2024 Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship (PGP 2024)
2024 Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship (PGP 2024)
Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship in 2024
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their parents and grandparents to immigrate to Canada. Those approved under this program receive Canadian permanent residence. The parent and grandparent sponsorship program operates through a lottery system. Each year, a set number of applicants are drawn from this lottery.
The 2023 Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship program is closed. IRCC has invited 24,200 potential sponsors to apply, with the aim of receiving 15,000 complete applications. Only candidates who submitted an Interest to Sponsor Form in 2020 were considered.
Requirements to Sponsor Your Parents or Grandparents
- Have completed an Interest to Sponsor Form
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be residing in Canada
- Exceed the minimum necessary income level for this program
- Promise to financially support the sponsored for 20 years (starting when they become permanent residents)
- Promise to repay any social assistance benefits paid to the sponsored family members (if applicable) for a period of 20 years
- If residing in Quebec, sign an additional “undertaking” with the province of Quebec
Applicants to the PGP must prove that they meet the minimum income requirements by submitting notices of assessment issued by the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) in support of their application.
Required Income
How much money you need to sponsor your parents in Canada — Income required for the 3 tax years right before the day you apply (sponsors applying in 2022).
| Total number of people you’ll be responsible for | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 people | $43,082 | $32,898 | $32,270 |
| 3 people | $52,965 | $40,444 | $39,672 |
| 4 people | $64,306 | $49,106 | $48,167 |
| 5 people | $72,935 | $55,694 | $54,630 |
| 6 people | $82,259 | $62,814 | $61,613 |
| 7 people | $91,582 | $69,934 | $68,598 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Immigration open the 2024 Parent Sponsorship program?
The Parent and Grandparent sponsorship program (PGP) for 2024 has not yet been announced. The program is expected to have 34,000 potential open slots based on 2022 projections. In 2023 the draw took place in October. In preceding years, the draw took place in the first months of the year.
How long does it take to sponsor my parent in Canada?
The processing time for sponsoring parents or grandparents can vary. On average, it takes about 20 to 24 months from the time the complete application is received. Factors such as completeness of the application and verification processes can affect this timeline.
Can my parents stay in Canada while waiting for the processing of the sponsorship?
Yes, your parents can stay in Canada while waiting for the processing of their sponsorship application. They may need to apply for a visitor visa or a super visa to legally stay in Canada during this period.
What are Common Grounds for Refusal of a Sponsorship Application?
Common grounds for refusal of a sponsorship application include failing to meet income requirements, incomplete or inaccurate application forms, criminal records, medical inadmissibility, and previous immigration violations. Ensuring all requirements are met and providing complete and accurate information can help avoid refusal.
Can sponsored parents work in Canada?
No, sponsored parents do not automatically receive work permits. They need to apply for a separate work permit if they wish to work in Canada. This application process is independent of the sponsorship application.
What counts as income for sponsoring my parents and grandparents?
Income to be eligible to sponsor parents and/or grandparents is the total income on line 15000 of your Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Subtract any income that must be excluded:
- Provincial or territorial allowances for an instruction or training program (such as taxable scholarships, bursaries, or fellowships if included on line 13000 of the NOA)
- Social assistance from a province or territory
- Payments from the Government of Canada under a resettlement assistance program
- Regular Employment Insurance earnings (except for the 2020 and 2021 tax years)
- Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement payments
What is the minimum income requirement to sponsor parents and grandparents?
The minimum income requirement depends on the number of people in your family unit. It includes the sponsor, the sponsor’s immediate family, and the parents or grandparents being sponsored. The income requirement is determined by the federal income table for the sponsorship of parents and grandparents and changes annually.
What happens if my income falls below the required level during the sponsorship period?
If your income falls below the required level during the sponsorship period, it could jeopardize the sponsorship agreement. You are obligated to maintain the required income level and provide financial support for the sponsored family members for 20 years (10 years in Quebec). Failure to meet this obligation can result in legal and financial consequences.
Ready to Sponsor Your Parents or Grandparents?
Contact New Steps Immigration today to get started with your application. Our experienced consultants are here to help you every step of the way.