Canada Parents and Grandparents Program 2025

Eligibility for the Canada Parents and Grandparents Program

To sponsor under the Canada Parents and Grandparents Program, you must meet all of these requirements:

1. Sponsor Status

   • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

   • Live in Canada when you apply and when sponsorship decision arrives.

2. Minimum Income

   • Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the last three tax years.

   • Show Notices of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Includes sponsor, spouse/common‑law partner, plus sponsored relatives.

3. Undertaking Period

   • Commit to support each sponsored parent or grandparent for 20 years.

   • Cover basic needs: food, housing, health care not covered by public health.

4. No Defaulting Sponsors

   • You or your co‑sponsor cannot default on previous sponsorship undertakings.

How the Canada Parents and Grandparents Program Works

First, you send an Interest to Sponsor form online. IRCC randomly selects entries each year. Next, if you get an invitation, you submit a complete sponsorship application.

Finally, IRCC processes both sponsorship and permanent residence applications together.

1: Submit Interest to Sponsor

• Complete the online form during the intake window.

• Provide name, contact, SIN, and family size.

• Keep your information accurate to avoid disqualification.

2: Receive Invitation to Apply

• IRCC holds a random draw from all entries.

• Invitations go to those meeting income and status requirements.

• You have 60 days to apply after invitation.

3: Submit Full Application

• Include sponsorship forms, proof of status, income documents, and photos.

• Attach parent/grandparent’s police certificates and medical exams.

• Pay fees and submit online or by mail as instructed.

Sponsor Responsibilities under the Canada Parents and Grandparents Program

When you agree to sponsor under the Canada Parents and Grandparents Program, you take on clear legal duties. Understanding each obligation helps you avoid delays or cancellations.

1. Provide Financial Support
   First, you must cover your sponsored relative’s basic needs—food, housing, and non‑insured health costs—without relying on social assistance. Keep records of any support you provide.

2. Repay Social Assistance
   If your parent or grandparent receives any social aid, you repay the full amount to the government. Use receipts or payment confirmations to prove reimbursement.

3. Meet the 20‑Year Undertaking
   Next, maintain this financial support for a full 20 years from the date your relative becomes a permanent resident. Plan your budget to ensure you can meet this long‑term commitment.

4. Notify IRCC of Changes
   Finally, inform IRCC in writing if your address, employment status, or marital status changes. Prompt updates help Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada reach you and prevent missed communications.

Failing to meet these responsibilities can lead to sponsorship withdrawal, application refusal, or debt recovery by the government.

Required Documents for Canada Parents and Grandparents Program

You must gather and submit:

1. Sponsor Documents

   • Proof of Canadian citizenship or PR (copy of citizenship card or PR card).

   • Notices of Assessment for last three years.

   • Employment letter or pay stubs.

2. Sponsored Person Documents

   • Copy of passport or travel document page.

   • Police certificates from every country lived in for six months after age 18.

   • Completed medical exam by a panel physician.

3. Forms and Fees

   • Sponsor Forms: IMM 1344, IMM 5481, etc.

   • Permanent Residence Forms: IMM 0008,IMM 5406, and Appendix 2A.

   • Fees: Sponsorship fee, principal applicant processing fee, right of permanent residence fee.

Processing Times and Fees

Processing time for combined sponsorship and permanent residence can range from 20 to 24 months. Fees include:

• Sponsorship Fee: CAD 75

• Principal Applicant Processing Fee: CAD 475

• Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD 515

Total per parent/grandparent: CAD 1,065

Pay fees online to speed up processing.

Tips for a Successful Canada Parents and Grandparents Program Application

• Prepare Early: Collect tax records and police certificates well before application.

• Maintain Income Levels: Ensure your gross income stays above the MNI for three consecutive years.

• Complete Forms Accurately: Double‑check all fields and signatures.

• Track Deadlines: Calendar reminders for intake window and invitation deadlines.

• Use a Checklist: Follow IRCC’s step‑by‑step guide to avoid missing items.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Incomplete Applications: Missing forms or documents lead to refusals.

• Low Income: Falling below the MNI disqualifies you. File tax returns promptly.

• Invalid Police Certificates: Certificates expire after 12 months. Obtain them close to application date.

• Late Medical Exams: Medical results expire after 12 months. Schedule exams in time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the intake window for the Canada Parents and Grandparents Program?
IRCC usually opens the intake in January or February each year. Watch the IRCC news page for official dates.

2. Can I sponsor both parents and grandparents at once?
Yes. Your MNI increases with each added family member. Check the CRA table to confirm your income level.

3. What happens if my invitation expires?
If you miss the 60‑day deadline, IRCC cancels your invitation. You must wait until the next intake and reapply.

4. Can my spouse also sponsor my parents?
Yes. You and your spouse can co‑sponsor. Both incomes combine for MNI calculations.

Conclusion

The Canada Parents and Grandparents Program reunites families and helps you bring loved ones to Canada. Plan early, meet income rules, and submit a complete application.

If you’re ready to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada, Maple Crest Immigration can help.

Our experienced team will guide you through each step— from gathering documents to meeting income requirements—so you feel confident in your application.

Reach out for a free consultation and let us make the sponsorship process clear and manageable. We’re here to support your family reunification goals every step of the way.

For expert guidance, contact our team of seasoned immigration consultants. We’ll walk you through every step and secure a successful outcome.