Canada has announced updated income requirements for those planning to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed that sponsors must now meet higher minimum income thresholds—reflecting an increase of approximately $3,000 over the previous year. Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents – Parisa Erfani
New Income Thresholds for 2025 PGP Intake
To qualify for the 2025 PGP, sponsors must meet the minimum income requirements for each of the three tax years preceding the application: 2024, 2023, and 2022. The required income is based on family size, as shown in the table below:
| 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 |
| Each additional person | $10,291 | $9,636 | $9,324 |
Sponsors may combine their income with that of a spouse or common-law partner if they choose to co-sign the application.
How to Calculate Family Size
When calculating family size for the PGP, you must include all individuals you and your co-signer (if applicable) are financially responsible for. This includes:
- Yourself
- Your spouse or common-law partner (even if separated, in most cases)
- Your dependent children and your spouse’s dependent children
- Any individuals previously sponsored by you or your co-signer (and their families)
- The parents/grandparents you are sponsoring and their immediate family members—even if they’re not accompanying them to Canada
It’s important to include everyone for each of the three relevant tax years based on their relationship and dependency status during those specific years.
Who Can Apply for PGP in 2025?
IRCC will begin sending invitations to apply under the PGP starting July 28, 2025. A total of 17,860 invitations will be issued over a two-week period, with a target of processing 10,000 complete applications in 2025.
However, these invitations will only go to those who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020. No new forms are being accepted at this time.
What Is the PGP?
The Parents and Grandparents Program is a key family reunification pathway that allows eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence in Canada.
Due to high demand, the PGP operates on a lottery system, where potential sponsors must first be selected by IRCC before they can apply. The last intake for the Interest to Sponsor form was held in 2020.
What If You Didn’t Submit a Form in 2020?
If you did not submit an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020 or weren’t selected, you may still be able to reunite with your parents or grandparents through the Super Visa program.
The Super Visa allows eligible relatives to visit Canada for up to five years at a time, with a valid visa period of up to 10 years. Sponsors must meet specific income requirements and agree to financially support their relatives during their stay. Applicants must also have valid health insurance and meet other admissibility criteria.
Final Thoughts
The updated income thresholds for the 2025 PGP reflect rising costs of living and ensure sponsors are financially capable of supporting their family members. If you’re among those invited this year, reviewing the eligibility criteria and preparing your documentation in advance will be essential.
For those not selected, the Super Visa remains a powerful alternative for keeping your family close while you plan long-term reunification.
Canada updates income requirements for Parents and Grandparents Program | CIC News
