Canada encourages family reunification through immigration programs that allow citizens and permanent residents to bring their parents and grandparents to live with them in the country. The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is the main pathway that enables eligible sponsors to help their parents or grandparents obtain permanent residence in Canada.
At LB Pathway, in collaboration with LandBird Law Firm, we guide families through the sponsorship process and help prepare applications that meet Canadian immigration requirements.
What is the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?
The Parents and Grandparents Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence in Canada. Successful applicants can live, work, and access healthcare in Canada as permanent residents.
The program operates through a system where potential sponsors submit an interest to sponsor form and may later receive an invitation to apply for sponsorship.
Who Can Sponsor Parents or Grandparents?
To sponsor parents or grandparents under the PGP program, the sponsor must meet specific eligibility criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Live in Canada when submitting the application
- Meet minimum income requirements
- Sign a sponsorship agreement and undertaking
Sponsors must prove they have sufficient financial resources to support the relatives they wish to sponsor so they do not need to rely on social assistance.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
Under the Parents and Grandparents Program, sponsors may sponsor the following relatives:
- Biological or adopted parents
- Grandparents
- The spouse or partner of the parent or grandparent
- Dependent children of the sponsored relatives
When parents apply together, one parent is listed as the principal applicant while the other is included as a dependent family member in the application.
Income Requirements
Sponsors must meet a minimum income threshold based on the size of their household and the number of people they intend to sponsor. This income requirement is typically evaluated using tax records from the previous three years.
Sponsors may also have a spouse or partner co-sign the application to combine their incomes if needed.
Application Process
The process for sponsoring parents or grandparents generally includes several steps.
- Submit an interest to sponsor form
- Receive an invitation to apply
- Submit sponsorship and permanent residence applications
- Provide financial and supporting documentation
- Complete medical and background checks
- Receive permanent residence approval
Processing times vary depending on application volume and government intake limits.
Alternative Option: Super Visa
If families cannot apply through the PGP program, another option is the Super Visa. This long-term visitor visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for extended periods while visiting their children or grandchildren.
The Super Visa allows stays of up to five years per visit and may be renewed for additional visits.
Benefits of Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents
- Family reunification in Canada
- Permanent residence for parents or grandparents
- Access to healthcare and social services
- Opportunity to apply for Canadian citizenship later
How LB Pathway & LandBird Law Firm Can Help
Parent and grandparent sponsorship applications require detailed documentation and financial verification. Our team provides guidance to help families prepare successful applications.
- Sponsorship eligibility evaluation
- Financial documentation preparation
- Application review and submission
- Super Visa guidance for parents
- Legal support through LandBird Law Firm
Reunite With Your Parents in Canada
Canada’s family sponsorship programs provide an opportunity for parents and grandparents to join their children and grandchildren and enjoy life together in Canada.
Contact LB Pathway today to learn how you can sponsor your parents or grandparents to immigrate to Canada.