Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship in Canada
The Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency in Canada. While the program is currently closed, it is expected to reopen in 2026.
🧾 What Type of Visa is the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship?
This is a permanent residency pathway. If approved, the parent or grandparent receives Canadian permanent resident status, with access to health care and other benefits.
🏠 What You Get With Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship
- Permanent residency for your parent or grandparent
- The right for them to live in Canada long-term
- Access to public health care, services, and the possibility of applying for citizenship in the future
⏱️ Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Processing Time
The average processing time is around 24 months
This time may vary depending on the number of applications received and your family’s situation
💰 Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Costs and Fees
- CAD $1,205 per sponsored adult
- CAD $85 biometrics fee per person
- Other possible costs include medical exams, translations, and document preparation
✅ Who is Eligible for the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship?
You must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Be at least 18 years old
- Show enough income to support your parents or grandparents
- Sign a sponsorship agreement and commit to financially supporting them for 20 years
- Submit an interest to sponsor form when the program is open
- Be invited through the lottery system in order to apply
📈 How Competitive is the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship?
This program uses a lottery system with limited spaces each year. Applicants must submit an interest to sponsor form and hope to receive an invitation. If selected, they can then submit a full application.
👤 Who Should Apply for Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship?
This program is suitable for:
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents with a parent or grandparent living outside Canada
- People who meet the minimum income requirement for family sponsorship
- Those who want to bring their family to Canada permanently
⚠️ Who Might Need to Consider Other Options?
You may need another option if:
- You are not selected in the annual lottery
- You do not meet the income requirement
- The program is not currently open for new applicants
- You need a faster or more flexible solution
In these cases, the Super Visa may be a good option. It is a long-term visitor visa that allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to 5 years at a time, with multiple entries over a 10-year period.
📌 Next Steps for Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship
- Wait for the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program to reopen
- Prepare your documents and confirm you meet the income requirement
- Submit an interest to sponsor form when the program opens
- If selected, complete the full application process
- Consider applying for a Super Visa while you wait
💬 Got Questions About Sponsoring Parents or Grandparents?
If you need help understanding your options or preparing for when the program reopens, drop your question in the comments below. We’re here to support you and your family’s journey to Canada.
