residence applications when eligible to submit.
- Coordinating with RCICs/lawyers to process immigration applications.
- Evaluating Super Visa options while PGP is not accepting new intakes.
PGP regulations may change with each intake. Application content will be reviewed according to the official IRCC and Québec guidelines in effect at the time of submission.
Discuss your case with KeyApply
Share your needs, current application status, and goals regarding the Canada Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship so that KeyApply can discuss appropriate support options.
Email: info@keyapply.com. You can call, email, or message us via the website KeyApply.com.