Canada offers a Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence. This program helps families reunite and ensures that older family members can live with their loved ones in Canada.
1. Who Can Be Sponsored?
✅ Biological or Adoptive Parents – Parents of the sponsor.
✅ Grandparents – Grandparents of the sponsor.
✅ Step-Parents – Can be sponsored if they are legally married to the biological parent.
📌 Note: You cannot sponsor in-laws, but you can sponsor your spouse, who can then apply for their parents in the future.
2. Who Can Sponsor a Parent or Grandparent?
To be eligible as a sponsor, you must:
✔ Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
✔ Be at least 18 years old.
✔ Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the past 3 years (income requirements depend on family size).
✔ Sign a financial support agreement for 20 years (10 years in Quebec).
✔ Show that the sponsored parents or grandparents will not rely on government social assistance.
📌 Income Requirement (MNI)
Sponsors must show they have a stable income that meets the government’s required level for supporting their family, including the sponsored parents/grandparents. This is assessed over the last 3 tax years.
3. Key Sponsorship Requirements
📄 Proof of Relationship
-
Birth certificates or adoption records proving the relationship.
-
Government-issued identification documents.
📄 Financial Documents
-
Proof of income (Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency for the past 3 years).
-
Proof of employment, bank statements, or other financial records.
📄 Medical & Security Checks
-
Parents/grandparents must pass a medical exam.
-
They must provide police clearance from any country they have lived in for 6 months or more since turning 18.
4. How Long Does the Sponsorship Process Take?
⏳ Processing time: 2-3 years, depending on the country and the volume of applications.
5. Super Visa Option (Alternative to PGP)
If a sponsor does not meet the income requirement or cannot apply under the PGP due to limited quotas, parents and grandparents can apply for a Super Visa, which allows them to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit with multiple entries over 10 years.
📌 Super Visa Requirements:
-
Proof of a financially stable sponsor in Canada.
-
Medical insurance coverage for at least 1 year.
-
Medical examination approval.
6. Why Choose CMG Immigration?
✅ Application Support – Ensure all documents are completed correctly to avoid delays.
✅ Eligibility Assessment – Check if the sponsor meets financial requirements.
✅ Super Visa Assistance – Help clients apply for a Super Visa if they do not qualify for the PGP.