The Parents and Grandparents (PGP) program is a Canadian immigration program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for Canadian permanent residency. The program is designed to reunite families by allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada.

1. Canada Parents and Grandparents Visa Program (PGP): A Brief Guide
The Parents and Grandparents (PGP) program is a Canadian immigration program that allows Canadian
citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for Canadian permanent
residency. The program is designed to reunite families by allowing Canadian citizens and permanent
residents to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada.
The PGP program operates through a lottery system, with interested sponsors submitting an expression
of interest to sponsor their parents and grandparents during a specified period each year. From this pool
of expressions of interest, a certain number of applicants are selected through a random lottery process
and invited to submit a complete sponsorship application.
To be eligible to sponsor their parents or grandparents, the sponsor must meet certain requirements,
including being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, meeting minimum income requirements, and
agreeing to financially support the sponsored family member for a certain period of time. Additionally,
the sponsored parent or grandparent must meet certain eligibility criteria, including passing medical and
criminal background checks.
The PGP program is a popular immigration option for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who
want to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada. However, due to the high demand and limited
number of spots available, the program can be competitive and may require multiple attempts before
being selected.
Summary of Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) Since 2020
The Parents and Grandparents (PGP) program in Canada has undergone some changes and updates
since 2020. Here is a summary:
 Increased annual intake: In 2020, the government increased the annual intake of PGP
applications from 20,000 to 30,000, which allowed more families to sponsor their parents and
grandparents for Canadian permanent residency.
 COVID-19 pandemic impact: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government temporarily
suspended the PGP program in 2020. However, it reopened in January 2021 with some
adjustments to the application process to address pandemic-related challenges.
 Expression of Interest (EOI) process: In 2021, the government introduced an Expression of
Interest (EOI) process for the PGP program. This process involves interested sponsors submitting
an EOI to the government to indicate their interest in sponsoring their parents or grandparents.
From this pool of EOIs, the government randomly selects potential sponsors to submit a
complete application.
 New income requirement: Starting in 2020, the government increased the income requirement
for sponsors to be able to participate in the PGP program. Sponsors must now meet a minimum
income threshold for each of the three taxation years preceding their application.
Overall, the PGP program remains a popular immigration option for Canadian citizens and permanent
residents who want to reunite with their parents and grandparents. However, the program can be

2. competitive, and interested sponsors should carefully review the eligibility requirements and application
process.
Possible PGP Revelations in 2023
It is possible that the government may make changes to the program in response to the ongoing COVID-
19 pandemic or based on feedback from stakeholders and applicants. Some potential areas for updates
or changes could include:
 Annual intake: The government may choose to increase or decrease the annual intake of PGP
applications, depending on the demand for the program and the availability of resources to
process applications.
 Income requirement: The government may adjust the income requirement for sponsors, either
by increasing or decreasing the minimum income threshold or by considering alternative
methods of assessing financial eligibility.
 Application process: The government may make changes to the application process to address
issues related to processing times, program transparency, and fairness in the selection process.
 Program eligibility: The government may consider expanding or limiting the eligibility criteria for
the PGP program, such as by introducing new criteria for sponsor or applicant eligibility.
It's important to note that any changes to the PGP program would be subject to government approval
and implementation, and interested sponsors should stay up to date on any updates to the program
requirements and application process.
Alternative to PGP
If you are not eligible for the Parents and Grandparents (PGP) program in Canada or if you are seeking
an alternative way to reunite with your family members, there are other immigration programs you may
consider, including:
 Spousal sponsorship: If you are married or in a common-law relationship with a Canadian citizen
or permanent resident, you may be eligible to sponsor your spouse or partner for Canadian
permanent residency.
 Dependent child sponsorship: If you have dependent children who are not Canadian citizens or
permanent residents, you may be eligible to sponsor them for Canadian permanent residency.
 Super visa: If you are a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you
may be eligible to apply for a super visa, which allows you to visit your family in Canada for up to
two years at a time over a 10-year period.
 Provincial nominee programs: Each Canadian province and territory has its own immigration
program designed to meet specific economic and demographic needs. Some of these programs
may offer options for family reunification.
 Humanitarian and compassionate grounds: In exceptional cases, individuals may be eligible to
apply for Canadian permanent residency on humanitarian and compassionate grounds if they
can demonstrate that they are facing significant hardship or risk if they are not allowed to stay
in Canada

3. It's important to note that each of these programs has its own eligibility criteria, requirements, and
application process. You should carefully review your options and seek the advice of a qualified
immigration professional to determine the best path for you and your family.