The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is tied to sponsors who want to bring their family to Canada. One of the major points is that you have sufficient funds which strengthen your financial ability to support your parents living in Canada. That’s where the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) comes into play.
The 2025 PGP income requirements reflect Canada's ongoing balance between family reunification and economic sustainability. This article breaks down the income thresholds, eligibility rules, supporting documents, and how to get ready for the next round of invitations.
Minimum Necessary Income Thresholds for PGP Intake 2025
To sponsor under PGP in 2025, you must meet or exceed the MNI for each of:
- 2024
- 2023
- 2022
This requirement is not averaged—you must meet each year’s threshold based on your family size.
Low Income Cut-Offs Table for PGP
IRCC applies a 30% markup to Statistics Canada’s LICO figures to calculate the official MNI. View the base LICO data on the Statistics Canada site: Catalogue 11100241.
| 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 |
| Each additional person over 7 |
+ $10,291 | + $9,636 | + $9,324 |
How to Calculate Your Family Size
Count all of the following when determining your family size:
- You (the sponsor)
- Your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable)
- Your dependents
- The parent(s)/grandparent(s) you wish to sponsor
- Any dependents they may have
Eligible Income Sources
IRCC requires proof of line 15000 (total income) from your Notice of Assessment (NOA) issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
- Employment or self-employment income
- Pension and retirement benefits
- Employment Insurance (EI)
- Investment income
Note: Social assistance is not counted. You may combine incomes if using a co-signer.
PGP vs Super Visa: Income Requirements Compared
| Feature | PGP | Super Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Leads to PR | Yes | No (temporary stay only) |
| Income Requirement | MNI for 3 years | LICO-level income for 1 year |
| Medical Insurance | Not required | Required (1 year minimum) |
| Max Stay | Permanent | Up to 5 years per visit |
If you don’t yet meet the Minimum Necessary Income, consider applying for a Super Visa as an interim option while preparing for the next PGP intake. Review both the PGP and Super Visa pathways to determine which aligns best with your family’s needs before proceeding.
Interim Option: Super Visa
If you don’t yet meet the MNI, consider a Super Visa as a temporary solution while you prepare for the next PGP intake. Compare both pathways to decide which best fits your family’s needs.
Common Reasons for PGP Refusal
Many sponsors contact us only after facing a rejection—usually for issues like incorrect income reporting or incomplete documentation. This guide highlights common PGP mistakes and offers actionable tips to help you apply confidently and avoid delays in reuniting with your loved ones.
- Income threshold not met
- Incomplete NOA documentation
- Incorrect family size calculation
- Already sponsoring another relative
- Missed ITA response deadlines
Alternatives for Insufficient Funds
- Apply for a Super Visa as an interim measure
- Reapply to PGP once your income meets the threshold
- Note: Income-based refusals cannot be appealed
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is open only to individuals who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form back in 2020 and have not yet been invited. If you're one of them, watch your inbox—IRCC is sending new Invitations to Apply (ITAs) starting July 28, 2025.To avoid delays, start preparing now.
- Recalculate your family size for each of the last 3 years.
- Collect your Notices of Assessment (NOAs) from the Canada Revenue Agency for 2022, 2023, and 2024.
- If needed, consider adding a co-signer to help meet the income requirement.
- Have your documents organized before the deadline hits.