Bringing your parents or grandparents to live with you in Canada is one of the most fulfilling things you can do for your family. But getting approved under the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program can be challenging. This guide walks you through how to increase your chances of success—from understanding eligibility to preparing a strong application.
The Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency in Canada. If approved, your loved ones can live with you and enjoy access to healthcare and other services.
But the PGP operates with a limited number of spots. The process begins with an interest-to-sponsor form, followed by a lottery-style invitation. If selected, you must submit a full application within the deadline. This means preparing ahead is essential.
Before entering the pool of potential sponsors, make sure you meet the basic requirements. You must:
You also must agree to financially support the person you are sponsoring for 20 years. If you're married or in a common-law relationship, your partner can co-sign the application to help meet the income requirement.
To sponsor parents or grandparents, you must show that you’ve earned enough over the past three consecutive years. This income threshold changes every year and depends on how many people you're supporting.
Make sure you gather the Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the last three years. If you're slightly under the mark, a co-signer may help.
Plan ahead. If your income has dropped recently, wait until you meet the requirement before applying. Applying too soon may hurt your chances.
The intake process opens only once a year—and often for a very short period. That means you must prepare all your documents early.
Once the interest-to-sponsor form opens, it can fill up within hours. Don’t wait until the last minute. Prepare digital copies of your ID, proof of status in Canada, and CRA documents.
If you're selected from the pool, you’ll be invited to submit a full application. This is where details matter. Use the latest application forms from the immigration website. Follow the instructions carefully.
Make sure names, birthdates, and other personal information match official documents exactly. If anything is unclear, immigration officers may return your file or ask for clarifications, delaying your case.
The people you’re sponsoring must also meet eligibility rules. This includes medical exams, background checks, and police certificates. The medical exam must be completed by a panel physician approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Request police certificates from every country where your parent or grandparent has lived for more than six months since age 18. These documents take time to get—start early.
If your parents or grandparents are not selected for sponsorship, they may still be able to visit Canada under the Super Visa program. This visa allows them to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time and can be renewed.
Although it doesn’t grant permanent residency, it offers a way for families to stay close. It's also easier and faster than the full sponsorship process.
Related Content:
■ How To Bring Your Parents and Grandparents with a Super Visa
The government wants to see that you’re not only financially able to sponsor your parents or grandparents—but also emotionally prepared.
Explain how you plan to support your loved ones after they arrive. Mention plans for housing, community connections, language support, or healthcare access. Providing a short letter with your application explaining your family situation may help.
The sponsorship process can be overwhelming. You can always get help from a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.
Make sure the professional is registered and recognized. Don’t trust anyone who promises guaranteed approval or asks for money upfront without a contract. Ask for references and check online reviews.
Immigration rules change often. Always check the official website for the latest guidelines, forms, and deadlines. Sign up for email alerts. Join forums or Facebook groups where others share updates.
Missing a deadline or submitting outdated forms could lead to automatic rejection.
Not being picked in the interest-to-sponsor draw isn’t the end. You can try again next year. In the meantime, prepare better, improve your income if needed, and consider options like the Super Visa.
Many people apply multiple times before they succeed. Persistence, planning, and attention to detail are key.
Bringing your parents or grandparents to live with you in Canada is a beautiful goal, but it requires time, patience, and preparation. By understanding the process, meeting the income requirements, submitting clear documents, and staying ahead of deadlines, you can improve your chances significantly.
Sponsorship is more than just paperwork—it’s about building a future where family is together.
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