Bringing your parents or grandparents to Canada is one of the most meaningful ways of reuniting families. The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents to sponsor their loved ones for Permanent Residence in Canada. This means they can live, work, and enjoy the benefits of Canada for the long term.In this blog, we’ll walk you through the eligibility, process, income requirements, alternatives, and key tips for sponsoring your parents or grandparents in 2025.

1. Eligibility to Sponsor Parents or Grandparents in 2025

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

• Be at least 18 years old.
  
• Be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
  
• Live in Canada.
  
• Prove that you meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement for the last three years.
  
• Sign an undertaking agreement promising financial support for your parents or grandparents for 20 years.
  

Who can be sponsored?

• Biological parents.
  
• Adoptive parents.
  
• Grandparents.
  
• Accompanying dependents (such as siblings who are under 22 and unmarried) may also be included.
  

2. Process of Sponsorship under the PGP 2025

The PGP operates through an Interest to Sponsor form and an invitation system.

1. Interest to Sponsor Form – In 2025, IRCC will open the form for submissions. You must submit this online to express your interest.
   
2. Invitation to Apply (ITA) – IRCC randomly selects potential sponsors and sends invitations.
   
3. Application Submission – If invited, you’ll have 60 days to submit a complete sponsorship application with all supporting documents.
   
4. Processing – IRCC reviews eligibility, conducts background checks, and processes medical exams.
   
5. Decision – If approved, your parents or grandparents receive Permanent Residence in Canada.
   

👉 For the latest updates on the PGP program, always check the official IRCC page.

3. Income Requirements for PGP Sponsorship

Sponsors must prove they can financially support their parents or grandparents. This is based on the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI), which depends on the size of your family (including the people you are sponsoring).

• You must provide proof of income for the last three taxation years.
  
• Only Notices of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) are accepted.
  

For example, if you are sponsoring 2 parents and your family size is 4, you must meet the income cut-off for a family of 4 for the last three years.

4. Alternatives If You’re Not Selected in the PGP

Since demand for the PGP is very high, not everyone gets invited. Here are alternative options:

✅ Super Visa

• Allows parents/grandparents to visit Canada for up to 5 years at a time.
  
• Renewable and multiple entries allowed.
  
• Requires proof of income and medical insurance coverage.
  

✅ Visitor Visa

• Grants short-term stays (usually 6 months).
  
• Easier to obtain but does not offer long-term solutions.
  

✅ Express Entry / Provincial Nominee Programs (rare option)

If parents qualify independently (for example, based on skills, language, and work experience), they can apply under immigration pathways.

5. Comparison: PGP vs Super Visa vs Visitor Visa

Program	Status Granted	Duration of Stay	Processing Time	Income Requirement	Best For
PGP	Permanent Residence	Permanent	2+ years	Yes (last 3 years MNI)	Those seeking long-term family reunification
Super Visa	Temporary Resident	5 years per entry (renewable)	Months	Yes + Medical Insurance	Parents/grandparents visiting for long periods
Visitor Visa	Temporary Resident	6 months per entry	Weeks–Months	Minimal	Short visits, family gatherings, or temporary stays

This table makes it easier to decide which option fits your situation best.

6. Tips for a Successful Sponsorship in 2025

• Apply early: Submit the Interest to Sponsor form as soon as IRCC opens it.
  
• Double-check documents: Missing documents can delay or reject your application.
  
• Meet income requirements: Ensure your NOAs for the last three years are above the required cut-off.
  
• Consider Super Visa as a backup: If not selected for PGP, a Super Visa ensures your parents can still stay long-term.
  

Stay updated: Regularly check the IRCC website for announcements.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many people can I sponsor under the PGP?
You can sponsor both parents and grandparents, but you must meet the income requirement for the total family size.

2. What if my income is slightly below the cut-off?
Unfortunately, IRCC is strict. You must meet or exceed the MNI for the last three years. Consider the Super Visa as an alternative.

3. Can I apply if I live outside Canada?
No. You must reside in Canada to be eligible.

4. How long does PGP sponsorship take in 2025?
Processing can take 2+ years, depending on IRCC’s workload.

5. Can I switch from a Super Visa to Permanent Residence later?
Yes, if you are later selected for the PGP, you can apply while your parents are on a Super Visa.

Conclusion

Sponsoring your parents or grandparents in 2025 is one of the most rewarding pathways to family reunification in Canada. While the program is competitive, preparing in advance, meeting income requirements, and knowing the alternatives like the Super Visa ensures you have a strong plan in place.

For the most accurate and updated details, always refer to the official IRCC page on PGP.