Canada Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP): 2026 Guide
The PGP allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor parents and grandparents for permanent residence. Because demand far exceeds places, intake is managed by invitation/lottery from a pool of interested sponsors. For families who miss the intake, the Super Visa is the practical alternative.
Parents & Grandparents Program: Key Facts At-a-Glance
Below is a summary of processing times, statutory criteria, and typical point thresholds for Indian applicants pursuing the Parents & Grandparents Program (Canada).
| Visa Metric | Details & Requirements |
|---|---|
| Visa Subclass | Parents & Grandparents Program (Permanent - family class) |
| Avg. Processing Time | ~24 months (indicative, if invited) |
| Government Fees | From CAD 1,205 (INR 72,000 approx.), incl. Right of PR fee |
| English Language Min | Not required |
| Visa Validity | Permanent residence |
Why Apply for this Visa Path?
- Permanent reunion: parents and grandparents gain PR, not just visiting rights.
- Full residency benefits: access to the rights and services of permanent residence.
- Super Visa fallback: a strong backup when not selected in the intake.
Detailed Entry Requirements
To apply under this Canada visa track from India, your credentials must fulfill the following regulatory criteria:
- 1Eligible sponsor & income: Meet the minimum necessary income for the required number of years and sign the undertaking.
- 2Selection in intake: Be invited from the interest-to-sponsor pool.
- 3Admissibility: Sponsored relatives meet health and security requirements.
Step-by-Step Filing Workflow
Every applicant from Bangalore/India follows this standardized workflow to file their visa application securely:
Submit interest-to-sponsor
Register in the intake window when it opens.
Prepare income evidence
Assemble notices of assessment proving the income requirement.
Respond to an invitation
If selected, submit the full sponsorship and PR application promptly.
Use the Super Visa if not selected
Pursue the Super Visa to keep the family together meanwhile.
Verify Canada immigration rules directly from official government sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are critical questions and details regarding target timelines and scores for this visa path.
How does the Parents and Grandparents Program work?
Citizens and permanent residents submit an interest-to-sponsor form; IRCC then invites a limited number from the pool to apply, because intake is capped each year. If invited, you sponsor your parents or grandparents for permanent residence, meeting income requirements over three years.
What income do I need to sponsor parents?
You must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (based on LICO plus a margin) for your family size for the three tax years before applying, shown through CRA notices of assessment. The threshold rises with family size; we confirm the current figures and how to evidence them.
Why is the PGP so competitive?
Because demand vastly exceeds the annual cap, invitations are limited and often drawn from those who expressed interest in earlier windows. Many families use the Super Visa (up to five years per stay) while waiting or as an alternative to permanent sponsorship.
What is the alternative if I am not invited to the PGP?
The Super Visa lets parents and grandparents visit for up to five years per entry on a ten-year multiple-entry visa, subject to the host’s income and mandatory medical insurance. It is the practical alternative when PGP invitations are not received.
Check Your Canada Visa Eligibility
Submit your details for this specific Parents & Grandparents Program visa track. Our Bangalore team (Koramangala HQ) led by Director Ms. Nahid Hussain will evaluate your credentials and reply directly on WhatsApp with your exact points audit.