Bringing Your Parents and Grandparents to Alberta: Sponsorship Program 2025

For many families living in Alberta, the dream of reuniting with parents and grandparents in Canada is a top priority. Thankfully, Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP) continues to provide a pathway for Albertans to sponsor their loved ones for permanent residence. As we look ahead to 2025, understanding how this program works — and how it applies to those living in Alberta — is crucial.

What is the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP)?

The PGP allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in Alberta and across Canada to sponsor their parents and grandparents to become permanent residents. Once approved, parents and grandparents enjoy all the benefits of permanent residence, including access to Alberta’s healthcare system, the ability to work, and eligibility to apply for Canadian citizenship in the future.

Key Updates for Alberta Residents in 2025

While IRCC’s official 2025 details are expected soon, Alberta residents can prepare based on previous years:

• Lottery System: The federal government uses a random invitation system through an Interest to Sponsor form. Only those selected will be invited to apply.

• Quota Limits: Canada typically sets annual limits for PGP applications. In 2024, this was around 28,500 invitations — a similar number is likely for 2025.

• Income Requirements: As a sponsor in Alberta, you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) based on your family size and using your last three years of tax returns. This demonstrates your ability to financially support your parents or grandparents.

• Undertaking Commitment: In Alberta (and across Canada except Quebec), sponsors must commit to a 20-year financial undertaking to ensure sponsored relatives do not require government assistance.

Eligibility for Sponsors in Alberta

If you live in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, or anywhere else in Alberta, you must meet these basic criteria:

✅ Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident✅ Be 18 years of age or older✅ Reside in Alberta (or anywhere in Canada, outside Quebec)✅ Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the past 3 tax years✅ Commit to a 20-year sponsorship undertaking

The Super Visa: An Alberta Alternative

For those in Alberta who aren’t selected through the PGP lottery, the Super Visa offers a valuable alternative. It allows parents and grandparents to visit for up to 5 years at a time, with the option to apply for extensions. This is especially popular among Alberta families looking for shorter-term solutions while waiting for sponsorship opportunities.

To qualify for a Super Visa, you’ll need to show proof of income, purchase private medical insurance, and invite your parents or grandparents with a formal letter of invitation.

Why Bring Your Parents or Grandparents to Alberta?

Reuniting with parents and grandparents in Alberta is about more than paperwork. Family support is essential for child-rearing, mental health, and preserving cultural traditions. Alberta’s communities — from urban centers like Calgary and Edmonton to smaller towns — thrive when families stay together. Access to Alberta’s strong healthcare system, recreational opportunities, and growing immigrant communities makes this province an ideal place for your loved ones to settle.

How to Prepare for PGP 2025 in Alberta

1. Review Your Financial Eligibility: Ensure you meet the income thresholds with your CRA Notices of Assessment.

2. Stay Updated on IRCC Announcements: Pay attention to updates on the 2025 intake process.

3. Consult Immigration Experts in Alberta: Navigating Canadian immigration can be complex. Local immigration consultants and lawyers understand both federal and Alberta-specific processes and can help strengthen your application.

4. Plan a Backup Option: Consider the Super Visa in case you are not selected for PGP 2025.

Conclusion

If you live in Alberta and want to bring your parents or grandparents to join you here, the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program 2025 offers a valuable opportunity for family reunification. With preparation, expert advice, and a clear understanding of the process, you can help make your dream of family unity in Alberta a reality.

Need help? Our immigration experts are here to guide you through the process, from preparing your Interest to Sponsor submission to exploring Super Visa options.

Contact us today to start your journey.