The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) reopened in January 2026 with 15,000 available spots. Demand far exceeds supply — a rigorous and well-prepared application is the only way to maximize your chances of selection.
1. PGP vs. Super Visa: Two Different Programs
There are two ways to bring parents and grandparents to Canada. It is essential to understand the difference before choosing your approach:
| Criterion | PGP (Permanent Residence) | Super Visa (Temporary) |
|---|---|---|
| Status obtained | Permanent residence | Visitor status |
| Duration | Permanent | Up to 5 years per entry |
| Processing time | 24–36 months | Several weeks |
| Work authorization | Yes (once PR) | No |
| Health insurance requirement | Not at application stage | Yes — Canadian insurance min. $100,000 |
| Annual income required (sponsor) | LICO + 30% | LICO + 30% (to prove) |
| Availability | Limited — annual intake | Year-round |
2. PGP Eligibility Conditions (2026)
For the Sponsor (Canadian PR or Citizen)
- Minimum income (LICO + 30%): must be demonstrated for the last 3 consecutive years
- Minimum income 2026 (2 people): approximately $48,167 CAD/year
- Residence: must reside in Canada at time of application
- No social assistance: sponsor cannot have received social assistance in past 3 years (except for disability)
For the Sponsored Person (Parent/Grandparent)
- Must be the sponsor's parent or grandparent
- Must meet admissibility requirements (medical, criminal)
- Must not be inadmissible to Canada for any reason
3. The PGP Process Step by Step
- Submission of interest to sponsor (ITR) — during the annual intake window opened by IRCC
- Random selection — IRCC randomly selects a limited number of candidates from submitted ITRs
- Invitation to apply (ITA) — selected sponsors receive an invitation to submit a full application
- Complete application submission — within 60 days of receiving the ITA
- Medical exams and biometrics — for the sponsored person
- Decision and PR landing — average 24 to 36 months from application
⚠️ The Lottery Problem
The PGP uses a random lottery system — even a perfectly prepared application may not be selected if you are not drawn. This is why many families opt for the Super Visa as a parallel strategy: it allows parents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years while waiting for the PGP lottery. We recommend pursuing both applications simultaneously.
4. Proof of Income: The Most Common Pitfall
The majority of PGP refusals are linked to insufficient or poorly documented income. Here is what IRCC expects:
- CRA Notice of Assessment for the last 3 tax years (T1 / NOA)
- T4 slips and employment records if income comes from employment
- Statement of employment insurance benefits if applicable
- Proof of other income sources (rental income, investments)
Important: Each year's income must meet the required threshold individually — it is not an average. If one year falls short, you may be ineligible. Consult a consultant before submitting to verify your eligibility with precision.
5. Super Visa as a Strategic Alternative
While waiting for PGP selection, the Super Visa offers a concrete and rapid solution:
- Allows parents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry (renewable)
- Processing typically takes a few weeks (for most nationalities)
- Requires private Canadian health insurance of at least $100,000
- Sponsor must demonstrate sufficient income (LICO + 30%)
- Can be applied for even while PGP application is pending
Bring Your Parents to Canada — We Prepare Your Full File
PGP or Super Visa, or both simultaneously: Mohamed Rachid Trissia, RCIC, analyzes your situation and maximizes your chances at every stage of the process.
Consultation — CAD $160 Learn more about Family Sponsorship →