Canada has recently updated the income criteria for sponsoring parents and grandparents under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2025. If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident wanting to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada for permanent residency, it’s essential to meet the new income guidelines.
Minimum Income Requirement for 2025 Sponsorship
To qualify as a sponsor for parents or grandparents in 2025, you must meet the income requirements for the three previous tax years (2022, 2023, and 2024). In 2025, the minimum income required for sponsorship has increased by $3,000 compared to the previous year. The updated amounts are:
- 2024 Minimum Income: $47,549
- 2023 Minimum Income: $44,530
- 2022 Minimum Income: $43,082
For more detailed information, you can refer to the official guidelines on income requirements for sponsorship.
How Much Income Do You Need to Sponsor in 2025?
The amount of income required depends on your family size. The following table shows the income thresholds based on the number of people in your household:
| Family Size | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 people | $47,549 | $44,530 | $43,082 |
| 3 people | $58,456 | $54,743 | $52,965 |
| 4 people | $70,972 | $66,466 | $64,306 |
| 5 people | $80,496 | $75,384 | $72,935 |
| 6 people | $90,784 | $85,020 | $82,259 |
| 7 people | $101,075 | $94,658 | $91,582 |
| Additional person | $10,291 | $9,636 | $9,324 |
If you have a co-signer (like a spouse or common-law partner), you can combine your incomes to meet the requirement.
How to Calculate Family Size
When determining your family size for the sponsorship, consider everyone you are financially responsible for, not just the individuals you are sponsoring. Here’s who to include:
1. Yourself and Your Spouse/Common-law Partner
- Include your spouse or partner even if you are separated, unless they have a new partner.
- If your spouse is co-signing, include them for all three years.
2. Dependent Children
- This includes your children, your spouse’s children, and any dependents of those children.
- Only include children who meet the definition of “dependent child” for the relevant years.
3. People You Have Sponsored Before
- If you have previously sponsored someone, include their family members (spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children).
4. The People You Are Sponsoring
- This includes your parents or grandparents, their spouse (even if separated), and any dependent children they have.
Make sure to count everyone who will rely on you financially, including the sponsored individual’s family, even if they are not coming to Canada.
Who Can Apply for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025?
In 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will begin sending invitations for sponsorship on July 28, 2025. A total of 17,860 invitations will be issued in two weeks, and the goal is to process 10,000 complete applications.
The invitations will be sent to individuals who submitted their “Interest to Sponsor” forms back in 2020. Keep in mind that the demand for the program typically exceeds the number of available spots, so the government uses a lottery system to randomly select sponsors. For detailed information, visit the official page on the Parents and Grandparents Program.
What is the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a family reunification program that allows eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency in Canada. However, sponsors must first receive an invitation from the government to apply. Due to high demand, the program uses a lottery system to select applicants.
If you are unable to submit your sponsorship form, an alternative option is the Super Visa program.
Super Visa: A Good Alternative for Canada Parents and Grandparents Program 2025
If you missed the opportunity to apply for the PGP, consider the Super Visa. This visa allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to host their parents or grandparents in Canada for up to 10 years. They can stay for up to five years at a time on a single visit.
To qualify for a Super Visa:
- The sponsor must meet specific income requirements to show they can support the relative during their stay.
- The parent or grandparent must have valid health insurance for the duration of their stay.
- The sponsor and applicant must meet all other eligibility criteria set by the government.
For more details on the Super Visa program, refer to the Government of Canada’s official page on Super Visas.
Conclusion
The updated income requirements for sponsoring parents and grandparents under the PGP in 2025 are crucial for anyone looking to reunite with their loved ones in Canada. Make sure to check the updated income guidelines and ensure that you meet the necessary criteria. If you don’t qualify, consider applying for the Super Visa as an alternative way to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada for an extended visit.
Additional Resources:
For further assistance, you can visit these government pages:
- Check Your Eligibility for Sponsorship
- Learn About the Sponsorship Process
- PGP – How to Submit an Interest to Sponsor Form
- Detailed Income Requirements for Sponsorship
- How to Apply for Permanent Residency in Canada
- Super Visa Eligibility and Requirements
- Family Sponsorship FAQ
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Official Website
