PGP Sponsorship 2026: How to Sponsor Your Parents and Grandparents to Canada

What Is the PGP Program?

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is Canada's dedicated family immigration pathway that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency. Through the PGP, sponsored family members gain the right to live, work, and build their lives in Canada permanently, with access to public services and a path toward Canadian citizenship.

The PGP is one of the most sought-after immigration programs in Canada, reflecting the deep importance of family reunification in Canadian immigration policy. However, demand consistently exceeds available spots, making it essential to understand the program's requirements and prepare thoroughly.

Who Can Sponsor Under the PGP?

To be eligible as a sponsor, you must meet the following criteria:

• Status in Canada: You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. If you are a permanent resident, you must be residing in Canada at the time of application.
• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Income requirement: You must demonstrate that your total household income meets or exceeds the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold for three consecutive tax years immediately preceding the date of application. This is verified through Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notices of Assessment and tax returns.
• Undertaking: You must sign a sponsorship undertaking committing to financially support the sponsored person for 20 years. This means you are legally responsible for ensuring they do not require government social assistance during that period.
• No defaults: You must not be in default of any previous sponsorship undertaking or immigration loan.
• Not subject to a removal order: You cannot be the subject of a removal order from Canada.

Understanding the Income Requirement

The income threshold is one of the most critical aspects of the PGP application. IRCC requires sponsors to demonstrate income at or above the MNI for three consecutive tax years. The exact amount depends on the size of your family unit, which includes you, your spouse or common-law partner, your dependent children, any persons you have previously sponsored who are still under an active undertaking, and the family members you are now sponsoring.

For a typical family unit of three people (sponsor, spouse, and one parent being sponsored), the MNI for the 2026 intake is based on the most recent published thresholds, which are updated annually. As a general guideline, the MNI is roughly 30% higher than the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) figures used for the Super Visa.

Income can be calculated from your individual earnings or the combined income of you and your co-signer (your spouse or common-law partner). Acceptable sources of income include employment income, self-employment income, and certain other sources as defined by CRA. Employment Insurance benefits and social assistance payments are not counted.

The 2026 PGP Intake Process

The PGP intake process has varied over the years, with IRCC using different methods including first-come-first-served online submissions and lottery-based selection. In recent years, the program has primarily used an interest-to-sponsor form followed by a random selection process.

For the 2026 intake cycle, prospective sponsors should watch for IRCC announcements regarding the intake period and method. Historically, the intake window opens for a limited time, during which eligible sponsors submit an expression of interest. A set number of potential sponsors are then randomly selected and invited to submit a full sponsorship application.

Key steps in the process:

1. Submit an interest-to-sponsor form during the intake window when IRCC announces it
2. Wait for selection through the random draw process
3. Receive an invitation to submit a complete application if selected
4. Submit the full application within the specified deadline (typically 60 days)
5. Processing and decision by IRCC, including medical and background checks for the sponsored person

Step-by-Step Application Process

Once you are selected and invited to apply, the full application involves several stages:

Gather Your Documents

Prepare the following well in advance:

• Proof of status: Canadian citizenship certificate or PR card
• Income documentation: CRA Notices of Assessment and Option C tax printouts for the three required tax years
• Relationship proof: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other documents establishing the parent-child or grandparent-grandchild relationship
• Undertaking forms: Signed sponsorship undertaking and agreement
• Sponsored person's documents: Passport copies, photos, police certificates, and completed immigration forms

Submit the Application Package

Ensure your application is complete, properly organized, and submitted before the deadline. Missing documents or unsigned forms are among the most common reasons for returns and delays. Pay the required processing fees, which include the sponsorship fee and the permanent residency processing fee for each sponsored person.

Medical Examination

The sponsored parent or grandparent must undergo a medical examination with an IRCC-designated panel physician. IRCC will provide instructions on when and how to complete this step. Medical results are typically valid for 12 months, so timing is important.

Background and Security Checks

IRCC conducts background and security checks on all sponsored persons. This may involve police certificates from every country where the applicant has lived for six months or more since the age of 18.

Decision and Landing

If the application is approved, the sponsored person receives a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if applicable, a permanent resident visa. They can then travel to Canada and complete the landing process at a port of entry, officially becoming a permanent resident.

Tips for a Strong PGP Application

• Prepare your income documentation early: Do not wait until the intake opens. File your taxes on time every year and request your Notices of Assessment and Option C printouts from CRA well in advance.
• Calculate your family unit size accurately: Errors in determining the family unit size lead to incorrect income threshold calculations and potential refusals. Include all dependents and previously sponsored persons still under an active undertaking.
• Organize your documents meticulously: Use IRCC's document checklist and submit everything in the order requested. Label and paginate your documents clearly.
• Respond promptly to IRCC requests: If IRCC asks for additional information or documents, respond within the given timeframe. Delayed responses can result in your application being refused or abandoned.
• Work with a professional: The PGP process is detailed and the stakes are high. An experienced immigration consultant can help you avoid common mistakes, ensure your application is complete, and navigate any complexities that arise during processing.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Refusals

Understanding what goes wrong in unsuccessful applications can help you avoid the same pitfalls:

• Insufficient income: Falling even slightly below the MNI threshold for any of the three required tax years will result in refusal. If your income is borderline, consider whether a co-signer can strengthen your case.
• Incomplete applications: Missing forms, unsigned documents, and absent supporting evidence are frequent causes of returned applications. Review every item on the checklist before submitting.
• Incorrect family unit calculation: Failing to include previously sponsored persons or dependent children in your family unit count leads to using the wrong income threshold.
• Late submissions: If you miss the deadline after being invited to apply, your spot is forfeited. Set calendar reminders and aim to submit well before the deadline.
• Outdated documents: Ensure all documents are current. Expired passports, outdated police certificates, and stale medical exams can cause delays or refusals.

Start Your PGP Journey With BT Immigration

Sponsoring your parents or grandparents to Canada is a meaningful commitment that requires careful preparation and attention to detail. At BT Immigration, we help families navigate the PGP process with confidence, from assessing your eligibility and preparing your income documentation to compiling a thorough application package and responding to IRCC throughout the process.

Do not leave your family reunification to chance. Take the Free Assessment to evaluate your eligibility, or contact our team to discuss your sponsorship plans with an experienced immigration consultant who can help you bring your loved ones to Canada.