Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) Processing Time — Current Windows and Timeline
Current processing windows for Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), the factors that move the timeline up or down, and the typical milestone-by-milestone sequence from application submission to final decision.
20–36 months from AOR for sponsored parents/grandparents already invited to apply.
Times are operationally derived from recent IRCC service standards and our own file-volume observations. Individual files vary based on the factors below.
What moves the timeline
These are the variables that most commonly extend or shorten Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) processing beyond the typical window.
- Lottery-gating — sponsors must first be invited through IRCC's Interest-to-Sponsor lottery. Recent intake years have had 30,000–35,000 invitations.
- Country of parents/grandparents — visa office processing varies widely.
- Sponsor MNI — the sponsor's Minimum Necessary Income for 3 prior tax years is a strict eligibility test.
- Family size — larger families add complexity and processing time.
- Medical exam scheduling for elderly parents — sometimes returns conditions affecting admissibility.
Typical milestone-by-milestone timeline
The table below sequences the main checkpoints from application submission to final decision. Use this to plan downstream events like start dates, housing, and family arrival.
| Milestone | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Interest-to-Sponsor lottery window | Annual (varies by year) |
| Lottery selection → Invitation to Apply (PGP) | Weeks to months |
| Submission → AOR | 2–8 weeks |
| AOR → sponsor approval | 2–4 months |
| Sponsor approved → final decision | 16–32 additional months |
Important notes on Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) processing
• While waiting for PGP, most families use Super Visa as the interim solution: 10-year multi-entry visa, 5-year stays per visit.
• Once invited, the application timeline is moderately predictable; the lottery wait is the main bottleneck.
Frequently asked questions — Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) processing
How long is the wait for a PGP invitation through the lottery?
Should I use Super Visa while waiting for PGP?
If I'm selected in the lottery, how long does the actual PGP application take?
Need help understanding your file's status?
Use our live IRCC Processing Times tool for current service standards across all programs, or book a free consultation to review your specific file timeline.