How to Sponsor Parents in Canada 

Are you eager to learn how to bring your parents to Canada to come and live with you? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through the process of parent and grandparent sponsorship in Canada.  

Whether you’re a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, this article will provide you with all the information you need to bring your parents to Canada and create wonderful memories together. 

Parents Sponsorship in Canada Facts and Statistics 

Before delving into the specifics, let me provide a general overview of grandparent and parent sponsorship in Canada.  

This program allows eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for Canadian permanent residence.  

The sponsorship process aims to reunite families and enable parents to join their children in Canada.  

Parent sponsorship in Canada holds immense significance for both the sponsors and the sponsored individuals. It provides an opportunity to reunite with loved ones, fostering stronger family bonds and emotional support.  

Before applying for this visa, the following are some important facts and statistics you should know: 

• The number of parents and grandparents migrating to Canada has steadily risen in recent years. 
• In 2020, approximately 11,555 parents and grandparents were sponsored to move to Canada through parents’ sponsorship.  
• The number saw a big rise to 28,237 in 2022, and Canadian immigration officials are hopeful about a further increase this year. The average age of the sponsored parents and grandparents was 70 years. 
• The countries of origin for most of the sponsored parents and grandparents were India, China, the Philippines, Pakistan, and the United States. 
• This program offers a win-win situation for both the sponsors and the sponsored parents and grandparents. 

What Are the Options for Sponsoring Parents in Canada? 

Parents’ sponsorship in Canada entails different options based on the immigration program they fall under. The three primary pathways for sponsoring parents are: 

Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) 

• The PGP is designed specifically for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who wish to sponsor their parents and grandparents. 
• Under this program, sponsors can bring their parents to Canada as permanent residents. 
• The PGP application process occurs through invitation rounds, where potential sponsors submit an interest to sponsor form during the specified intake period. 
• Once selected, sponsors receive an invitation to apply, and they must submit a complete application within a given timeframe. 

Super Visa 

• A super visa is an alternative option for parents who wish to visit their children and grandchildren in Canada for an extended period. 
• Unlike the PGP, the super visa does not grant permanent residency but allows parents to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit. 
• This multiple-entry visa is valid for up to ten years, allowing parents to visit their family in Canada multiple times. 

Visitor Visa for Parents in Canada 

• A visitor visa for parents in Canada, also known as a temporary resident visa (TRV), is an official document issued by the Canadian government that allows individuals to enter Canada for a temporary stay.  
• This visa is designed for parents who want to visit their children in Canada and enjoy quality time together. 

The best option for sponsoring your parents to Canada will depend on your circumstances and that of your parent or grandparent.  

If you meet the criterion, sponsoring your parent or grandparent for permanent residency (PGP) is the best choice. However, if you cannot meet the PGP standards, then supporting a parent or grandparent for a super visa or visitor visa for parents may be the best option. 

Here is a table that outlines the key differences between the PGP and the super visa: 

Feature	Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP)	Super Visa	Visitor Visa for Parents
Type of visa	Permanent residency	Temporary resident	Temporary resident
Eligibility requirements	Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident	Must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident	Must have a valid passport
Maximum stay in Canada	Permanent	Up to 5 years at a time	Up to 6 months
Application fee	$1,080	$100	$100/$500
Application process	Multiple steps	Simple	Simple

Requirements for Parents Sponsorship in Canada 

Eligibility Criteria for Parent and Grandparents Program (PGP) 

To sponsor your parents through the PGP, you need to fulfill specific requirements and follow a step-by-step application process. 

To be eligible as a sponsor, you must: 

• Be at least 18 years old. 
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada 
• Meet the financial requirements to support your parents. 
• Sign an agreement with the Canadian government to provide financial support for your parents for a specified period. 
• Meet the minimum necessary income threshold, demonstrating your ability to support your parents. 

Eligibility Criteria for the Super Visa 

The super visa provides an excellent alternative for parents who want to visit their children and grandchildren in Canada without obtaining permanent residency.  

To be eligible for the super visa, parents must: 

• Have a child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. 
• Obtain a letter of invitation from their child or grandchild residing in Canada. 
• Provide proof of financial support from their child or grandchild in Canada. 
• Demonstrate that they have purchased comprehensive Canadian medical insurance for at least one year. 

Eligibility Criteria for Visitor Visa  

To determine if your parents are eligible for a visitor visa for parents Canada, they must meet certain criteria set by the Canadian government. Here are the key eligibility requirements: 

• Your parents must have a valid passport. 
• They should be in good health and willing to undergo a medical examination if required. 
• Your parents must have ties to their home country, such as property, employment, or family, to ensure their intention to return after their visit. 
• They must satisfy the immigration officer that they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay. 

How to Apply for Parents Sponsorship in Canada? 

For over two decades as a migration consultant who helps people navigate life and culture in a new country, I have helped many people move to Canada because many of them struggled through the application process. In this section, I will provide complete detail on how to apply for parents’ sponsorship in Canada. 

Application Process for PGP 

The application process for sponsoring parents through the PGP involves the following steps: 

1. Submit an Interest to Sponsor Form 

During the specified intake period, potential sponsors must submit an online Interest to Sponsor Form on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. 

This form expresses your interest in sponsoring parents to Canada and provides basic information about yourself and your parents. 

2. Invitation to Apply (ITA) 

After the intake period ends, the IRCC conducts random selection rounds from the received Interest to Sponsor Forms. 

If selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to sponsor your parents. 

Ensure that you respond to the ITA within the given timeframe to proceed with the application. 

3. Complete Application and Supporting Documents 

Once you receive the ITA, you must submit a complete application and all the required supporting documents. 

The application includes forms, identification documents, proof of relationship, financial documents, and other relevant paperwork. 

Ensure that you carefully follow the instructions provided by IRCC and submit a thorough and accurate application. 

4. Medical and Criminal Checks 

As part of the application process, your parents will need to undergo medical examinations and provide police certificates to establish their admissibility to Canada. 

5. Application Review and Final Decision 

After submitting the application, IRCC will review it to ensure all requirements are met. 

Once the application is approved, your parents will be granted permanent resident status in Canada. 

Application Process for Super Visa 

The application process for the super visa involves the following steps: 

1. Application Submission 

Parents must submit a completed application, including the application form, supporting documents, and the necessary fees. 

The application is submitted to the Canadian visa office serving their country of residence. 

2. Medical Examination and Insurance 

Parents must undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician to ensure they meet the health requirements. 

They must also obtain Canadian medical insurance that covers health care, hospitalization, and repatriation. 

3. Application Review and Decision 

The visa office will review the application and supporting documents. 

If approved, parents will receive a letter of introduction indicating that they are eligible for the super visa. 

Application Process for Visitor Visa for Parents 

The application process for a visitor visa in Canada for parents involves the following steps: 

1. Gather the Required Documentation 

Before starting the application, gather all the necessary documents to support your parents’ visa application.  

2. Complete the Application Forms 

The main form to be completed is the “Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)” form, also known as IMM 5257.  

3. Pay the Application Fee 

An application fee is required for processing the visitor visa for the parents’ Canada application. The fee is non-refundable, even if the application is refused.  

4. Submit the Application 

Ensure all the required documents are included, and double-check that all information is accurate.  

5. Attend the Biometrics Appointment 

As part of the application process, your parents may be required to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a photo.  

Checklist for Sponsoring Parents in Canada 

In this section, I will provide you with a comprehensive checklist of the documents needed for sponsoring parents in Canada, simplifying the application process, and increasing your chances of success. 

To begin the sponsorship process, you must gather the following documents: 

1. Proof of Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residence 

The following documents can be used as proof: 

• Canadian passport 
• Canadian citizenship certificate 
• Permanent resident card 

2. Proof of Relationship 

You will need to provide the following documents as proof: 

• Birth certificates 
• Adoption papers (if applicable) 
• Marriage certificates (if applicable) 

3. Income Documents 

Ensure you have the following income documents ready: 

• Recent notice of assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) 
• Employment letter stating your salary and job details 
• Pay stubs for the past three months 
• Employment contract (if applicable) 
• Bank statements 

4. Police Certificates 

Both you and your parents must obtain police certificates from all countries where you and your parents have lived for six months or longer. These certificates should be recent and translated into English or French, if necessary. 

5. Medical Examination 

Your parents will need to undergo a medical examination by an authorized panel physician. The medical report must be submitted with the visa application. 

6. Application Forms 

Completing the necessary application forms accurately and thoroughly is crucial. Here are the main forms you need to fill out: 

• Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and Undertaking (IMM 1344) 
• Additional Dependants (IMM 0008DEP) 
• Background (IMM 5669) 
• Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) if applicable 

7. Photos 

Ensure you have recent photographs of yourself and your parents that meet the specifications set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 

8. Proof of Parental Dependence 

To sponsor parents to Canada, you will need to provide evidence that your parents are dependent on you financially. This can include: 

• Bank statements showing your financial support 
• Proof of regular money transfers to your parents 
• Documentation of medical expenses you cover for your parents 

9. Travel Documents 

Your parents will need valid passports for their travel to Canada. Make sure their passports are up to date and have at least six months of validity remaining. 

Cost & Processing Time for Sponsoring Parents 

Sponsoring a parent or grandparent through the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) incurs a total cost of $1,080. This amount encompasses the sponsorship fee of $75, applicant processing fee of $490, and permanent residence fee of $515.  

While the processing time for the PGP can extend up to 25 months, it might be further prolonged due to potential delays. 

For individuals applying for a super visa in Canada, the application fee amounts to $100 in Canadian dollars per person. Additionally, if biometrics are required, the cost per person is $85, or $170 for a family consisting of two or more individuals.  

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) fee of $7 per person may also apply. The processing time for a Super Visa is relatively straightforward, typically taking a few weeks. 

Sponsoring a parent or grandparent through the visitor visa incurs a total cost of $100 and $500 per family. The processing time is just a few weeks. 

Reasons for Parents’ Sponsorship Rejection 

Navigating the sponsorship process can be overwhelming, and it is disheartening to receive a rejection notice.  

I have seen many parents’ sponsorship rejection over the years, and here are the common reasons for these rejections: 

• Failure to provide all the necessary documents or submitting incorrect information 
• If you fail to meet the income requirements or provide sufficient evidence of financial capability 
• The sponsorship application may be rejected if you don’t meet the eligibility requirements. 
• Any indications of criminality or security concerns can result in a sponsorship rejection. 
• If you or your parents have previously violated immigration laws, such as overstaying a visa or engaging in unauthorized employment, the application may be rejected. 
• Government immigration policies may limit the number of parent sponsorships accepted each year. If the quota has been reached during the application, sponsors may face rejection. 

Best Ways to Apply for Parents Sponsorship in Canada 

Use the Immigration and Education Services (IES) Portal for faster processing of your PGP, travel, or super visa application. Our team is an experienced Canadian immigration service provider dedicated to simplifying your application process.  

Whether you’re planning to relocate your parents/grandparents to Canada or just considering it, feel free to contact us or request a consultation with one of our consultants. For more information about our services, please refer to our “About Us” page. 

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Conclusion 

Bringing your parents to Canada can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, allowing you to share your life and create lasting memories together. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this guide and meeting the eligibility requirements, you can successfully sponsor your parents to Canada to live with you.  

Remember, patience and thoroughness are key throughout the application process. If you are having trouble sponsoring your parents or you want to streamline the process, contact the IES Portal. Our consultants are available around the clock to make the process an easy and hitch-free one.