Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship
Reuniting families is the heart of Canada’s Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship program. Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their parents and grandparents, whether by blood or adoption, to build a life together in Canada. Divorced parents or grandparents require separate applications, but their current spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner can be included. Even dependent siblings, biological, half, or stepsiblings, can be part of the process, making it easier to bring the entire family together. We specialize in guiding families through this journey with care and expertise. From preparing strong applications to meeting eligibility requirements, we’re here to help reunite loved ones and create opportunities to thrive in Canada.
Let’s bring your family home – together.
Why Partner with Us
Bringing families together isn’t just what we do – it’s our passion. With years of experience, we’ve helped thousands of families achieve their dreams of reuniting in Canada. Choose us for:
✓ Efficient Services: Streamlined processes that save time.
✓ Affordable Solutions: Tailored to your needs and budget.
✓ Unmatched Expertise: Backed by industry knowledge and a commitment to excellence.
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Sponsoring Both Parents Together: You can sponsor both parents together if they are married or in a common-law relationship, with one as the principal applicant and the other as a dependent. Dependent children, such as siblings, can be included if they meet eligibility criteria. Once submitted, the principal applicant cannot be changed.
Sponsoring Your Father, Stepmother, and Their Child: You can sponsor your father, his spouse (your stepmother), and their child (your half-brother), provided the child qualifies as a dependent. Your father must be the principal applicant, as only biological or adoptive parents can take this role. The stepmother will be listed as his dependent.
Sponsoring Grandparents and a Parent with a Stepparent: Separate applications are needed for each couple. For grandparents, one must be the principal applicant, with the other listed as a dependent. If sponsoring a parent and stepparent, the parent must be the principal applicant, and the stepparent the dependent. The principal applicant cannot be changed after submission, so ensure accuracy when applying.
Who You Can’t Sponsor
You cannot sponsor your spouse’s parents or grandparents (in-laws), but you can support their application as a co-signer, with your spouse as the principal sponsor. Additionally, individuals who are inadmissible to Canada, due to legal, security, or health reasons, are not eligible for sponsorship.
Eligibility Requirements
Status: You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
Financial Requirements: You must meet the minimum income threshold. If married, you can combine your income with your spouse’s to qualify.
Sponsorship Agreement: You must sign a sponsorship agreement to provide financial support if needed.
Quebec Residents: If residing in Quebec, you must sign a binding “undertaking” with the province.
Financial Commitment: You must commit to financially supporting your sponsored relatives for 20 years after they become permanent residents.
Who Cannot Sponsor
Invitation: You did not receive an invitation to apply.
Age: You are under 18 years old.
Residence: You do not live in Canada during the application process or when your parents or grandparents become permanent residents.
Status: You are not a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Indian Act, or you are in Canada temporarily on a student or work visa.
Income: Your proof of income does not meet the required threshold.
Legal Troubles: You are in jail or owe unpaid immigration loans, bonds, alimony, or child support.
Financial Issues: You are bankrupt and not discharged, or you are receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability.
Criminal Record: You have been convicted of violent crimes, crimes against family members, or sexual offenses in Canada or abroad.
Historical Facts
2000s – Adjustments to Requirements: Eligibility criteria and financial requirements were refined to balance program demand with Canada’s capacity to integrate newcomers.
2011 – Application Caps Introduced: To manage high application volumes and reduce backlogs, application caps were implemented.
2011 – Introduction of the Super Visa: The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa provided a temporary alternative for family reunification, offering multiple-entry stays of up to 10 years.
2017 – Lottery System Implemented: The first-come, first-served system was replaced with a lottery system to ensure fairness and transparency.
2019 – Return to First-Come, First-Served and Interest to Sponsor Form: The lottery system faced criticism, prompting a brief return to first-come, first-served in early 2019. Later, the “Interest to Sponsor” form was introduced for a more efficient application intake process.
Annual Quotas: Each year, the government sets quotas for admissions, adjusted based on immigration levels plans and program capacity.
Take the First Step Today
At Can X, we understand what it means to bring your family together. From thorough application preparation to meeting every requirement, we’re here to help you succeed.
Bringing families together in Canada isn’t just what we do – it’s our passion. Let’s bring your loved one’s home.
FAQs About Parent & Grandparent Sponsorship
Canadian citizens or permanent residents aged 18 or older who meet the income requirements can sponsor their parents or grandparents.
Sponsors must meet the minimum income threshold. Combined income with a spouse is acceptable if married.
You cannot directly sponsor in-laws, but you can co-sign their application if your spouse is the principal sponsor.
You cannot directly sponsor in-laws, but you can co-sign their application if your spouse is the principal sponsor.
You cannot directly sponsor in-laws, but you can co-sign their application if your spouse is the principal sponsor.
Quebec residents must sign an “undertaking” with the province to formalize the sponsorship.
You enter a pool of potential sponsors, and if selected, you receive an invitation to apply.
You must maintain the required income throughout the process; changes can affect your eligibility.
If there was an error in processing, you can request reconsideration, but it does not guarantee re-assessment.
Siblings can only be included if they qualify as dependent children under immigration regulations.
This agreement obligates sponsors to financially support sponsored relatives for 20 years after they gain permanent residency.
Applicants with criminal records for violent crimes, sexual offenses, or crimes against family members may be ineligible for sponsorship.
Yes, divorced parents or grandparents require separate applications.
No, the principal applicant cannot be changed after the application is submitted.
IRCC announces the opening dates for the Interest to Sponsor form on its website and other channels.
Sponsors must live in Canada during the process and when relatives become permanent residents. Temporary absences require proof of intent to return.
Yes, some refusals can be appealed to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD)
Got more questions? We’re here with the answers!
Got more questions? Unsure about the process or what’s next? We’re here to guide, support, and simplify every step of your journey.
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