Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents and persons registered under the Indian Act to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence.

CURRENT PROGRAM STATUS

IRCC has paused the program. It is not currently accepting new interest-to-sponsor forms or issuing new invitations to apply until further notice, although existing applications continue to be processed. A sponsorship application should not be submitted unless IRCC has issued an invitation.

WHO MAY SPONSOR?

If invited, a potential sponsor must generally be at least 18 years old, live in Canada, have qualifying status in Canada, meet the applicable income requirements and sign an undertaking to provide financial support. A spouse or common-law partner may be able to co-sign so their incomes can be combined. Quebec has its own sponsorship requirements.

WHO MAY BE SPONSORED?

The program may cover biological or adopted parents and grandparents and certain eligible accompanying family members. Both the sponsor and the people being sponsored must meet all applicable requirements.

AN OPTION WHILE THE PROGRAM IS PAUSED

Parents and grandparents who were not invited may wish to consider the Super Visa. Eligible Super Visa holders can visit family in Canada for up to five years at a time, subject to the current requirements.

Program status and eligibility rules can change. We assess each case using current IRCC guidance.