Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has revised the minimum income thresholds. These changes affect sponsoring parents and grandparents under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2025.
In 2025, to sponsor a parent or grandparent, Canadian citizens or permanent residents must have earned at least $47,549 in 2024. They needed to reach this income level last year. This amount is an increase of approximately $3,000 from the previous year.
How much income do I need to sponsor my parents and grandparents?
If you’re planning to sponsor your parents or grandparents, you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI). This applies for each of the three previous tax years: 2024, 2023, and 2022.
Below is the required income based on family size:
| 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 |
| For each additional person | +$10,291 | +$9,636 | +$9,324 |
You can meet the MNI on your own. Alternatively, you can meet it by combining your income with a co-signer, such as your spouse or common-law partner.
How to Calculate Family Size
When calculating family size for PGP eligibility, include everyone you’re financially responsible for—not just those coming to Canada.
This includes:
- Yourself
- Spouse/common-law partner
- Include even if separated, in most cases
- If co-signing, include them for all 3 years
- If not co-signing, include only for the years they were legally your spouse
- Dependent children
- Yours and your spouse’s, plus their dependents
- Previously sponsored individuals
- Plus their spouses and dependents
- Individuals you’re sponsoring now
- Parents/grandparents (principal applicant)
- Their spouse/common-law partner (even if separated)
- Their dependent children and grandchildren
Even if a family member is a Canadian citizen, they still must be counted in the total family size. This is true even if they are a PR or not immigrating with the applicant.
Who Can Apply for PGP in 2025?
IRCC will begin sending invitations to potential sponsors starting July 28, 2025. In total:
- 17,860 invitations will be sent out
- Goal: Accept 10,000 complete applications this year
Invitations will only go to individuals who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form back in 2020. IRCC uses a lottery system to issue invitations due to the high volume of applicants.
Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
The PGP is a family reunification program that allows:
- Canadian citizens
- Permanent residents
- Registered Indians
Applicants must be invited before they can apply. The PGP hasn’t accepted new interest-to-sponsor forms since 2020.
Book your parents and grandparents for Canadian immigration
The Super Visa
If you’re not invited or didn’t submit a 2020 interest form, consider the Super Visa. This visa allows:
- Parents and grandparents to stay in Canada as temporary residents
- Valid for up to 10 years
- Visit for up to 5 years at a time
Super Visa requirements include:
- A written promise of financial support
- Minimum income requirement from the host
- Valid travel document
- Medical insurance from a Canadian provider
- Must be admissible to Canada
