If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, one of the most meaningful things you can do is bring your parents or grandparents here permanently. The main pathway is the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) — a family sponsorship stream that, when approved, gives them permanent resident status, not just a visit.
Who can sponsor parents or grandparents
To sponsor under the PGP, you generally must:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian, and at least 18 years old.
- Live in Canada and plan to continue living here.
- Meet a minimum necessary income for your family size, usually proven with your Notices of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency for the previous three tax years.
- Sign an undertaking to financially support the people you sponsor (and repay any social assistance they receive) for a set period.
The income requirement is the part that trips most people up. It’s based on family size — and the people you’re sponsoring count toward that size — so it’s worth confirming your numbers carefully before you commit.
How the PGP actually works
The PGP is unusual: you typically can’t just apply whenever you want. IRCC runs an interest-to-sponsor process and then invites a limited number of sponsors to submit a full application. Because demand far outstrips the available spots, not everyone who wants to sponsor gets invited in a given round.
That makes timing and preparation everything. If you’re invited and your documents aren’t ready — or your income falls short — you can lose the opportunity.
The Super Visa: the bridge while you wait
Because PGP spots are limited, many families use the Super Visa in the meantime. A super visa is a long-term, multiple-entry visitor visa for parents and grandparents that lets them stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry, with validity up to 10 years.
It isn’t permanent residence — they remain visitors, can’t work, and you’ll need qualifying private medical insurance — but it lets your family be together for years while you pursue (or wait for) the PGP. For many of our clients, the smart play is to apply for a super visa now and pursue permanent residence in parallel.
Common reasons sponsorship applications fail
- Income shortfall in one or more of the three tax years.
- Incomplete or inconsistent documents, especially proof of relationship and financial records.
- Missing a deadline after being invited to apply.
- Not understanding that your undertaking is a serious, multi-year financial commitment.
These are exactly the avoidable mistakes that turn a hopeful application into a refusal.
Plan it properly from the start
Bringing your parents to Canada permanently is achievable — but it rewards families who prepare early, keep their finances in order, and act fast when an invitation comes. If you want a clear strategy for both the PGP and a super visa as a bridge, book a consultation and we’ll map out the right path for your family.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sponsor my parents to come to Canada permanently? Yes — if you’re a citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian, are 18+, live in Canada, and meet the minimum necessary income. Sponsorship is done through the Parents and Grandparents Program.
What’s the difference between the PGP and a Super Visa? The PGP leads to permanent residence. A super visa is a long-term visitor visa (up to 5 years per stay) — your parents remain visitors and can’t work, but it’s far faster to obtain and is a common bridge while waiting for the PGP.
What income do I need to sponsor my parents? A minimum necessary income based on your family size, proven with your CRA Notices of Assessment for the previous three years. The exact figures change yearly, so confirm them for your specific family size before applying.