The Parents and Grandparents Program is a family reunification initiative administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that enables eligible sponsors to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada as permanent residents. Unlike temporary visitor visas, PGP offers a pathway to permanent residency, granting sponsored family members full access to Canada's healthcare system, social services, and the opportunity to eventually apply for Canadian citizenship.

The program operates on an invitation-to-apply system, where potential sponsors must first submit an interest to sponsor form during a specified intake period. IRCC then randomly selects candidates from the pool and issues invitations to submit complete sponsorship applications.

Key Benefits:

• Permanent Resident Status
• Provincial Healthcare Coveragee
• Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS)
• Family Reunification

Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship 2026: Latest Updates

Historically, intake periods have opened between October and January, though the timing varies annually based on government processing capacity and immigration policy priorities. IRCC has increased the Family Reunification sponsorship fees on April 30, 2026 for applications involving spouses, partners, children, parents, grandparents, and other eligible relatives. The sponsorship fee has increased from $85 to $90, while the sponsored principal applicant fee has increased from $545 to $570, making it important for applicants and sponsors to check the latest fee before submitting their application.

When Will Parent Sponsorship Open for 2026?

2025 Program Status: The Parents and Grandparents Program 2025 intake occurred in October 2024, with invitations issued to 24,200 potential sponsors from the pool. As of early 2025, IRCC continues processing applications from previous years while preparing for future intake cycles.

2026 Projected Timeline: Based on historical patterns, prospective sponsors should expect the interest to sponsor form for 2026 to open sometime between October 2025 and January 2026. IRCC typically announces intake dates 2-4 weeks in advance through their official website and email notifications to registered accounts.

IRCC updated the Minimum Necessary Income Thresholds For Parents:

The income requirement represents the most critical eligibility criterion for parent sponsorship Canada. Sponsors must demonstrate financial capacity to support their sponsored family members without relying on social assistance programs.

IRCC requires sponsors to meet or exceed the Minimum Necessary Income threshold for three consecutive taxation years immediately preceding the application date. The income levels are based on Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus 30% and vary according to family size.

2026 Income Requirements for Parents Sponsorship:

Important Calculation Notes:

1. Family size includes: The sponsor, their spouse/common-law partner, dependent children, anyone they previously sponsored, and the parents/grandparents being sponsored
2. Income assessment period: Three consecutive tax years preceding the application (e.g., for 2026 applications: 2023, 2024, and 2025 tax years)
3. Quebec sponsors: Different income requirements apply under Quebec's separate sponsorship program

Income Documentation Requirements

Sponsors must provide official documentation from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to verify their income levels:

• Notice of Assessment (NOA) for each of the three required taxation years
• Option C Print (proof of income statement) from CRA
• T4 slips and other income reporting documents
• Business financial statements for self-employed sponsors
• Employment letters confirming current employment status

Common Income-Related Rejection Reasons:

1. Failing to meet MNI in one or more of the three required taxation years
2. Including non-eligible income sources in calculations
3. Incorrect family size calculation
4. Missing or incomplete income documentation
5. Discrepancies between reported income and CRA records

How Long Does It Take to Sponsor Parents to Canada: Processing Times Explained

Parents sponsorship processing time Canada remains one of the most frequently asked questions among prospective sponsors. The timeline from interest to sponsor submission through permanent residence approval spans multiple stages, each with distinct durations.

2026 Processing Time Statistics

Sponsor Parents to Canada Requirements: Eligibility Checklist

Eligibility Criteria for Sponsored Persons:

1. Relationship verification: Must be biological or adoptive parent/grandparent of sponsor
2. Admissibility: Must pass medical, criminal, and security background checks
3. Medical examination: Must undergo and pass immigration medical examination
4. Valid documentation: Must provide authentic identity and civil status documents
5. No misrepresentation: Must not have provided false information to Canadian authorities previously

Successfully sponsoring parents to Canada requires meeting specific eligibility criteria for both sponsors and principal applicants.

Key Takeaways:

• Monitor IRCC announcements regularly.
• Ensure you meet income requirements for all three required taxation years.
• Consider Super Visa as a temporary solution.
• Submit complete, accurate applications to minimize processing delays.

For personalized guidance on your specific situation, consider consulting with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or immigration lawyer who can assess your eligibility and guide you through the complex application process.