Spousal Sponsorship vs PGP: which Canadian visa is right for you?
Two family sponsorship routes to PR: sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner, and the lottery-based Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship (Spousal Sponsorship) | Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Permanent / PR | Permanent / PR |
| Who it's for | Spouses, common-law or conjugal partners of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. | Canadians and permanent residents sponsoring their parents or grandparents for permanent residence. |
| Government cost | ~CA$1,205 (sponsorship + processing + CA$575 RPRF), plus ~CA$85 biometrics | ~CA$1,205 (sponsorship + processing + CA$575 RPRF) |
| Processing time | ~12 months (outland) or ~28 months (inland outside Quebec) | ~24-36 months |
| Length of stay | Permanent | Permanent |
| Where to apply | Online; inland (in Canada) or outland (outside Canada) | Invitation-based intake, then apply to IRCC online |
| Work rights | Full work rights once PR is granted (open work permit possible inland) | Full work rights once PR is granted |
| Pathway to PR | Grants permanent residence directly to the sponsored partner. | Grants permanent residence directly to sponsored parents and grandparents. |
Which is right for you?
Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship (Spousal Sponsorship)
Spouses, common-law or conjugal partners of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Full Spousal Sponsorship guide →Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
Canadians and permanent residents sponsoring their parents or grandparents for permanent residence.
Full PGP guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Spousal Sponsorship or PGP?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship (Spousal Sponsorship) is the lowest at ~CA$1,205 (sponsorship + processing + CA$575 RPRF), plus ~CA$85 biometrics. Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, Spousal Sponsorship or PGP?
Indicatively Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship (Spousal Sponsorship) is the quickest at ~12 months (outland) or ~28 months (inland outside Quebec). Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
Do all of these lead to permanent residence?
Yes. Spousal Sponsorship: Grants permanent residence directly to the sponsored partner. PGP: Grants permanent residence directly to sponsored parents and grandparents.
What's the main difference between Spousal Sponsorship and PGP?
Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship (Spousal Sponsorship) is for spouses, common-law or conjugal partners of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is for canadians and permanent residents sponsoring their parents or grandparents for permanent residence.