Family Sponsorship

Canadian spousal sponsorship is about bringing families together – after all, home is wherever your family lives.

Immigration Canada allows you to sponsor your loved ones for a life together within Canadian borders. Similar to most immigration programs, the government requires extensive paperwork, documentation, proof of your relationship to ensure that your application will succeed.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents may bring their parents and grandparents to Canada through one of two popular programs: the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) and/or the Super Visa program.

Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)

Canada's Family sponsorship program includes a stream dedicated to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Parents and grandparents approved under this program receive Canadian permanent residence and may eventually be able to apply for Canadian citizenship.

To be eligible for Canada Parents and Grandparents Program, an individual must meet:

• 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 (potential applicants will need to provide a proof of status during the Interest to
  Sponsor phase);
• Exceed the minimum necessary income level for this program (if married or in a common-law relationship,
  the income of both the sponsor and spouse can be included) and provide proof of income to IRCC; and
• Sign an undertaking  to financially support the sponsored for 20 years (starting when they become permanent residents); and  to repay any social assistance benefits paid to the sponsored family members (if applicable) for a period of 20 years.  If the sponsor resides in Quebec, an additional undertaking must be signed with the province of Quebec.

Parents and Grandparents Super Visa Program

Canadian citizens and/or permanent residents have another option to bring a parent or grandparent to Canada. The Super Visa Program allows parents and grandparents to come to Canada as long-term visitors on a multi- entry visa that remains valid for up to 10 years. Unlike standard visitor visas, a Super Visa allows visa holders to stay in Canada for up to two years on initial entry to Canada.

To be eligible for the Super Visa program, parents and grandparents must meet standard visitor visa requirements. In addition, they must:

• Provide a written commitment of financial support from their child or grandchild in Canada;
• Show that the family sponsorship in Canada meets minimum income requirements;
• Prove they have purchased Canadian health insurance for at least one year; and
• Complete an immigration medical examination.

Depending on their nationality, parents/grandparents may require a Temporary Resident Visa in addition to the Super Visa.