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Updated 2026-02-11
Parent & Grandparent Sponsorship: 20-24 Months
Bring your parents to Canada - understand processing times and requirements
Current Time
20-24 months
Last Updated
2026-02-11
Trend
Times are stable
Processing Time Overview
About Parent & Grandparent Processing
Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) sponsorship applications are currently taking 20-24 months to process from submission to final decision. This is one of the longest processing times among Canadian immigration programs due to the high volume of applications, thorough financial assessment requirements, and comprehensive background checks involved. IRCC reopens the PGP lottery system periodically (typically annually) and invites a limited number of potential sponsors to apply.
The PGP program has strict financial requirements: sponsors must meet or exceed the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for their household size for three consecutive taxation years. This income must be demonstrated through official Canadian tax documents (Notice of Assessment). The financial assessment ensures sponsors can support their parents or grandparents without them needing social assistance, and sponsors commit to financially supporting them for 20 years.
Processing includes multiple stages: sponsor eligibility assessment (including financial review), applicant's permanent residence assessment, medical examinations, background checks, and final decision. Applications from countries requiring extensive background verification may take longer. The medical inadmissibility assessment is particularly important for parent/grandparent applications as medical conditions requiring significant healthcare services can lead to refusal.
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Historical Data
Processing Time Trends
Track how processing times have changed over recent months
January 2026
20-24 months
Q4 2025
20-26 months
Q3 2025
22-26 months
Q2 2025
20-24 months
Q1 2025
18-24 months
2024 Average
20-36 months
Processing Factors
What Affects Processing Time?
Understanding these factors can help you prepare a stronger application
High application volume and annual intake limits
Extensive financial document verification (3 years of tax returns)
Medical examination results and potential medical inadmissibility assessment
Country of residence and background check complexity
Completeness of application and supporting documents
Co-signer arrangements if applicable and their financial verification
Expert Tips
How to Avoid Processing Delays
Follow these best practices to keep your application moving smoothly
Ensure you meet Minimum Necessary Income for all 3 required taxation years before applying
Keep organized tax documents and ensure NOAs are available from CRA immediately
Submit upfront medical exams to avoid delays (valid for 12 months)
Obtain police certificates early as they can take months to acquire
Include detailed explanations for any gaps in financial documents or employment
Consider co-signer if needed but ensure they also meet all financial requirements
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Parent & Grandparent processing times
How long does parent and grandparent sponsorship take?
Parent and grandparent sponsorship applications currently take 20-24 months to process in 2026. This timeline begins after you submit your complete application following receipt of an invitation to apply. Processing includes sponsor eligibility assessment, applicant's permanent residence application review, medical exams, background checks, and final decision. Some applications may take longer depending on the complexity of background checks, medical assessments, or if additional documents are requested.
What is the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for parent sponsorship?
The Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for parent and grandparent sponsorship is based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus 30%. The exact amount depends on your total household size including yourself, your sponsored parents/grandparents, and any dependents. For 2025, as an example, sponsoring 2 parents as a family of 2 sponsors requires approximately $50,000-$60,000 annual income. You must meet or exceed this income for 3 consecutive taxation years immediately preceding your application. Check the current year's MNI table on IRCC's website as it's updated annually.
How does the PGP lottery system work?
IRCC opens the Parent and Grandparent Program interest to sponsor form for a limited time (typically a few weeks) each year. Potential sponsors submit the form indicating their interest in sponsoring. IRCC then randomly selects a set number of potential sponsors (usually 15,000-30,000) from the pool and invites them to submit a complete sponsorship application within 60 days. Not everyone who submits the interest form receives an invitation - it's a lottery system due to high demand. If not selected, you can resubmit in subsequent years.
What happens if my parents don't pass the medical exam?
If your parents or grandparents have medical conditions that would cause excessive demand on Canadian healthcare or social services, they may be found medically inadmissible and the sponsorship application can be refused. Excessive demand is defined as costs exceeding the average Canadian per capita health/social services costs, currently approximately $22,000 per year for 5 years. However, IRCC assesses each case individually. You cannot overcome medical inadmissibility through sponsorship commitments. Minor treatable conditions typically don't cause issues, but serious conditions requiring ongoing specialized care may lead to refusal.
Can I sponsor my parents if I'm on social assistance?
No, you cannot sponsor your parents or grandparents if you are receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability. You must meet the Minimum Necessary Income requirements through employment, business, or other acceptable sources of income that appear on your Notice of Assessment. Additionally, you must not be bankrupt, in default of previous sponsorship undertakings, in default of immigration loans, in default of court-ordered support payments, or imprisoned. These eligibility requirements ensure you can financially support your parents without them requiring social assistance.
Related Programs
Other Processing Times
Check processing times for related immigration programs
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