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Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) 2026: Sponsor Your Family to Canada

Vancouver immigration guide · Related: Spousal Sponsorship

Family reunification is a core pillar of Canada’s immigration policy. For Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in British Columbia, bringing parents and grandparents to live in Canada permanently is a top priority. The federal Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) provides a pathway for parents and grandparents to obtain Canadian Permanent Residency.

However, because demand for the PGP far exceeds the annual quota set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), it is one of the most competitive and complex immigration streams. In 2026, the program continues to utilize a lottery-style selection system, combined with strict multi-year financial requirements for sponsors.

This comprehensive guide explains the PGP eligibility criteria, the sponsor’s income requirements, the 20-year undertaking, and how the program functions in 2026.

1. How the PGP Lottery Works in 2026

To manage the volume of applicants, IRCC does not keep the PGP open for continuous submissions. Instead, it operates on an invitation-only model:

  • The Interest to Sponsor Pool: Sponsors must first submit an online "Interest to Sponsor" form when IRCC opens the intake window.
  • Random Lottery Draws: IRCC periodically conducts random draws from the pool and issues Invitations to Apply (ITA) to selected sponsors. In recent years, IRCC has drawn from the pool of profiles submitted during the major 2020 intake, but the department continues to adjust its intake strategies to clear backlogs.
  • Strict Submission Deadlines: Once you receive an ITA, you have a limited window (typically 60 days) to submit a complete, flawless application including all supporting documents and proof of income.

2. Eligibility Requirements for the Sponsor

To act as a sponsor under the PGP program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Status: You must be a Canadian citizen, a Permanent Resident of Canada, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
  • Age: You must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
  • Residency: You must reside in Canada. If you are a Canadian citizen living abroad, you cannot sponsor your parents; you must reside in Canada when you submit the application and continue to do so until the permanent residence is granted.
  • Financial Capability: You must prove that you have enough income to support the sponsored family members.

3. The Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) Requirement

The financial assessment is the most rigorous part of the PGP application. As a sponsor, you must prove that your household income met the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for each of the three taxation years preceding the date of your application.

The Income Calculation Rules

  • Proof of Income: You can only prove your income using official Notice of Assessments (NOA) issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). No other document (such as pay stubs, bank statements, or employment letters) is accepted.
  • The MNI Threshold: The MNI is based on the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus a 30% buffer.
  • Determining Family Size: Your income requirement is determined by your total family unit size. This unit size includes:
    • Yourself (the sponsor).
    • Your spouse or common-law partner (even if they are not co-signing).
    • Your dependent children.
    • The parents and grandparents you wish to sponsor.
    • Any dependents of those parents and grandparents (e.g., dependent siblings), whether they are accompanying them to Canada or not.
    • Any other family members you have sponsored in the past whose undertaking agreements are still active.

Example: If a married couple in Vancouver with two children wants to sponsor two parents, the total family unit size is 6. The sponsor (and co-signer, if applicable) must prove their combined CRA NOAs met the 6-person MNI threshold for all three qualifying tax years.

4. The Role of a Co-Signer

If your personal income does not meet the MNI threshold on its own, your spouse or common-law partner can act as a co-signer.

  • When your spouse co-signs the application, their income is added to yours to help meet the MNI.
  • The co-signer must meet the same basic eligibility requirements as the sponsor (18+ years old, citizen/PR, residing in Canada).
  • By co-signing, they assume the same legal and financial liabilities as the primary sponsor.

5. The 20-Year Undertaking Agreement

Sponsoring a parent or grandparent is a massive, long-term financial commitment. When your application is approved, you (and your co-signer, if applicable) must sign a legally binding Undertaking Agreement with the Government of Canada.

  • Duration: For the PGP, the undertaking lasts for 20 years from the day the sponsored parent or grandparent becomes a Canadian permanent resident (10 years in Quebec).
  • Obligations: You agree to provide for the sponsored person's basic needs (food, shelter, clothing, utilities, and health care services not covered by public health insurance).
  • Social Assistance Repayment: If your sponsored parents or grandparents receive provincial social assistance (welfare) during the 20-year period, you are legally required to repay every dollar to the government. This obligation remains in place even if your financial circumstances change, if you go through a divorce, or if the sponsored person moves out of your home.

6. PGP Step-by-Step Application Timeline

graph TD
    A[Submit Interest to Sponsor Form] --> B[Wait for IRCC Selection Draw]
    B --> C{Receive Invitation to Apply ITA}
    C --> D[Collect 3 Years of CRA NOAs]
    D --> E[Gather Birth/Marriage Certificates & Forms]
    E --> F[Submit Complete Application within 60 Days]
    F --> G[IRCC Processing & Medical/Security Checks]
    G --> H[Permanent Residency Granted & 20-Year Undertaking Begins]

Conclusion: The Super Visa Alternative

Because the PGP is lottery-based, many sponsors wait years without ever receiving an ITA. If you want to bring your parents or grandparents to Vancouver without waiting for the lottery, the Super Visa is a highly popular alternative. The Super Visa is a multi-entry visitor visa that allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time, with the option to extend their stay.

For those pursuing the PGP, ensuring your tax filings are immaculate and your family unit size is calculated correctly is essential. A single missing tax year or a minor calculation error will result in the immediate rejection of your application. Consulting an experienced Vancouver immigration lawyer can help you navigate the financial requirements and prepare a compliant application package.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance regarding your immigration application, please consult a licensed Canadian immigration lawyer.

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