PGP is the most policy-volatile of Canada's family-class pathways — the lottery, the per-year quotas, the MNI+30% income test across three tax years, the 20-year undertaking. This Premium kit walks the entire sponsorship from interest-to-sponsor (lottery entry) through PR landing and into the post-arrival settlement window. Includes the per-tax-year MNI tables, the income-counting rules (what counts vs what doesn't), the alternate Super Visa pathway when PGP isn't open, and the worked timing for two-application family packages (parent + dependent grandparent).
What you'll be able to do after reading it
Pass the income test on the first try.
MNI+30% formula explained per family size, with the three-tax-year math and the income-source rules (employment, self-employment, capital gains, RRSP withdrawals — what does and doesn't count).
Win the lottery with a clean Interest to Sponsor.
The Interest-to-Sponsor form pitfalls that get applicants disqualified before the lottery even runs.
Sequence the application package correctly.
Sponsor application + sponsored-applicant package + biometrics + medicals — what to file when, and how to handle missing documents from a parent in a country with limited records access.
Plan the Super Visa fallback.
When PGP isn't opening soon, when an extended Super Visa is the realistic path, and how to keep the family connected for 5+ years while waiting for the next PGP cycle.
PGP is unique in Canada's pathways: a 20-year financial undertaking, a hard income test, a lottery, and a queue. The income test alone disqualifies more sponsors than the lottery does — that's the gap most kits skip. — Editor's note, ehCanadaVisa
Why this saves you time
This guide organizes the application steps in one place. Check the PDF revision date and verify current requirements with IRCC before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the PGP application cost?
PGP processing fee is approximately CAD 1,205 (sponsorship + processing + RPRF combined per parent/grandparent applicant). Biometrics is $85 per individual / $170 family max. Medical exam is paid to the panel physician separately (varies by country, typically $200-400).
When does PGP open?
PGP opens once a year, typically for a short Interest-to-Sponsor window in spring. IRCC announces the opening date and quota a few weeks ahead. Exact timing varies year to year. Subscribe to IRCC notifications via the IRCC online account to be notified of the next opening.
What's the income requirement?
Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) plus 30% for the THREE tax years immediately before the application year. MNI is derived from Statistics Canada LICO and varies by family size (sponsor + spouse + dependents + each parent/grandparent being sponsored). The kit has the per-year MNI table.
What if I can't meet the MNI in one of the three years?
The application will be refused if you don't meet MNI+30% in ALL THREE tax years. There's no averaging across years. The kit covers the limited exceptions (humanitarian-and-compassionate considerations) and the pragmatic workaround (apply in a year when you have three consecutive qualifying years).
Is the 20-year undertaking enforceable?
Yes. If your parent/grandparent receives social assistance during the 20 years, you're responsible for repaying it. The undertaking survives separation, divorce, and personal bankruptcy. Some provincial recovery rules apply. The kit explains the practical implications.
Can my spouse co-sign the sponsorship?
Yes — co-signing is encouraged when the primary sponsor is borderline on MNI. Both incomes count, but both sponsors then carry the 20-year undertaking. The kit covers the co-signer paperwork.
What if PGP is closed and my parent needs medical care here?
Super Visa is the realistic path for most cases. It allows extended visits (5 years per entry, multi-year validity) without going through PGP. The Super Visa requires its own income test (LICO + 30%) and $100,000 medical insurance. The kit has the Super Visa fallback flow.
What happens if IRCC changes the rules after I buy?
The PDF revision date is shown on this page. Check current IRCC instructions before applying. Contact us if you have trouble accessing your purchase.
Is this legal advice?
No. ehCanadaVisa is an independent information resource. This guide provides information and templates, not legal advice, and we are not a law firm or licensed immigration practice. Always verify current requirements at
canada.ca and consult a licensed professional for your specific situation.
