Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship (PGP)
Sponsoring your parents or grandparents to Canada is one of the most meaningful ways to support the people who helped shape your life. This program aims to support strong, multi-generational households and reinforce relationships that are most important to you.
Canada’s New Lottery System
The PGP has gone through several iterations over the years. In the past, applications were accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, which created a frenzy when the program opened. The lottery system was introduced to level the playing field, but it hasn’t been without its critics. Some feel it adds an element of unpredictability, while others appreciate the fairness of a random draw.
This means the PGP isn’t available year-round. You first submit an Interest to Sponsor form during the designated period, and if you’re selected in the draw, you’re invited to submit a complete sponsorship application. The demand far outweighs the spots available, so competition is fierce. In 2024, over 155,000 people submitted an Interest to Sponsor form, but only 15,000 invitations were issued. When the window opens, you need to be prepared with a meticulous application.
Undertaking vs. Financial Capability
One of the most misunderstood parts of the PGP process is the difference between the undertaking and financial capability requirements. Both are crucial, but they serve very different purposes.
The undertaking is your formal promise to provide financial support for your parents or grandparents once they arrive in Canada. It lasts 20 years and ensures they won’t rely on social assistance during that time. Think of it as a safety net that you’re personally responsible for maintaining.
Financial capability, on the other hand, is about proving you have the means to meet that promise. Canada uses a Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold, which is based on your family size and includes the people you’re sponsoring. You’ll need to show proof of income for the last three tax years (or fewer if there’s an exception). This evidence might include tax returns, pay stubs, or employment letters.
To summarize, undertaking reflects your commitment while financial evidence shows your ability to uphold it. Together, they form the foundation of a successful application.
A Temporary Alternative: The Super Visa
If you’re not selected in the lottery or if you need a more immediate option, the Super Visa is a temporary resident visa that allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to five years at a time with the possibility of extension.
The Super Visa requires proof of private medical insurance that is valid for at least one year and evidence of your ability to meet the MNI to support your parents or grandparents during their stay. This pathway is not a replacement for sponsorship, but it’s an excellent interim solution.
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