The Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program (PGP) allows families in Canada to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency in Canada.

The PGP is currently paused for new applications in 2025, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processing up to 10,000 applications from the 2024 intake, drawn from the 2020 interest-to-sponsor pool.

1. PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Before starting, confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria to sponsor your parents. Common requirements include:

  • Residency or Citizenship: You must typically be a citizen or permanent resident of the country.

  • Financial Stability: Prove you can financially support your parents.

    # family members Funds in CAD
    1 $15,263
    2 $19,001
    3 $23,360
    4 $28,362
    5 $32,168
    6 $36,280
    7 $40,392
    each extra $4,112

2. GATHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

A complete application requires extensive documentation. Some documents, like police certificates, may take weeks to obtain. Start collecting these documents as soon as possible:

  • Proof of Relationship: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and/or adoption documentation (court files, letters, etc.)

  • Financial Documents: Tax returns, employment letters, pay stubs, or bank statements to demonstrate your income (see minimum funds required on IRCC’s website). You may have a co-signer, like a spouse, to combine incomes.

  • Identification: Passports for both you and your parents.

  • Medical and Police Checks: Obtain medical examinations and police clearance certificates to prove admissibility. Do not apply for medical examinations too early since they only have a period of validity. We can advise on the timing.

  • Take Immigration Photos: With technology advancing, these photos can be taken at home and edited with phone applications. We will guide you to take photos that meet the immigration requirements.

grandmother with grey and black hair and white long sleeve smiling in wheel chair after being sponsored

3. COMPLETE IMMIGRATION APPLICATION FORMS ACCURATELY

We will assist you in which forms are necessary. Most of the forms are now completed directly on your online application.

4. SUBMIT THE APPLICATION AND PAY FEES

Processing fees are payable when you submit through the IRCC portal. Costs include:

  • Sponsorship Fee: $85 CAD
  • Applicant Processing Fee (per person): $545 CAD
  • Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): $575 CAD
  • Biometrics (per person): $85
  • Biometrics (per family): $170

Total Fee per person (with RPRF): $1,290 CAD

Total Fee per person (without RPRF): $715 CAD

5. PREPARE FOR INTERVIEWS OR ADDITIONAL REQUESTS

After submission, immigration authorities may request additional documents or an interview to verify your application. Be ready to:

  • Provide missing documents without much notice.

  • Prepare your parents for potential interviews, where they may be asked about their relationship with you or their plans in the country.

Sponsoring your parents is a big process that requires time, effort, and financial commitment.

We can help you prepare a complete application and guide you through areas that may be unclear. Email bookings@matrixvisa.com