Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship (PGP)

The Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship (PGP) program is currently closed to new applicants. As of January 1, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has paused all new intakes for the 2026 calendar year to manage immigration levels and clear existing backlogs.

Historically, this program operates on an invitation-only basis. You cannot apply unless you have been randomly selected from a pool of candidates who previously submitted an Interest to Sponsor form. The last time new entries were accepted into this pool was in 2020.

If the program re-opens or if you have already received an Invitation to Apply (ITA), the process follows these steps:

1. Receive an Invitation

You may only submit a full application if you received an ITA via email. IRCC typically draws these invitations from the existing pool of candidates who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form during a designated intake window.

2. Prepare the Application Package

Once invited, you have approximately 60 days to submit your complete application. You must prepare two sets of documents:

• Sponsorship forms: Completed by you (the sponsor).
• Permanent residence forms: Completed by your parents or grandparents (the applicants).

3. Submit via the PR Portal

All applications must be submitted digitally through the Permanent Residence Portal. You must upload:

• Your Notices of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the three consecutive tax years preceding your application to prove you meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI).
• Proof of your status (Canadian Birth Certificate, Citizenship Card, or PR Card).
• Proof of relationship (your birth certificate showing your parents' names).
• Certified translations for any document not in English or French, accompanied by an affidavit (a sworn statement from the translator).

4. Pay Fees and Submit

Upload your payment receipts and submit the digital application. Ensure every form is signed electronically as required by the portal.

5. Biometrics and Medical Exams

After submission, IRCC will send your parents/grandparents instructions for:

• Biometrics: Giving fingerprints and a photo at a local collection point.
• Medical Exams: Undergoing a physical by an IRCC-approved panel physician.

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Fees must be paid online through the IRCC payment portal. The total base cost for one adult is $1,205.

Item	Cost
Sponsorship Fee	$75
Principal Applicant Processing Fee	$540
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)	$575
Biometrics (per person)	$85
Dependent Child (if applicable)	$175

Total Estimate: Approximately $1,290 per adult (including biometrics).

Does not include: Costs for medical exams, police certificates, or certified translations of foreign-language documents.

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Because the program is currently paused for new intakes, processing times are focused on clearing the existing backlog.

• Current Average: 20 to 24 months from the date a complete application is received.
• Quebec Residents: Expect significantly longer wait times, often double the national average, due to provincial intake caps.
• Document Validity: Police certificates are generally valid for one year, while medical exam results are typically valid for 12 months.

Note: If you cannot wait for the PGP to reopen, consider the Super Visa. This allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time and is currently open for new applications with much faster processing times.