Canada Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP) 2025 – What you need to know
- Tiffany Chia
- Sep 9
- 6 min read
Updated: 12 hours ago
Imagine This 👵👴❤️
Your parents or grandparents step off the plane—not for another short visit, but to live near you permanently. They’ll access public healthcare and share daily life with you and your family.
That’s the goal of Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP)—but unlike spousal sponsorship, it’s lottery-based with limited spaces.
This article covers what you can control in 2025: eligibility, lottery mechanics, income rules (MNI), timelines, and the Super Visa fallback.
What is Canada Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship Program 2025 (PGP)? 🌎
PGP lets Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence under the Family Class. The program runs by invitation from an IRCC lottery due to huge demand.
For the 2025 intake, IRCC began inviting people who submitted Interest to Sponsor forms in 2020; invites started July 28, 2025, and invited applicants must submit by Oct 9, 2025 (ET).
Even though the PGP program is already closed to those without the invitation to apply for 2025, it is critical to start preparing for PGP in advance if you plan to sponsor your parents or grandparents within the next 5 years.
Who You Can Sponsor 👨👩👧👦
Biological or adoptive parents and grandparents (including step-parents if they’re married/common-law with your parent).
Not eligible: in-laws
Processing Times (2025) ⏱
Outside Quebec: ~36 months
Quebec-destined: ~48 months
The PGP Lottery: How It Works 🎲
Interest to Sponsor form (IRCC will make the announcement)
Random selection
Invitation to Apply
Full application by the deadline.
For 2025, IRCC is still drawing from the 2020 Interest to Sponsor pool.
💡 Pro Tip: Lottery outcomes are uncontrollable—plan a Super Visa in parallel to keep parents close while you wait.
Income Requirements (MNI) 💵
You must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for each of the three taxation years before you apply. Proof is CRA Notices of Assessment. Being even $1 below can lead to refusal.
✅ Official IRCC MNI Table (for the 2025 intake)
Family size | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
2 | $47,549 | $44,530 | $43,082 |
3 | $58,456 | $54,743 | $52,965 |
4 | $70,972 | $66,466 | $64,306 |
5 | $80,496 | $75,384 | $72,935 |
6 | $90,784 | $85,020 | $82,259 |
7 | $101,075 | $94,658 | $91,582 |
Each additional person | +$10,291 | +$9,636 | +$9,324 |
Source: IRCC “Income requirements for the sponsor” (updated July 28, 2025). Always verify the latest table before submitting the application.
How to Calculate Your Family Size 👥
IRCC calculates “family size” based on who you financially support now plus those you’re sponsoring. Use the steps below (adapted from Guide 5772 and Help Centre) and count it for each of the 3 years.
✅ Family Size Calculation Table
Include in your family size | Count | Notes |
You (the sponsor) | 1 | Always included |
Your spouse/common-law partner | +1 | Include even if not co-signing |
Your dependent children | +N | As defined by IRCC for each tax year |
Sponsored parents/grandparents (this application) | +N | Count each person you’re inviting |
Anyone still under an active undertaking you previously sponsored (e.g., spouse’s parents you co-signed) | +N | If the undertaking hasn’t expired, you must include them |
Co-signer’s dependent children (if applicable) | +N | If your spouse/partner is co-signing |
Do not include people no longer in your family due to death/divorce or expired undertaking | 0 |
Example
If you are inviting 2 parents, with a spouse and 1 dependent child
→ total counted for MNI is 5.
PGP vs Super Visa (Backup Plan) ✈️
PGP (PR) | Super Visa | |
Status | Permanent resident | Long-term visitor |
Stay length | N/A (PR) | Up to 5 years per entry, including extension up to 2 years within Canada, multiple entries up to 10 years |
Healthcare | Provincial health coverage (after waits) | Must purchase private medical insurance |
Quota | Lottery, limited intake | Always open (no lottery) |
Income proof | MNI for 3 years | 1 year income proof by host |
Typical timeline | ~24 months (outside QC) | ~3–9 months |
Government Fees (PGP) 💳
Expected IRCC fees per applicant generally include: sponsorship fee, processing fee, RPRF, and biometrics. deadlines for the 2025 intake. Always confirm the latest totals before paying.
Government Fees
Item | Fee |
Sponsorship fee (per sponsor) | $85 |
Principal applicant processing fee | $545 |
Spouse/partner of parent or grandparent | $630 |
Dependent child of main applicant | $175 |
Right of permanent residence fee (RPRF, per adult) | $575 |
Biometrics | $85 |
📊 Total Fees
Main applicant: $1,290
Main applicant + spouse: $2,010
Other Costs (depending on individual case)
Item | Fee Range |
Medical exam | $200–450 |
Police certificates | $50–200 |
Document translations | $100–500 |
Courier/mailing | $50–200 |
Professional support | $2,500–5,000 |
💰 Estimated Total Investment: $4,000–8,000
✨ 5 Expert Tips for PGP Success
File Your Taxes Early 📑
Your CRA Notices of Assessment for the past 3 years are mandatory. File on time and keep copies ready.
Calculate Family Size Correctly 👨👩👧👦
Include yourself, spouse, dependents, sponsored parents/grandparents, and anyone under an active undertaking. Mistakes here = refusal.
Don’t Rely on PGP Alone 🎲
The lottery is unpredictable. Apply for a Super Visa in parallel so your parents can still spend long periods in Canada.
Act Fast on Invitations 📬
If you’re selected, you’ll only have 60 days to submit the application package. Submit a complete package before the deadline.
Plan Ahead for Quebec 🏙️
If you live in Quebec, income rules and processing times differ—factor in MIFI requirements and longer waits.
❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions About PGP
Q1: How long does PGP take in 2025?
A: Average is 24 months outside Quebec and 48 months in Quebec.
💡 Pro Tip: Use Super Visa as a bridge while waiting.
Q2: How often does the lottery open?
A: Typically once per year, but intake and draw sizes vary.
💡 Pro Tip: Sign up for IRCC news alerts—dates are not predictable.
Q3: What if I’m not selected?
A: You can’t apply without an invitation. Apply for a Super Visa as an alternative.
💡 Pro Tip: The Super Visa now allows 5-year stays per entry, renewable, making it an excellent backup.
Q4: What’s the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)?
A: You must meet the MNI for 3 consecutive years (see IRCC table).
💡 Pro Tip: Even $1 below = refusal. Double-check CRA Notices of Assessment.
Q5: How do I calculate family size?
A: Include you, spouse, dependents, the parents/grandparents you’re sponsoring, and anyone under existing undertakings.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t forget ongoing undertakings from past sponsorships—these still count.
Q6: Can my sibling co-sign my PGP application?
A: No. Only your spouse or common-law partner can co-sign to help you meet MNI.
💡 Pro Tip: Plan carefully. If your income alone doesn’t meet MNI and you don’t have a spouse/partner to co-sign, you’ll be ineligible to apply—even if your siblings also want to sponsor your parents.
Q7: How long is the sponsorship undertaking?
A: 20 years (10 years in Quebec).
💡 Pro Tip: You remain financially responsible even if family relationships change.
Q8: Can sponsors apply from abroad?
A: No. Sponsors must live in Canada.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep proof of return plans (job offers, housing, family ties).
Q9: What if my parent has medical issues?
A: They must pass a medical exam. Certain conditions may cause inadmissibility.💡 Pro Tip: Gather medical records early so that you can make the executive decision if your parent's medical condition may cause the application to be refused.
Q10: Can I sponsor just my mom (or just my dad) if both are alive?
A: No. If your parents are married or common-law, IRCC requires you to sponsor both together in one application. You cannot exclude one. If they are divorced, separated, or one parent has passed away, you may sponsor just the eligible parent.
💡 Pro Tip: If your parent has remarried, their new spouse (your step-parent) can also be included in the sponsorship application.
Ready to Sponsor Your Parents or Grandparents? 🚀
Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP) is competitive and document-intensive—income math and deadlines are where most errors happen.
At 1to1 Immigration, we offer:
✅ 1-to-1 Zoom consultations — What you need to consider and prepare for the Parent and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP) and how Super Visa can be a good interim solution.
✅ Professional application reviews — pre-submission checks to avoid costly mistakes
👉 Start today: Contact us
Explore the rest of our 10-part Canada Family Sponsorship Blog Series 📚
Spousal Sponsorship Canada 2025: Reunite with Your Partner Faster
Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship Canada 2025: What Every Family Needs to Know (You just read this)
Adopted Child Sponsorship Canada 2025: Complete Guide
Lonely Canadian Sponsorship Canada 2025: Complete Guide
Family Sponsorship Processing Times 2025: Complete Guide
Family Sponsorship Mistakes 2025: Complete Guide
Family Sponsorship Costs 2025: Complete Guide
Family Sponsorship DIY vs Professional 2025: Complete Guide
Family Sponsorship vs Express Entry 2025: Complete Guide
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