How Long Does It Take To Sponsor Parents To Canada?
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) processing times are typically long and vary depending on whether the application is processed for Quebec or outside Quebec. IRCC publishes estimated timelines that generally cover the period from when a complete application is received to when a final decision is made. The process involves multiple stages, including application submission, sponsor assessment, and permanent residence processing. Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances and additional processing steps. Understanding these stages, potential delays, and how to check your application status can help applicants navigate the process more effectively.
What is the processing time for the Parents and Grandparents Program?
The processing time to sponsor a parent or grandparent in Canada depends on several factors, including where the application is processed and how many applications IRCC is handling at the time.
IRCC publishes official processing-time estimates for this program and updates them regularly. These estimates are not a guarantee, and some applications may take longer depending on individual circumstances.
Current estimated processing times:
Outside Quebec: approximately 30–36 months
Quebec applicants: approximately 40–48 months
IRCC posts separate timelines for applications outside Quebec and in Quebec because Quebec has an additional step in the process.
These timelines are estimates and can change over time based on application volume, IRCC inventory, and overall processing capacity.
Why processing times are long
Parent sponsorship is one of the most in-demand immigration pathways in Canada. Each year, the number of people who want to sponsor their parents or grandparents is far greater than the number of applications IRCC accepts for processing.
Because of this:
- The program operates through an invitation-based system
- Recent rounds have continued using the 2020 interest-to-sponsor pool
- IRCC is focused on processing existing applications within its current intake limits
As a result, even after an application is submitted, processing can take several years.
What “processing time” includes
Processing time refers to the period from when IRCC receives a complete application to when a final decision is made.
This typically includes:
- Sponsor eligibility assessment
- Review of the parents’ permanent residence application
- Biometrics and medical examinations
- Background and security checks
- Final decision and confirmation of permanent residence
It does not include:
- Time spent waiting for an invitation to apply
- Time spent preparing documents before submission
Quebec vs the rest of Canada
Processing times are generally longer for applicants planning to live in Quebec.
This is because Quebec has an additional provincial step, where the sponsor must also complete Quebec’s undertaking process. For this reason, IRCC publishes separate processing times for Quebec cases.
Parent Sponsorship Timeline: Step-by-Step
Although overall processing can take several years, the parent sponsorship process follows a clear sequence of stages. Understanding each step helps you know what to expect throughout the process.
1. Interest to Sponsor & Invitation
The process begins before you can submit a full application.
First, potential sponsors must submit an Interest to Sponsor form during an open PGP intake period. After submitting the form:
- Potential sponsors are entered into a pool
- IRCC then invites selected potential sponsors to apply
Recent invitation rounds have continued drawing from the 2020 pool, meaning some applicants may wait several years before being invited.
IRCC’s current ministerial instructions also state that, as of January 1, 2026, no new parents and grandparents sponsorship applications or related permanent residence applications are to be received for processing until further instructions are issued.
Only those who receive an invitation can move forward with the application.
Note: Time spent waiting in the pool is not included in IRCC’s official processing-time estimates.
2. Application Submission
After receiving an invitation, the sponsor must submit:
- The sponsorship application
- The permanent residence application for the parents or grandparents
The principal applicant (the parent or grandparent being sponsored) submits both applications together online using the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal.
At this stage:
- All required documents for PGP must be included
- Fees must be paid
- Incomplete applications may be returned or delayed
3. Completeness Check & Acknowledgment
IRCC reviews the application to confirm that it is complete.
If everything is in order:
- IRCC issues an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)
- The application officially enters processing
If the application is incomplete, fees are missing, the sponsor was not invited to apply, or the application was not received by the deadline in the invitation letter, IRCC may return the application.
4. Sponsor Eligibility Review
IRCC evaluates whether the sponsor meets all requirements.
This includes:
- Status in Canada (Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada)
- Meeting the minimum income requirements. Sponsors may include their spouse or common-law partner when meeting income requirements, and a common-law partner may also co-sign the sponsorship application.
- Signing the sponsorship undertaking. The sponsorship undertaking for parents or grandparents lasts for 20 years, meaning the sponsor is financially responsible during this period.
If approved: The application moves forward
If refused: IRCC may still continue processing the permanent residence application if the sponsor chooses that option. There is no guarantee the permanent residence application will be approved.
5. Processing of Parents’ PR Application
Once the sponsor is approved, IRCC begins processing the parents’ or grandparents’ permanent residence application.
This stage may include:
- Biometrics request (via a Biometrics Instruction Letter)
- Medical examination request
- Background and security checks
IRCC may also request additional documents (such as police certificates or updated forms) during this stage.
Some of these steps may happen in parallel, depending on the case.
6. Quebec-Specific Step (if applicable)
If the parents or grandparents plan to live in Quebec, the sponsor must complete Quebec’s separate undertaking process. IRCC will continue the permanent residence processing once Quebec sends IRCC the required undertaking approval information.
This step adds additional time to the process.
7. Final Decision & Confirmation
Once all checks are completed:
- IRCC makes a final decision
- Applicants may receive a passport request (if required)
- A Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) is issued
To finalize the process, the people being sponsored must present their Confirmation of Permanent Residence and permanent resident visa, if one was issued, before those documents expire.
Which Stages Usually Take The Longest
Each stage can take several months, and some steps may overlap depending on the case.
The longest parts of the process are typically:
- Background and security checks
- Medical and document verification
- Time spent in IRCC’s processing queue
What affects parent sponsorship processing time
While IRCC provides estimated timelines, actual processing time can vary significantly from one application to another. Some applications move faster, while others take longer due to specific factors at different stages of the process.
Understanding these factors can help you set realistic expectations and avoid unnecessary delays.
1. Application completeness and accuracy
One of the most common causes of delays is submitting an incomplete or incorrect application.
Delays can occur if:
- Required documents are missing
- Forms are not properly filled out or signed
- Information is inconsistent across documents
In some cases:
- IRCC may request additional information
- The application may be returned and need to be resubmitted
Even small errors can add weeks or months to the process.
2. Response time to IRCC requests
During processing, IRCC may request:
- Additional documents
- Updated forms
- Police certificates
- Clarifications
Delays often happen when:
- Applicants take longer to respond
- Documents are not submitted correctly
- Deadlines are missed
Faster and complete responses help keep the application moving.
3. Background and security checks
Background and security checks are one of the longest and least predictable parts of the process.
Processing time can vary depending on:
- The countries where the applicant has lived
- The complexity of travel history
- Verification requirements with external agencies
These checks are outside the applicant’s control and can take several months.
4. Medical examination process
Applicants must complete a medical exam with an approved panel physician.
Delays can happen if:
- Medical results require further review
- Additional tests are requested
- There are health-related concerns
In some cases, IRCC may request a second assessment, which adds time.
5. Biometrics processing
Applicants must provide biometrics after receiving a request from IRCC.
Delays can occur if:
- There are scheduling issues at biometrics collection centers
- Applicants delay booking their appointment
- There are capacity limitations in certain regions
Providing biometrics quickly helps avoid unnecessary delays.
6. Application volume and backlog
Processing times are heavily influenced by how many applications IRCC is handling at a given time.
Factors include:
- The number of applications in the queue
- Annual intake limits
- Existing backlog from previous years
Higher demand and limited intake spaces can slow down processing overall.
7. Quebec-specific processing
Applications for Quebec involve an additional step with the provincial government.
This means:
- A separate undertaking must be approved by Quebec (MIFI)
- Processing happens at both federal and provincial levels
As a result, Quebec applications typically take longer than those in other provinces.
8. Case complexity
Some applications are more complex than others.
Processing may take longer if:
- Family situations are more complicated
- Additional verification is required
- Documents are harder to validate
Complex cases require more review time from IRCC.
9. Delays between stages
Even when everything is submitted correctly, there can be waiting periods between stages.
This happens because:
- Applications are processed in batches
- Different teams handle different parts of the file
- Some steps may pause while others are completed
These internal timelines are not always visible to applicants.
How To Check Parent And Grandparent Sponsorship Status
Once your application has been submitted, you can track its progress through IRCC’s official systems. Checking your status helps you stay informed about updates, document requests, and next steps.
1. Check your online account
If the application was submitted through IRCC’s online portal, you can sign in to view:
- Application updates
- Messages from IRCC
- Requests for documents or action
This is one of the main ways IRCC communicates during processing.
2. Use the application status tracker
Sponsors can check the status of their application using IRCC’s online tool after IRCC starts processing the application and sends a letter with the application number. As the sponsor, if you want to check your parents’ or grandparents’ application status, you must first get access to their information, because IRCC requires their written consent before it will share their personal information with you.
Depending on the case, the tracker may show progress on key steps and whether IRCC has requested anything further.
3. Who can check the application status
In many cases, both the sponsor and the sponsored parent or grandparent may want updates, but access can depend on how the application was submitted and who is listed as the main contact.
If a representative was appointed, some communication may go through that representative instead.
4. Common status updates
Applicants may see updates such as:
- Submitted
- In progress
- Biometrics requested
- Medical exam requested
- Background verification in progress
- Decision made
The wording may vary, but these updates generally reflect the main stages of processing.
5. If processing takes longer than expected
If the application appears to be taking longer than the current estimated processing time:
- Check IRCC’s official processing-time tool
- Review the account for any unread messages or document requests
- Confirm that all requested information was submitted correctly
If needed, you may also contact IRCC through its web form to ask about the status of the application.
6. Keep your information updated
To avoid missed communication, make sure IRCC has the correct:
- Mailing address
- Email address
- Phone number
- Family or personal details, if anything changes
Keeping your information up to date helps prevent unnecessary problems during processing.
The best way to stay informed is to monitor the application through IRCC’s official tools and respond promptly to any requests. Regularly checking the file can help prevent avoidable delays and ensure that important updates are not missed.
