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 for parents and grandparents
• Access to provincial healthcare coverage
• Eligibility for Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS)
• Pathway to Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements
• Family reunification without recurring visa applications

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.

When Will Parent Sponsorship Open for 2025 and 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.

Historical Intake Timeline Reference

Expert Insight: The consistent October-November intake window suggests that potential sponsors should prepare their documentation and verify their eligibility by late summer 2025 for the 2026 program cycle.

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

What Income Counts Toward Parent Sponsorship Canada Requirements?

Acceptable Income Sources:

• Employment income (salary, wages, commissions)
• Self-employment income (after business expenses)
• Employment Insurance benefits (excluding special benefits for illness, compassionate care, or parental leave)
• Some pension income sources
• Retirement income from RRSPs and investments
• Some disability benefits

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

Principal Applicant (Parents/Grandparents) Requirements

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.

Medical Examination Requirements:

Parents and grandparents must undergo immigration medical examinations conducted by IRCC-approved panel physicians. The examination assesses:

• Communicable diseases that pose public health risks
• Health conditions requiring excessive demand on Canadian health services
• Physical and mental health conditions affecting safety

IRCC may refuse applications if medical conditions would create excessive demand on Canadian health or social services, defined as costs exceeding approximately $24,057 per year or services unavailable in applicant's area of residence. However, parents and grandparents sponsorship applications receive more lenient assessment than other immigration programs.

Key Takeaways:

• Monitor IRCC announcements regularly for 2026 intake date confirmations
• Ensure you meet income requirements for all three required taxation years
• Consider Super Visa as a temporary solution while PGP applications process
• Submit complete, accurate applications to minimize processing delays
• Understand the 20-year financial commitment involved in sponsorship

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.

Stay Updated: Bookmark the official IRCC Parents and Grandparents Program page and check regularly for the latest program updates, intake announcements, and processing time information as the 2026 program cycle approaches.

This article provides general information about the Parents and Grandparents Program Canada based on current immigration policies as of January 2025. Immigration requirements and procedures are subject to change. Always verify current requirements on the official IRCC website or consult with qualified immigration professionals for advice specific to your circumstances.