PGP Suspended for 2026 — No New Applications
Canada will not accept any new Parent and Grandparent Program applications in 2026. The Super Visa is currently the best alternative, allowing your parents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit. See our Super Visa guide →
What Is the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP)?
The Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) is a Canadian immigration pathway that allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence in Canada. Once approved, your sponsored family members receive PR status with full rights to live, work, study, and access healthcare anywhere in Canada.
Unlike the Super Visa (which grants visitor status), PGP provides a permanent solution for family reunification. Your parents can eventually apply for Canadian citizenship, vote, and enjoy all the benefits of being Canadian residents.
At TopNation Immigration Consultant in Edmonton, we have helped hundreds of families navigate the PGP process and prepare for when the program reopens.
Key Features of PGP
- Permanent Residence: Your parents become Canadian PRs with full rights
- Healthcare Access: Provincial healthcare coverage after waiting period
- Work Authorization: Can work for any employer in Canada
- Path to Citizenship: Eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship
- No Expiry: Unlike visas, PR status doesn't expire (with conditions)
Current Status
The PGP is suspended for 2026. IRCC has not announced when it will reopen. We recommend applying for a Super Visa now and preparing your PGP documentation for when the program resumes.
PGP Eligibility Requirements
When the Parent and Grandparent Program is open, both sponsors and applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria.
Sponsor Requirements (You in Canada)
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident — PRs must be living in Canada
- Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for 3 consecutive tax years
- Not be in default on a previous sponsorship undertaking or immigration loan
- Not be receiving social assistance (except for disability)
- Not be under a removal order or in prison
- Not have been convicted of certain violent or sexual offenses
- Sign a 20-year undertaking to financially support your parents
Applicant Requirements (Your Parents/Grandparents)
- Be the parent or grandparent of the sponsor (biological or adoptive)
- Not be inadmissible to Canada on criminal, security, or health grounds
- Pass a medical examination with an IRCC-designated physician
- Provide police certificates from countries lived in for 6+ months since age 18
Important Note
Parents-in-law cannot be sponsored directly. Only your own biological or adoptive parents qualify. Your spouse can sponsor their own parents under a separate application.
Income Requirements for Parent Sponsorship
The income requirement is the most challenging aspect of parent sponsorship. You must prove you meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold for 3 consecutive tax years — not just the current year.
How MNI Is Calculated
The Minimum Necessary Income is based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus 30%. This is higher than the Super Visa requirement (which uses LICO without the 30% addition).
MNI Table for Parent Sponsorship (LICO + 30%)
| Family Size | Minimum Income Required | Example Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | $49,403 | Single sponsor + 1 parent |
| 3 persons | $60,736 | Single sponsor + 2 parents |
| 4 persons | $73,742 | Sponsor + spouse + 2 parents |
| 5 persons | $83,637 | Sponsor + spouse + 1 child + 2 parents |
| 6 persons | $94,329 | Sponsor + spouse + 2 children + 2 parents |
| 7+ persons | $105,019 | Larger families — add ~$10,700 per person |
Note: These figures are estimates based on recent LICO data. IRCC updates income requirements periodically. Always verify current thresholds on the official IRCC website when the program reopens.
Calculating Your Family Size
Your family size includes more people than you might expect:
- Yourself (the sponsor)
- Your spouse or common-law partner
- Your dependent children (and your spouse's dependent children)
- The parents/grandparents you are sponsoring
- Their dependents (if any are included in the application)
- Any previously sponsored persons still under an active undertaking
Combining Income With Your Spouse
If your individual income doesn't meet the MNI threshold, your spouse or common-law partner can co-sign the application. Both incomes are combined, but both must:
- Provide Notices of Assessment for 3 consecutive tax years
- Sign the undertaking (both become responsible for 20 years)
- Meet all sponsor eligibility requirements
Not Sure If You Meet the Income Requirement?
Our consultants can review your tax documents and calculate your exact eligibility before PGP reopens.
Check Your Eligibility
PGP vs Super Visa: Which Is Right for Your Family?
With PGP suspended for 2026, many families are weighing their options. Understanding the differences helps you make the best decision for your situation.
| Feature | Parent Sponsorship (PGP) | Super Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Status Granted | Permanent Resident | Visitor (temporary) |
| Stay Duration | Unlimited (permanent) | Up to 5 years per entry |
| Work Rights | Yes — can work anywhere | No — cannot work |
| Healthcare | Provincial healthcare (after waiting period) | Must have private insurance |
| Path to Citizenship | Yes | No |
| Income Requirement | LICO + 30% for 3 years | LICO for current year only |
| Undertaking Period | 20 years | During visit only |
| Availability 2026 | Suspended | Open — apply anytime |
| Processing Time | 24-36 months (when open) | 2-6 months |
Choose PGP When It Reopens If...
- Your parents want to live in Canada permanently
- They need access to provincial healthcare
- They want to work in Canada
- You can meet income requirements for 3 years
- Your parents want to eventually become citizens
- You're comfortable with a 20-year financial undertaking
Choose Super Visa Now If...
- You want your parents here while PGP is closed
- Your parents prefer flexibility to travel home
- You don't meet 3-year income requirements yet
- Your parents have healthcare in their home country
- You want faster processing (2-6 months)
- You want to avoid a 20-year undertaking
Smart Strategy for 2026
Apply for a Super Visa now to bring your parents to Canada immediately. Meanwhile, build your income history and gather documents so you're ready to apply for PGP the moment it reopens.
How the PGP Lottery System Works
Unlike most immigration programs, the Parent and Grandparent Program uses a lottery system to manage the high volume of applicants. Here's how the process works when the program is open:
Interest to Sponsor Period Opens
IRCC announces when the interest to sponsor form becomes available. This window is typically open for only a few weeks. You must submit your interest during this period.
Submit Interest to Sponsor
Complete the online form with your basic information and your parents' details. This is NOT a full application — just an expression of interest. There is no fee at this stage.
Random Selection (Lottery)
IRCC conducts a random draw from all submitted interests. Only a limited number are selected each year (typically 10,000-15,000 invitations). Not everyone who submits interest will be selected.
Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If selected, you receive an Invitation to Apply by email. You then have 60 days to submit your complete sponsorship application with all required documents and fees.
Submit Complete Application
Gather all documents (income proof, identity documents, relationship evidence, medical exams, police certificates), pay fees, and submit within the 60-day deadline.
Processing & Decision
IRCC processes your application, which typically takes 24-36 months. They may request additional documents. Once approved, your parents receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence.
Why Preparation Matters
With only 60 days to submit after receiving an ITA, having your documents ready in advance is crucial. Many applicants lose their invitation because they couldn't gather documents in time.
The 20-Year Undertaking Explained
One of the most significant commitments in parent sponsorship is the 20-year undertaking. Understanding this obligation is essential before you apply.
What the Undertaking Means
When you sign the undertaking, you agree to:
- Financially support your parents for 20 years from the date they become PRs
- Provide for their basic needs — food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities
- Repay any social assistance they receive during the 20-year period
- Remain responsible even if circumstances change — divorce, job loss, or relationship breakdown doesn't end your obligation
What Happens If They Need Social Assistance?
If your sponsored parents receive social assistance (welfare, Ontario Works, income assistance, etc.) during the 20-year period, the government can:
- Send you a bill to repay the full amount
- Take legal action to recover the debt
- Report you as "in default" — preventing future sponsorships
- In some provinces, affect your credit rating
Important Considerations
- The undertaking is legally binding and enforceable by courts
- It cannot be cancelled even if your parents become citizens
- If you co-signed with your spouse, both remain responsible even after divorce
- Your parents receiving disability benefits may not trigger repayment (varies by province)
Questions About the 20-Year Undertaking?
Our consultants can explain the financial implications and help you plan appropriately.
Get Expert AdvicePGP Processing Times
When the Parent and Grandparent Program is open, processing times are significantly longer than other family sponsorship categories.
| Stage | Typical Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Interest to Sponsor submission | 2-4 weeks window | Limited time to submit interest |
| Lottery selection | 1-3 months after window closes | Random draw from all submissions |
| Submit complete application | 60 days from ITA | Strict deadline — no extensions |
| Application processing | 24-36 months | From submission to decision |
| Medical exam validity | 12 months | May need to redo if processing is slow |
Factors That Affect Processing Time
- Application completeness — missing documents cause major delays
- Background check complexity — parents who lived in multiple countries take longer
- Medical issues — health concerns require additional review
- High-volume visa offices — some countries have larger backlogs
- Additional document requests — slow responses extend processing
Ready to Sponsor Your Parents?
While PGP is suspended, we can help you apply for a Super Visa now and prepare your documents for when sponsorship reopens.
Start Your Consultation
Documents Required for Parent Sponsorship
Having your documents ready before you receive an ITA is crucial. Here's a comprehensive checklist:
Sponsor Documents (You)
- Proof of status: Canadian citizenship certificate or PR card
- Income proof: Notices of Assessment (NOA) for 3 consecutive tax years
- Tax documents: T4s, T1 General, Option C printout from CRA
- Employment letter: Current job, salary, start date (on letterhead)
- Pay stubs: 3-6 months of recent pay statements
- Bank statements: 3-6 months showing regular deposits
- Identity documents: Passport, driver's license
- Proof of relationship: Birth certificate showing parents' names
Applicant Documents (Your Parents)
- Passports: Current and valid for all applicants
- Birth certificates: For each parent being sponsored
- Marriage certificate: If both parents are being sponsored
- Police certificates: From every country lived in 6+ months since age 18
- Medical examination: From IRCC-designated panel physician
- Photos: Passport-style photos meeting IRCC specifications
- Proof of relationship: Your birth certificate showing their names
If Co-Signing With Spouse
- Spouse's proof of status (citizenship or PR)
- Spouse's income documents for 3 years
- Marriage certificate or common-law declaration
What to Do While PGP Is Suspended
Don't wait passively for PGP to reopen. Use this time strategically:
1. Apply for a Super Visa
Bring your parents to Canada now with a Super Visa. They can stay for up to 5 years per entry while you prepare for PGP. Read our complete Super Visa guide →
2. Build Your Income History
PGP requires 3 consecutive years of meeting the MNI threshold. If you're not there yet, focus on:
- Increasing your income through promotions or job changes
- Having your spouse start working or increase their hours
- Filing taxes accurately and on time each year
- Keeping detailed records of all income sources
3. Gather Documents Early
Start collecting documents now so you're ready when PGP reopens:
- Request your parents' police certificates (some countries take months)
- Obtain certified copies of birth and marriage certificates
- Organize your tax documents for the past 3 years
- Create a document checklist and track what you have
4. Consult an Immigration Professional
An RCIC-certified consultant can review your eligibility, identify potential issues, and help you create an action plan so you're fully prepared when PGP reopens.
Get Ready for PGP Reopening
Our consultants can assess your eligibility and help you prepare while the program is suspended.
Eligibility Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about sponsoring parents and grandparents to Canada.
Is the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) open in 2026?
No. Canada has suspended the Parent and Grandparent Program for 2026, with zero new applications being accepted. This decision stems from processing backlogs and resource reallocation. The Super Visa remains the primary alternative for bringing parents to Canada. The PGP may reopen in 2027, but IRCC has not made any guarantees.
What is the income requirement for sponsoring parents to Canada?
When PGP is open, sponsors must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for 3 consecutive tax years. This is calculated as LICO plus 30%, ranging from approximately $49,403 for a family of 2 to $105,019 for a family of 7+. You can combine income with your spouse or common-law partner by co-signing the application.
How long does parent sponsorship take?
When the PGP is open, processing times are typically 24-36 months from application submission to final decision. This does not include time waiting for the interest to sponsor window to open or lottery selection. The entire process from initial interest to PR approval can take 3-4 years.
What is the difference between PGP and Super Visa?
PGP grants permanent residence with full rights to live, work, access healthcare, and eventually become citizens. Super Visa is a visitor visa allowing stays up to 5 years per entry but with no work rights or provincial healthcare. PGP has higher income requirements (LICO+30% for 3 years) and longer processing, while Super Visa is available year-round with faster processing.
How does the PGP lottery system work?
When open, IRCC opens an "interest to sponsor" window for a limited time. All submitted interests go into a pool, and IRCC conducts a random draw. Selected sponsors receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and have 60 days to submit a complete application. Not everyone who submits interest is selected due to limited spots (typically 10,000-15,000 per year).
Can I sponsor both my parents at the same time?
Yes. You can include both parents in a single sponsorship application, and they will be processed together. Remember to include both parents when calculating your family size for income requirements. If your parents are divorced, you may need separate applications.
What is the 20-year undertaking?
When you sponsor parents or grandparents, you sign a legally binding undertaking to financially support them for 20 years. If they receive social assistance during this period, you may be required to repay the government. This obligation remains even if your circumstances change (job loss, divorce, etc.) and even after your parents become citizens.
Can my spouse help me meet the income requirement?
Yes. Your spouse or common-law partner can co-sign the sponsorship application to combine both incomes. Both must provide Notices of Assessment for 3 consecutive tax years, and both become equally responsible for the 20-year undertaking.
Do sponsored parents get healthcare in Canada?
Yes, once they become permanent residents through PGP, your parents can access provincial healthcare after the applicable waiting period (usually 3 months, depending on province). Super Visa holders do NOT get provincial healthcare and must maintain private medical insurance throughout their stay.
What should I do while PGP is suspended?
Apply for a Super Visa to bring your parents to Canada now (stays up to 5 years per visit). Meanwhile, build your income history to meet the 3-year requirement, gather documents in advance (police certificates can take months), and consult an immigration professional to ensure you're fully prepared when PGP reopens.
Related Resources
Continue exploring our family sponsorship and immigration guides:
Ready To Bring Your Parents To Canada?
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TopNation Immigration Consultant
RCIC-certified immigration consultants based in Edmonton, Alberta. Specializing in family sponsorship, Express Entry, and provincial nominee programs. Over 2,500 families helped since 2014. Licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) — License #R513508
