How long does it take to sponsor parents or grandparents to Canada?

Sponsorship processing times for parents and grandparents under the federal Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) are among the longest in the Canadian immigration system. Because the number of applications far exceeds the spaces available each year, IRCC manages the program through periodic intakes that can include waitlists lasting years.

From the point at which you receive an invitation to apply and submit a complete application, processing can take a year or more on its own — and this is on top of however long you waited for an invitation in the first intake phase. IRCC's published processing times for this category are updated on its website and reflect median or average times, which may not correspond to your specific file.

Delays arise from incomplete applications, requests for additional documents, medical or background check delays, and high application volumes. The combination of a periodic intake process and long processing means families commonly face multi-year waits from initial expression of interest to a parent or grandparent landing as a permanent resident. Planning for a long timeline is important, and the Super Visa is worth considering as a way for parents to visit while waiting. Confirm current program status and timelines at IRCC's website.