PGP Sponsorship Calculator Canada 2026

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply to the PGP in 2026?

No. Under the Ministerial Instructions effective January 1, 2026 (Canada Gazette, Part I, Vol. 159 No. 52, December 27, 2025), IRCC is not accepting any new PGP sponsorship or permanent resident visa applications in 2026. Only sponsors who submitted an interest-to-sponsor form in 2020 and were invited to apply in 2025 (up to a maximum of 10,000 applications) are having their applications processed in 2026. If you were not previously invited, your option is to wait for the next intake to open and, in the meantime, use the Super Visa for extended visits. Continue building three consecutive tax years of MNI-qualifying income so you are ready when IRCC announces a new intake.

How much income do I need to sponsor my parents to Canada?

You must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) (LICO + 30%) for your total family unit size for each of the three most recent consecutive tax years. The family unit includes your household (you, spouse, children) plus all persons being sponsored and their dependents. If you are married or in a common-law relationship, you can combine both spouses' income, verified using Notices of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency. Use this calculator with your specific family composition to see the exact threshold for each year.

How long does PGP sponsorship processing take?

PGP applications typically take 20-24 months to process from the time a complete application is submitted to the final decision. However, the total timeline is longer when you include the interest-to-sponsor waiting period (which can be a year or more if you are not selected in the first round) and the time needed to gather documents after selection. From start to finish, expect two to three years in most cases.

Can I sponsor my parents if my income was low in one of the three years?

No. All three consecutive tax years must meet the MNI threshold. If your income dipped below the MNI in any one of the three years, you do not qualify and must wait until you have accumulated three consecutive qualifying years. For example, if your 2023 income was below the threshold but 2024 and 2025 met it, you would need to wait until 2026 to have three consecutive passing years (2024, 2025, 2026).

What happens if I am not selected in the PGP interest-to-sponsor lottery?

If you are not selected in a given year's intake, you must resubmit your expression of interest in the next intake period. There is no carryover or priority for previous applicants. The selection is randomized, so meeting the income requirement does not improve your chances of selection. It only qualifies you to participate. Many families apply the Super Visa as an interim measure while waiting for PGP selection.

How does this calculator work?

Enter your current household size (you, your spouse or common-law partner, and dependent children), then the number of parents or grandparents you wish to sponsor plus any of their dependents. The calculator adds these to determine your total family unit size. Enter your gross income from each of the last three tax years as shown on your CRA Notices of Assessment. The calculator checks each year against the MNI threshold (LICO + 30%) for your family unit size. All three years must pass. Results show your pass/fail status for each year, the threshold amounts, estimated fees (sponsorship application, PR processing, right of permanent residence fee, biometrics), and the 20-year undertaking period.