Looking to sponsor your parents or grandparents to come live in Canada? The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) lottery is a sought-after immigration pathway, but getting selected can feel like winning the lottery—literally. This guide offers expert tips and proven strategies to increase your chances of success in the PGP draw.
Understanding the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a Canadian family reunification initiative that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence. Managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this programme is highly competitive due to annual intake limits and the random selection process, often referred to as the PGP lottery.
Each year, IRCC opens the Interest to Sponsor form for a limited period, allowing eligible sponsors to express their intent. From that pool, a set number of applicants are invited to submit a complete application. Knowing how the PGP selection process works and preparing strategically can significantly increase your chances in the PGP lottery.
Key Features of the PGP
- Annual intake cap set by IRCC (e.g. 23,100 invitations in 2023)
- Random lottery-style selection from submitted Interest to Sponsor forms
- Applicants must meet Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the last 3 tax years
- Successful sponsors must agree to a 20-year sponsorship undertaking
Before diving into strategies, it’s important to ensure you’re eligible to sponsor in the first place.
Eligibility to Sponsor: Are You Ready?
To qualify for the PGP, you must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
- Reside in Canada at the time of application
- Meet or exceed the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the three most recent tax years
- Sign an undertaking to financially support your family member(s) for 20 years
Before submitting your Interest to Sponsor form, it’s wise to assess your immigration options with a professional to ensure you meet the criteria and avoid disqualification.
PGP Lottery Strategy: How to Maximize Your Selection Odds
While the PGP draw is random, there are ways to improve your PGP lottery odds by preparing correctly and avoiding common mistakes. Here are expert-backed strategies to increase your chances of being selected.
1. Submit Your Interest to Sponsor Form Correctly and On Time
Sounds simple, but errors or missed deadlines are one of the most common reasons applicants miss out. Here are Interest to Sponsor form tips to help:
Double-Check Your Information
- Ensure your name, date of birth, and contact information match your government-issued ID exactly
- Use the same email address consistently for all IRCC correspondence
- Provide accurate details about the person(s) you plan to sponsor
Submit Early
Don’t wait until the last day to submit your form. Technical issues or high traffic on the IRCC website could prevent successful submission. Submit early during the intake period to avoid this risk.
Keep Confirmation Records
After submitting, IRCC will send a confirmation number. Save this securely—it’s your proof of submission and may be required for future inquiries.
2. Meet (and Exceed) the Financial Requirements
One of the most critical PGP application success tips is meeting the financial threshold. IRCC requires sponsors to show proof of income above a set amount for the past three tax years. This is known as the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI).
Top Tips for Meeting the MNI
- Use your Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as proof
- If applying with a co-signer (e.g. spouse), combine both incomes
- Ensure your income is stable and well-documented
Meeting the minimum income is mandatory, but exceeding it may show added financial stability, which is beneficial if policy changes occur or discrepancies are found during the review process.
3. Don’t Rely on One Sponsor Per Household
If more than one person in your household meets the eligibility requirements, consider submitting multiple Interest to Sponsor forms. For instance, both a husband and wife can submit separate forms if both qualify.
Although only one application can proceed if selected, this tactic increases your chances in the PGP lottery by doubling your household’s entries.
4. Keep Your Documents Ready Year-Round
Once selected in the lottery, you only have 60 days to submit a complete application. Having all your documents ready in advance is crucial. These include:
- Proof of relationship (e.g. birth certificates, family records)
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical examinations (to be completed after IRCC request)
- Proof of income (usually through CRA documents)
Being proactive with documentation can prevent delays or rejections and gives you a competitive edge over other applicants.
5. Stay Informed About Policy Changes
IRCC sometimes makes changes to the PGP process, such as modifying intake caps, selection methods, or eligibility rules. In 2020, for example, the PGP 2020 pool introduced a modified selection process due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Staying up to date with IRCC announcements ensures you won’t miss out on critical updates. You can also explore your Canadian immigration options through EverNorth’s official channels, where we provide real-time updates and expert insights.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Your PGP Chances
Even small errors can lead to disqualification from the PGP draw. Avoid these common pitfalls to maximize your PGP chances and keep your application competitive.
Missing the Intake Period
The PGP Interest to Sponsor form is only open for a limited time—sometimes just a couple of weeks. If you miss the window, you’ll have to wait until the next year’s draw.
Incorrect or Incomplete Forms
Incorrect details, missing fields, or uploading the wrong documents can lead to disqualification. Double-check every entry before submitting.
Not Meeting Income Requirements
Failing to meet the MNI is one of the most common reasons for rejection. Ensure you have the right documents and that they reflect the correct income for the required years.
Ineligible Sponsor Status
Being outside Canada, not meeting age requirements, or having a criminal record can make you ineligible. If unsure, get a professional immigration evaluation to confirm your eligibility.
Assuming You’ll Be Selected
Since the draw is random, there’s no guarantee of selection—even if you meet all the requirements. That’s why it’s important to explore alternative Canadian immigration pathways in case the PGP doesn’t work out this year.
Alternative Options If You’re Not Selected in the PGP Draw
If you’re not selected in the PGP lottery, don’t lose hope. There are other options to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada, either temporarily or through other permanent pathways.
1. Super Visa Programme
The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time. It’s a multi-entry visa valid for up to 10 years and is a great alternative while waiting for PGP selection.
To qualify, you must meet income requirements and purchase private medical insurance for your relative. This option allows your loved ones to live in Canada long-term without permanent residence status.
2. Visitor Visa with Multiple Entries
For shorter stays, a standard Visitor Visa can also be used. While this doesn’t offer the same long-term benefits as the Super Visa, it’s a practical way for your parents or grandparents to visit for special events or holidays.
3. Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds
In rare cases, you may be able to sponsor loved ones under Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds. This is considered a last resort and is only approved under exceptional circumstances.
4. Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs)
Some Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs) may offer family reunification streams that allow certain provinces to nominate individuals based on local labour market and demographic needs. While not common for parents or grandparents, it’s worth exploring if you live in a province with such a stream.
5. Explore Long-Term Immigration Pathways for Yourself
Are you a temporary resident in Canada looking to sponsor family in the future? Consider transitioning to permanent residency through Express Entry or a PNP. Once you become a permanent resident or citizen, you’ll be eligible to sponsor.
Use our CRS calculator and improve your CRS score to boost your chances of qualifying under the current immigration system.
Preparing for the Next PGP Intake: What You Can Do Now
Even outside of the open intake period, there’s plenty you can do to prepare for the next PGP lottery. Proactive preparation can make a big difference when the next round opens. Here’s how to stay ready and maximize your PGP chances.
Organize Your Financial Records Early
Gather your Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the last three tax years. If you’re applying with a co-signer, ensure their financial documents are also complete. Keep these records updated and accessible so you’re ready to submit immediately upon selection.
Tip:
Use your CRA My Account to easily access and download your income statements. Consider speaking with a financial advisor or accountant if you’re unsure whether your income meets the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold.
Track IRCC Announcements
Keep a close eye on IRCC’s official channels and trusted immigration platforms like Immigration to Canada (EverNorth) for updates on upcoming PGP intakes. Announcement dates, policy changes, and intake caps can vary year to year, so staying informed is essential.
Review and Update Your Documents Regularly
Ensure that your identification documents, legal status in Canada, and proof of relationship documents are up to date. This includes:
- Your Canadian passport or PR card
- Marriage certificates (if applying with a co-signer)
- Birth certificates for both you and the sponsored person, showing the relationship
Having these documents ready ensures a faster and smoother application process once you’re invited to apply.
Get Professional Support
Working with a licensed immigration consultant can help you avoid errors and build a strong application. At EverNorth, we offer a free immigration assessment to help determine your eligibility and guide you through every step of the process.
Understanding the PGP Selection Process
Many applicants wonder how the PGP selection process actually works. While it’s commonly referred to as a lottery, it’s formally a random draw conducted by IRCC from the pool of submitted Interest to Sponsor forms.
How the Draw Works
After the submission window for the Interest to Sponsor form closes, IRCC randomly selects a set number of applicants. If your form is selected, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for the sponsorship of your parents or grandparents. You then have 60 days to submit a full application package.
Key Facts About the Draw
- The selection is random, not based on income or how early you submit
- Selected sponsors are notified via email or online account
- Not being selected does not affect your future eligibility
- You may submit a form again in future intakes
What Is the PGP 2020 Pool?
The PGP 2020 pool refers to the group of individuals who submitted Interest to Sponsor forms during the 2020 intake. Due to COVID-19 disruptions, IRCC made adjustments to the draw schedule, and some selections were deferred to later years. If you applied in 2020, check your status to see if you’re still in consideration or need to reapply.
Can You Improve Your Odds in a Random Draw?
While the draw is random, taking steps like submitting multiple eligible forms from your household and ensuring error-free applications can improve your odds. Think of it as increasing your number of lottery tickets—more valid entries mean better chances.
Expert Tips on Building a Strong PGP Application
Once selected, your full application must be thorough and accurate. Here are proven PGP application success tips to help ensure your application meets IRCC standards and avoids delays or refusals.
1. Provide Complete and Clear Proof of Relationship
IRCC must be able to confirm the relationship between the sponsor and the parent or grandparent being sponsored. You’ll need to include:
- Certified copies of birth certificates
- Family records or legal documents showing the relationship
- Marriage certificates or adoption records, if applicable
Ensure all documents are translated into English or French by certified translators if they are in another language.
2. Prepare for Medical and Police Checks
Sponsored parents or grandparents will be required to complete medical examinations and submit police clearance certificates. These steps are typically done after the application is submitted but should be anticipated in advance.
Tip:
Start gathering police certificates early, especially if your family members have lived in multiple countries. Some clearances can take weeks or even months to obtain.
3. Have a Backup Plan
Since selection is not guaranteed, it’s wise to explore alternative family sponsorship pathways or temporary residence options like the Super Visa while you wait for PGP results in future draws.
4. Avoid Common Pitfalls
Be mindful of small errors that can cause major problems:
- Incorrect dates or names on forms
- Missing signatures
- Untranslated documents
- Outdated income proof
Double-check your entire application before submission. Better yet, consider working with a regulated consultant to guide you.
Why Use Professional Support for Your PGP Application?
While it’s possible to complete the PGP process on your own, many applicants find the process overwhelming. Working with immigration professionals like EverNorth can give you the confidence and support needed to succeed.
Benefits of Professional Guidance
- Ensure your Interest to Sponsor form is submitted correctly
- Get help calculating and verifying your Minimum Necessary Income
- Receive document checklists tailored to your family’s situation
- Stay informed of policy updates and IRCC announcements
- Reduce the risk of delays or refusals due to incomplete information
Why Choose EverNorth?
At EverNorth, we’ve helped thousands of families reunite in Canada. Our team of licensed Canadian immigration consultants will work with you every step of the way—from assessing your eligibility to submitting a complete and accurate application.
Start with a free immigration assessment and get expert advice tailored to your unique situation. Whether you’re submitting your Interest to Sponsor form or preparing a full sponsorship application, we’re here to help you navigate the process.
Final Thoughts: How to Win the PGP Lottery
There’s no magic formula to win the PGP lottery, but being prepared, informed, and proactive can give you a real advantage. The key is to treat your application with the same seriousness as a job interview—plan ahead, check every detail, and don’t take shortcuts.
Summary of Key PGP Lottery Tips
- Submit your Interest to Sponsor form accurately and on time
- Make sure you meet and exceed the financial requirements
- Consider multiple eligible sponsors in your household
- Keep documents updated and ready year-round
- Stay informed about changes to the PGP programme
- Explore alternative immigration options like the Super Visa
- Get professional help to reduce errors and improve outcomes
Every PGP draw offers a new opportunity for family reunification. By following the strategies above, you can increase your chances in the PGP and bring your parents or grandparents closer to home.
Take the Next Step
Don’t wait until the next intake opens—determine your eligibility today with our free immigration evaluation. Whether you’re planning ahead or preparing to submit a complete application, our team at Immigration to Canada (EverNorth) is ready to guide you through every step of the process.
Let us help you bring your family together in Canada—because family is worth the wait.
