Parent & Grandparent Sponsorship (PGP)

The Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship (PGP) program is one of the most sought-after and competitive immigration pathways in Canada. It enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence, ensuring long-term family reunification and support. Because the program is highly subscribed and subject to annual intake limits, applicants must understand all eligibility criteria, financial obligations, documentation requirements, and procedural risks. PGP sponsorship carries the longest and strictest undertaking obligations in the Family Class and is evaluated with rigorous scrutiny by IRCC.

Let's have a detailed, lawyer-level analysis of the PGP program, including eligibility rules, sponsor financial thresholds, income calculations, co-signer requirements, documentary evidence standards, medical and criminal admissibility, common refusal issues, appeal rights, and strategic alternatives such as the Super Visa. Proper understanding is essential for families planning long-term reunification with parents and grandparents.

Program Structure & Intake Process

The PGP operates under a two-step intake system:

1. Interest to Sponsor (ITS) Submission
2. IRCC Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PGP

Because demand far exceeds available spots, IRCC uses a lottery-style randomized selection system. Only those invited may submit full applications.

Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors

Sponsors must meet the highest financial requirements in Canadian immigration. To qualify, a sponsor must:

• be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident,
• be 18 years of age or older,
• reside in Canada,
• not be in receipt of social assistance other than disability benefits,
• not be in default of any previous sponsorship undertaking,
• not be bankrupt (undischarged),
• not have certain criminal convictions,
• meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements for 3 consecutive tax years.

Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)

MNI is based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus 30%. Sponsors must meet MNI for the past three tax years based on their Notice of Assessment (NOA). Co-signers (spouses or common-law partners) may contribute their income when necessary.

Income is calculated using Line 15000 from each NOA, and IRCC does not accept alternative forms of income verification except in limited circumstances.

Sponsorship Undertaking Obligations

Sponsors must sign a legally binding undertaking to support the sponsored individuals financially for 20 years (10 years in Quebec), regardless of:

• changes in the sponsor’s financial situation,
• relationship breakdown,
• loss of employment,
• medical issues.

During the undertaking, if the sponsored family member receives social assistance, the government may pursue the sponsor for reimbursement.

Eligibility Requirements for Applicants (Parents & Grandparents)

Sponsored parents/grandparents must:

• undergo a medical exam and be medically admissible,
• provide police certificates for all required jurisdictions,
• be admissible to Canada (no serious criminality or security concerns),
• have all dependent family members declared and examined.

Undeclared dependents may trigger misrepresentation findings, often irreparable.

Required Documentation for PGP Application

A complete PGP application typically includes:

• completed sponsorship and PR forms,
• proof of relationship (birth certificates, family registries),
• proof of income (NOAs for 3 years),
• marriage certificates (if co-signer involved),
• police certificates,
• medical examination results,
• identity documents and passports,
• proof of status in Canada (sponsor),
• documents for dependents (if applicable).

Medical Admissibility Considerations

Medical inadmissibility is a common barrier in PGP cases due to applicants' age-related health issues. IRCC may find inadmissibility on grounds of:

• excessive demand on health or social services,
• danger to public health,
• danger to public safety.

Legal submissions addressing costing, mitigation plans, and procedural fairness responses are often critical.

Common Reasons for Refusal

• failure to meet MNI for the 3 required tax years,
• incorrect income calculations or missing NOAs,
• ineligibility due to sponsor’s past undertakings,
• inadmissibility of the applicant (medical, criminality, security),
• incomplete forms or missing signatures,
• failure to include all dependent family members,
• procedural fairness issues unaddressed.

Procedural Fairness Letters (PFLs)

PFLs are issued for concerns such as:

• insufficient income,
• questionable family relationships,
• medical inadmissibility,
• criminality or security issues,
• suspected misrepresentation (especially regarding dependents).

Responses must be legally sound, evidentiary, and directly address officer concerns.

Right of Appeal (IAD)

PGP refusals may be appealed to the Immigration Appeal Division when:

• the sponsor is eligible to appeal,
• the refusal is not based on serious criminality or misrepresentation,
• the appeal is filed within the statutory time limit.

The IAD may consider:

• errors in law or fact,
• medical inadmissibility arguments,
• humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) considerations,
• the best interests of children.

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) conferences may resolve certain cases early.

Super Visa as an Alternative

For sponsors not selected in the lottery or unable to meet MNI, the Super Visa is a strong alternative. It allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry, with renewals, provided the sponsor meets:

• minimum income requirements (1 year),
• medical insurance purchase,
• invitation letter obligations.

Super Visa is not a PR pathway but enables long-term visits.

Strategies for PGP Success

• Meet MNI for all 3 years with strong documentation.
• Plan income improvements in advance (3-year cycle).
• Prepare medical inadmissibility mitigation strategies early.
• Ensure all dependents are declared and examined.
• Respond thoroughly to PFLs with evidence-backed submissions.
• Consider Super Visa pathways if PGP is not feasible.
• Seek legal counsel for complex medical or admissibility cases.

The Role of Skilled Counsel

PGP applications require careful financial analysis, meticulous documentation, and strategic planning. Skilled immigration counsel:

• assesses eligibility and income requirements,
• prepares complete and accurate submissions,
• handles inadmissibility, PFLs, and appeals,
• advises on Super Visa and alternative pathways,
• ensures compliance with undertaking and regulatory obligations.

With proper preparation, legal strategy, and financial planning, families can successfully reunite with parents and grandparents in Canada through the PGP program.