The Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP)
In contrast to other immigration destinations such as the US, Australia and the UK, Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible to sponsor their parents or grandparents to immigrate to Canada and become permanent residents. The Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) is in high demand. In 2021 a new round of invitations was organized with a cap of 30,000 applications, based on a lottery system. It is not known yet how the expected invitation round for later in 2022 will be organized.
In addition to the general sponsor requirements, the sponsors of parents and grandparents have to meet minimum necessary income (MNI) requirements. The minimum income is based on the size of the family, and must be met for the preceding three years. The incomes of both the sponsor and a co-signer can be combined to meet the requirement. As agreed to in the sponsorship undertaking, sponsors will be financially responsible for sponsored parents and grandparents for a period of 20 years (10 years if in Quebec).
Minimum necessary income, for 2021 Parent and Grandparent Applications (the program for 2022 is not open yet).
The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa
An attractive alternative to Parent and Grandparent sponsorship is the Super Visa Program. A Super Visa is a multiple entry visa valid for up to 10 years, which allows continuous stays in Canada of up to five years. The invited parents or grandparents will not become permanent residents, and will not have the right to work. They will, however, enjoy the freedom to visit family at their convenience.
A Super Visa is a temporary resident visa (TRV) and therefore the parent or grandparent is the primary applicant. Requirements for the visa include private health insurance coverage for the parent or grandparent for a period of at least one year. A minimum income by the child or grandchild must be demonstrated.
The minimum income for 2021 is displayed below:
See also
Our Services
We provide advice and representation for the complete sponsorship process. This includes temporary resident visas, work permits, permanent residence, and citizenship. Our services begin with a consultation to determine your eligibility and devise a sponsorship strategy. We handle all types of cases, from the straightforward to the complex.