Permanent residence
Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship
Canadian citizens and permanent residents may sponsor eligible parents or grandparents for permanent residence under specific programs.
Family sponsorship options
Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to come to Canada through permanent or long-term temporary pathways.
Two main options exist: sponsorship for permanent residence under the Family Class, or long-term temporary stays through the Super Visa program. Each option has different requirements and obligations.
Parents & grandparents permanent residence sponsorship
The Family Class Sponsorship Program includes a stream that allows eligible sponsors to bring parents or grandparents to Canada as permanent residents.
Sponsored parents and grandparents receive permanent resident status and may later become eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, subject to residency and eligibility requirements.
Sponsor eligibility requirements
- • Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- • At least 18 years of age
- • Must meet or exceed the minimum necessary income (MNI)
- • Must demonstrate income for the required number of consecutive years
- • Must not be in default of previous sponsorship undertakings
Income requirements are assessed using Notices of Assessment (NOAs) issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Income requirements and undertaking
- • Sponsors must meet minimum income thresholds for multiple consecutive years
- • Income may be combined with a spouse or common-law partner, if applicable
- • Sponsors must sign an undertaking agreeing to financially support the sponsored family member
- • The undertaking period for parents and grandparents is typically 20 years
During the undertaking period, sponsors remain financially responsible even if circumstances change.
Requirements for sponsored parents or grandparents
- • Must be the biological or legally adopted parent or grandparent
- • Must pass medical examinations
- • Must pass criminal and background checks
- • Must provide truthful and complete information
Alternative option: Super Visa
When permanent residence sponsorship is not available or suitable, the Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for extended periods as visitors.
Common refusal or ineligibility risks
- • Sponsor does not meet minimum income requirements
- • Missing or inconsistent CRA income documentation
- • Ineligible family relationship
- • Medical or criminal inadmissibility
- • Incomplete or late submissions during intake periods
Planning to sponsor parents or grandparents?
We assess income eligibility, obligations, and the most appropriate pathway before you apply.