Can You Sponsor Your Parents to Come to Canada?

For many Canadians and permanent residents, bringing their parents to Canada is an important family goal. Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows eligible sponsors to support their parents or grandparents in applying for permanent residence. However, the program is not always open for new applications, and sponsors must meet specific eligibility and financial requirements.

As of 2026, the Parents and Grandparents Program is paused for new applications. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to process existing applications but is not accepting new interest-to-sponsor forms or applications until further notice.

Who Can Sponsor Their Parents?

To sponsor your parents or grandparents through the PGP, you must meet the applicable eligibility requirements. Generally, potential sponsors need to:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered under the Canadian Indian Act
• Live in Canada
• Receive an invitation to apply from IRCC
• Meet the required minimum income criteria
• Sign an undertaking agreeing to provide financial support for the sponsored family members

Sponsors must also satisfy other requirements under Canadian immigration law. Meeting the basic eligibility criteria does not guarantee an invitation or approval of a sponsorship application.

Financial eligibility is an important part of the process. Sponsors must provide evidence that they meet the applicable income requirements for their family size and sponsorship situation. In eligible cases, a spouse or common-law partner may co-sign the undertaking to help meet the financial requirements.

Can You Apply for the Parents and Grandparents Program Right Now?

Currently, IRCC is not accepting new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program. The department is continuing to process applications submitted during previous intake periods.

The 2025 intake closed on October 9, 2025, after invitations were issued to selected potential sponsors. Until IRCC announces a new intake, individuals cannot submit a new application through the regular PGP process.

If you intend to sponsor your parents or grandparents, keep an eye on official IRCC announcements for updates about future intake periods. You should also review the current eligibility requirements and financial criteria so you can prepare for a possible future opportunity.

What Is Another Option for Bringing Parents to Canada?

If you want your parents or grandparents to visit you while the PGP is paused, the Super Visa may be an option, provided they meet the applicable requirements.

The Super Visa allows eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit their family members in Canada for extended periods. Under current IRCC rules, eligible visitors may be permitted to stay for up to five years per entry, subject to the conditions of their authorization.

A Super Visa is different from permanent residence sponsorship. It provides temporary resident status and does not automatically grant permanent residence or citizenship. Applicants must meet the applicable requirements, including those relating to medical insurance, financial support and admissibility.

Choosing between a Super Visa and parent sponsorship depends on your family’s goals, eligibility and circumstances. Reviewing the available options can help you determine which pathway may be appropriate.

What Financial Responsibility Comes With Sponsorship?

Sponsoring a parent or grandparent involves a long-term financial commitment. When you sign the sponsorship undertaking, you agree to provide financial support for the sponsored family members for the period specified under the applicable rules.

Outside Quebec, the undertaking period for parents and grandparents is generally 20 years. For sponsors living in Quebec, the undertaking period is generally 10 years, subject to Quebec’s specific requirements.

Before entering into a sponsorship agreement, you should understand the duration of the undertaking and the financial obligations involved. These responsibilities continue for the applicable period even if your personal or financial circumstances change.

Also Read: How to Extend Work Permit In Canada?

What Documents May Be Required?

The documents required for parent and grandparent sponsorship depend on the application stage and the instructions provided by IRCC. Commonly requested documents may include:

• Proof of the sponsor’s status in Canada
• Income documents and other financial evidence
• Completed sponsorship and permanent residence forms
• Identity and civil-status documents
• Medical examination results, when required
• Police certificates, where applicable
• Biometrics, if requested or required

Not every applicant will need the same documents. Always refer to the applicable IRCC checklist and application instructions before submitting documents. Missing information or incorrect forms can cause delays or other complications.

Get Immigration Guidance From Sambhav Immigration

Family sponsorship applications can involve detailed eligibility criteria, financial documentation, supporting forms and specific application procedures. Understanding these requirements can help you prepare for a future sponsorship opportunity or consider an alternative option for bringing your parents to Canada.

At Sambhav Immigration, our team can review your circumstances, explain the available family immigration pathways and help you understand the requirements relevant to your situation. Sanjeev Sharma, RCIC, provides immigration guidance based on each client’s circumstances.

Contact Sambhav Immigration to discuss your family immigration goals and determine which options may be suitable for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sponsor my parents to Canada right now?

The Parents and Grandparents Program is currently paused for new applications as of 2026. IRCC continues to process existing applications, but new applicants must wait for an official announcement about a future intake.

Who can sponsor parents or grandparents in Canada?

Generally, sponsors must be at least 18 years old, live in Canada and be Canadian citizens, permanent residents or people registered under the Canadian Indian Act. They must also meet the applicable income and other eligibility requirements and receive an invitation to apply.

Can my parents visit Canada while the sponsorship program is paused?

They may be eligible for a Super Visa or another temporary resident option, depending on their circumstances. A Super Visa can allow eligible parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for extended periods, subject to the applicable requirements.

How long is the sponsorship undertaking for parents and grandparents?

Outside Quebec, the undertaking period is generally 20 years. In Quebec, it is generally 10 years, subject to the province’s specific rules.

Does sponsoring my parents automatically give them Canadian permanent residence?

No. Sponsorship is part of the permanent residence process, but the sponsored family members must also meet the applicable immigration requirements. The application must be assessed and approved by IRCC before permanent residence is granted.

Need Help Bringing Your Parents to Canada?

Planning ahead can help you understand the sponsorship requirements and prepare for changes to Canada’s family immigration programs. If you are considering parent sponsorship or a Super Visa, Sambhav Immigration can help you review your options based on your circumstances.

Book a consultation with Sanjeev Sharma, RCIC, at Sambhav Immigration. Consultations cost CAD $80 and typically last 15 to 30 minutes. The fee is credited in full if you retain Sambhav Immigration within seven days. Walk-ins are also welcome at the Mississauga office.

Call: +1 (905) 795-1000

Office: 218 Export Blvd, Unit 414, Mississauga, ON L5S 0A7