Family Reunification Is Possible — But the Process Can Be Competitive
Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP) offers a path to reunite with your loved ones — but with limited spots, strict financial requirements, and document-heavy submissions, it’s one of the most complex family immigration processes in the country.
At Blue Gavel Law, we’ve helped Ontario families navigate this challenge and bring parents or grandparents to Canada permanently. Here’s what you need to know to do it right.
What Is the PGP (Parents and Grandparents Program)?
The PGP allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency.
Key features:
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Only available through IRCC’s annual intake lottery
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You must meet a Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) based on your family size
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You must sign a 20-year financial undertaking (10 years in Quebec)
Step 1: Get Invited to Apply (ITA)
IRCC opens the PGP intake once per year (usually spring or fall). Sponsors must:
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Submit an Interest to Sponsor form
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Be selected by lottery
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Receive an Invitation to Apply
📌 Not selected? You may still be eligible for a Super Visa, which allows long-term stays without PR.
Step 2: Meet Financial Requirements
To be eligible, you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income for the last 3 tax years (based on Notices of Assessment from CRA).
| Family Size (incl. sponsor) | 2023 Minimum Income |
|---|---|
| 2 | $43,082 |
| 3 | $52,965 |
| 4 | $64,306 |
(Note: These are sample figures. Actual values may change based on inflation and IRCC updates.)
✔️ We’ll help you calculate eligibility based on your family composition and income.
Step 3: Prepare a Complete Application Package
You’ll need:
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Identity documents for you and the applicants
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Civil status docs (marriage/birth certificates)
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Proof of relationship
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Proof of income and tax documents
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Signed sponsorship agreement and undertaking
❗ Mistakes in this step = refusal or delays. We ensure every detail is complete and legally sound.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Submitting without confirming income eligibility
🚫 Using old or unsigned versions of IRCC forms
🚫 Providing weak proof of relationship (especially for grandparents)
🚫 Missing deadlines after being invited to apply
What If You’re Not Selected?
If you don’t receive a PGP invitation, consider:
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Super Visa – A long-term visitor visa (up to 5–10 years)
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Humanitarian & Compassionate applications (in rare situations)
We can help you assess all available legal paths.
Why Work With Blue Gavel Law?
We’ve guided dozens of families through:
✔️ PGP submissions
✔️ Rejections and resubmissions
✔️ Super Visa applications
✔️ Document collection and translations
✔️ Legal representation for complex family ties or income issues
“My parents were finally approved after we got Blue Gavel involved. We made too many errors doing it alone. They fixed everything and guided us the whole way.”
— Fatima A., Scarborough
FAQs
Q: Can I sponsor both parents and in-laws?
No. You can sponsor your own parents — your spouse must sponsor their own.
Q: Do I need to show income if I co-sign with my spouse?
Yes — your household’s combined income must meet the MNI.
Q: Is the Super Visa a good backup?
Yes — it’s often the best option if you weren’t selected for the PGP draw.
Secure Your Family’s Future in Canada
Don’t risk refusal by submitting an incomplete or ineligible application. We’ll guide you every step of the way.
👉 Book a consultation with Blue Gavel Law today and get expert support to bring your parents or grandparents home.
