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Sponsorship of Parents and Grandparents

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their parents and grandparents to immigrate to Canada through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).  As a result of this program, sponsored parents and grandparents may receive permanent residence in Canada and be eligible to apply for citizenship in the future.

The program offers a few perks of being a Canadian permanent resident. This includes being able to work in Canada, attain health care, get full protection under Canadian law and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and apply to become a Canadian citizen. However, to receive the sponsorship, you need to meet the minimum eligibility criteria;

  • Financially support them and their dependents
  • You have to be sure they will not need social assistance from the government.

You may be able to sponsor your parents and grandparents if you meet the following criteria:

  • Have completed an Interest to Sponsor form on IRCC’s website
  • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act;
  • Be 18 years of age or older;
  • Be residing in Canada
  • You must meet the minimum income requirement for this program (if you are married or in a common-law relationship, you can include your spouse’s income as well).
  • Must sign an undertaking
    • To financially support the sponsored for 20 years (beginning when they are granted permanent residency),
    • To repay any social assistance benefits awarded to the sponsored family members (if applicable)
    • An additional “undertaking” with the province of Quebec must be signed if the sponsor is a Quebec resident.

The sponsors across Canadian provinces except for Quebec who are allowed to apply must submit Notices of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Having sufficient money (Minimum Necessary Income) is an important eligibility factor under the Parent Grandparent Program (PGP). The potential sponsors are requested to analyze the size of the family to meet income criteria. The list includes all the persons for whom the potential sponsors will be liable;

  • The potential sponsor;
  • Spouse;
  • Dependent children;
  • Spouse’s dependent children;
  • The parents, grandparents, and their dependents
  • Dependent children who are not coming to Canada with their parents or grandparents;
  • Their parent or grandparent’s spouse or partner, even if they don’t wish to come to Canada;
  • Their parent or grandparents’ separated spouse.

Whom You May be Able to Sponsor

  • You may sponsor your parents and grandparents, associated by blood or adoption.
  • Even if they are divorced or separated, you can sponsor your parents and your grandparents’ spouses, or conjugal or common-law partners.
  • If your brothers and sisters, or half brothers and sisters are eligible dependent children you may include them in your application.
  • If you sponsor more than 1 person, you should meet the income requirements. You may also sponsor their dependents.

Note: The people whom you want to sponsor must also meet certain eligibility like all required forms and documents must be submitted with their application.

Application Process for Parents and Grandparents to Canada

Congratulations on being invited to apply to sponsor your parents and grandparents to Canada! Here’s a step-by-step roadmap to make the process smooth and successful.

Step 1: Get Your Invitation to Apply

Selected potential sponsors will receive an invitation, and get notified via email. Ensure your email address is up to date, and if changed, inform the

through the Find your lost confirmation number page.

Step 2: Fill Out the Online Application

Once invited, use the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal or Representative PR Portal to submit your application. If more than one parent or grandparent applies individually, they must create their portal accounts.

Remember, only apply if invited; otherwise, your application will be returned without a refund.

Documents You Need:

Before applying, download and complete essential PDF forms for sponsors and those being sponsored. These include:

  • Document Checklist
  • Application to Sponsor
  • Sponsorship Agreement
  • Financial Evaluation
  • Income Sources (if applicable), and
  • Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (if applicable).

Tips for Documents

  • Ensure you have Adobe Reader 10 or higher with JavaScript enabled.
  • Fill out forms on your computer for accuracy.
  • Use the Instruction Guide [IMM 5772] for proper form completion.

Step 3: Pay Your Application Fees

Fees start from $1,080 and cover processing fees, the right of permanent residence fee (in most cases), and biometrics fees. Pay your fees online to avoid delays in processing.

Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for medical exams, police certificates, etc.

Step 4: Submit Your Online Application

Answer all questions, electronically sign your application, upload supporting documents, and include your processing fee receipt. Ensure you upload your invitation to apply letter for the 2023 intake.

If your application is incomplete, you’ll receive a request letter. Submit the missing documents within 30 days to avoid application return.

Step 5: Send Additional Information

During Processing During processing, the person being sponsored must submit medical exams, police certificates, and biometrics within 30 days of receiving the instruction letter. Book a biometric collection appointment promptly, and if more time is needed, inform us via the web form.

Know more about Canadian immigration sponsorship programs and read the latest updates from our website. ImmigCanada Immigration Consulting Services can help you and your family find life in Canada. Connect to our RCIC to know more about the process.