Parents and Grandparents

Eligibility Requirements for the Sponsor:

• The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
• The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada (or planning to return to Canada).
• The sponsor must be able to demonstrate financial capacity to support their parents or grandparents and ensure they do not need to rely on social assistance.
• The sponsor must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI), which is based on the sponsor’s family size and the annual income requirements set by the Canadian government.
• The sponsor must not be in default of any previous sponsorship undertakings.

Eligibility Requirements for the Applicant (Parent or Grandparent):

• The parent or grandparent must be the biological or adoptive parent or grandparent of the sponsor.
• They must be at least 18 years old.
• They must meet health and security requirements, including medical exams and background checks.
• The applicant must not be inadmissible to Canada due to criminality or other reasons.

Key Features of the Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents Program:

• Permanent Residence: If the sponsorship application is successful, the parent or grandparent will become a permanent resident of Canada, with the right to live, work, and access healthcare.
• Financial Support: The sponsor must sign an agreement to financially support their parent or grandparent for a specified period (usually 20 years). The sponsor will be responsible for providing for their basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter, and ensuring that the applicant does not rely on social assistance.
• Processing Times: The processing times for sponsoring parents and grandparents can vary, but it generally takes several months to over a year to process the application. The government periodically opens the sponsorship application intake for a limited period.
• Super Visa Option: For those who do not meet the requirements for full sponsorship or wish to bring their parents or grandparents temporarily, the Super Visa is an option. This visa allows parents and grandparents to visit their Canadian children or grandchildren for up to two years without renewing their status. It is a multiple-entry visa that lasts for up to 10 years, but it does not provide permanent residence.

Process of Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents:

1. Submit an Interest to Sponsor: In recent years, the Canadian government has moved to a lottery-based system for the sponsorship program. Sponsors must first express their interest in sponsoring their parent or grandparent by submitting an “Interest to Sponsor” form when the intake period is open. Those selected in the lottery are invited to apply.
2. Application Submission: Once invited, the sponsor and the parent or grandparent must submit the full application package, including forms, documents, and supporting evidence (e.g., proof of relationship, financial documents, medical exams).
3. Application Processing: Immigration officials will assess the application to ensure that both the sponsor and the parent or grandparent meet all eligibility criteria. Additional information or documentation may be requested.
4. Decision: If the application is approved, the parent or grandparent will receive permanent resident status. If the application is refused, the sponsor and applicant may have the option to appeal or reapply.

Considerations and Documentation:

• Proof of Relationship: Sponsors must provide evidence of their relationship to the parent or grandparent, such as birth certificates, adoption records, or other legal documents.
• Financial Requirements: Sponsors must demonstrate that they meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the family size, including the parent(s) or grandparent(s) being sponsored. This can include providing proof of income such as tax documents and employment records.

Medical and Security Clearances: The parent or grandparent must undergo a medical exam and a background check to ensure they meet Canada’s health and security standards.