Many families have the sincere desire to sponsor parents and grandparents to Canada, but the PGP application process can be surprisingly challenging. Even minor mistakes can result in rejections, and delays.
Due to preventable errors like filing forms incorrectly, missing deadlines, or misreporting income, many sponsors contact an immigration consultant after receiving a refusal letter.
Our experts in the immigration department have listed the most common mistakes made while applying for Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program. The guide below also includes helpful advice to get it right the first time and avoid unnecessary obstacles to your family reunification.
1. Missteps in the Expression of Interest (EOI): The First Filter
The EOI stage is deceptively simple. It's just a form but one that can make or break your application's future. Every year, thousands of EOIs are found ineligible or excluded from the draw because of overlooked issues such as:
- Inconsistent family size reporting: Listing dependents incorrectly can change your income threshold.
- Failing to respond to ITA emails: Missed deadlines often result in auto-disqualification.
Solution: Once your EOI is submitted, monitor your inbox (and junk folder) closely. Missing a response window is one of the top avoidable errors.
2. Incomplete or Incorrect Financial Documentation
Income is a cornerstone of the PGP process. Sponsors must prove they meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)for the past three consecutive taxation years, based on family size. Yet, many applicants make the mistake of:
- Uploading incomplete Notice of Assessment (NOA) documents.
- Submitting non-CRA income proof, like employer letters or pay slips, which don't count.
- Calculating income after tax, when the requirement is based on line 15000 (gross income).
One missing NOA or miscalculation can result in an outright rejection.
Solution: Use CRA's official documents only. Cross-check each year's MNI against the IRCC chart and match your NOAs to the correct family size.
3. Misunderstanding the Income Threshold Calculation
Another common error stems from confusion about how income is assessed.
Solution: Review IRCC's Low-Income Cut-Off plus 30% charts carefully. Even one dollar below the required MNI in any year makes you ineligible.
4. Errors in Application Forms and Supporting Docs
The sponsorship and permanent residence applications involve multiple forms (IMM 1344, IMM 5768, IMM 5406, etc.). Mistakes often include:
- Outdated versions of forms, get updated forms from IRCC document checklist
- Missing dependent details (especially for divorced/widowed applicants)
- Uploading files in wrong formats or exceeding file size limits
Even minor clerical mistakes can result in a returned application or longer processing delays.
Solution: Double-check each form's version, use IRCC's document checklist, and validate all forms before submission.
What to Do If Your PGP Application Is Rejected
A rejection doesn't lock the door permanently. Here are your options:
Reapply in the Next PGP Intake
If the reason for rejection is fixed (like now meeting income requirements), you can submit a new Expression of Interest when IRCC reopens the intake.
Appeal or Request Reconsideration
In cases of procedural error by IRCC, you may file a request for reconsideration or appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). This is best done with legal support or an RCIC.
Use the Super Visa as a Backup
The Super Visa is not a permanent residency path but allows your parents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit. It doesn't require the same income proof or lottery-based invitation, making it a practical option if you were refused under PGP. To decide which option is better, you should compare the PGP and Super Visa through a detailed analysis of key factors such as cost, processing time, and renewal terms.
PGP Rejections Last Year
IRCC has been increasingly strict with:
- Accepting only official CRA-issued documents
- Automated form validations (any missing field can flag the file)
- Refusing applications with outdated medical or police certificates
In 2024, nearly 22% of PGP submissions were returned due to incomplete financial proof or incorrect forms, according to immigration tracking reports.
Conclusion: Get It Right Before You Submit
Canada's Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program isn't just about intent, it's about precision. Mistakes in paperwork, finances, or timing can delay reunification by years. Whether you're applying for the first time or after a rejection, approach the process with careful planning, verified documents, and a clear understanding of IRCC's expectations.
When uncertainty remains, consulting a licensed immigration consultant can help avoid rejection and give your family the reunion it deserves.
