What is a Canada PR Visa for Parents and Grandparents and How to Apply?

Bringing your loved ones closer is now easier with the Canada PR Visa for Parents and Grandparents, allowing families to reunite and build a future together. This visa offers permanent residency, granting access to healthcare, social benefits, and a chance to enjoy life in Canada with your family. With thousands applying each year, securing a spot requires careful planning and timely application.

Want to know how to increase your chances of approval? From eligibility criteria to the application process, understanding the key steps can make all the difference. Let's explore everything you need to know to successfully bring your parents and grandparents to Canada.

What is Canada PR Visa for Parents and Grandparents?

Canada PR for Parents is a program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents for permanent residency in Canada under the “Parent and Grandparent Program” (PGP). The program is designed to help families reunite by allowing parents to live with their children in Canada.

The program is typically open for applications on a limited basis, and potential sponsors must first express their interest in sponsoring their parents or grandparents.

Also Read: 10 Best Cities in Canada To Live With Family

Eligibility Criteria to Sponsor Canada PR Visa for Parents

If you are considering sponsoring your parents for a Canada PR visa, it is important to meet the eligibility requirements to ensure a smooth application process. Below are the key criteria you need to fulfill to sponsor your family.

• Invitation to Apply: You must have received an official invitation to apply for the sponsorship program.

• Minimum Age Requirement: You need to be at least 18 years old to be eligible to sponsor your parents or grandparents.

• Residential Requirement: Your primary residence must be in Canada at the time of application submission and remain in Canada until a decision on your application is made.

• Canadian Status: You must be either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident in Canada.

• Proof of Financial Stability: You need to demonstrate that you have sufficient income to support the individuals you are sponsoring. Proof of your income will be required.

• Option to Co-Sign with Partner: You may include your spouse or common-law partner's income in the application by having them co-sign to meet the financial requirements.

• Financial Commitment: You must agree to financially support the sponsored individuals for a duration of 20 years, or 10 years if you reside in Quebec.

• Reimbursement Obligation: You will be required to repay any social assistance provided to the sponsored family members during the commitment period.

Check Out: Canada PR Requirements 2025​: Eligibility, Documents, Application Process, & More

Who cannot Sponsor Parents or Grandparents for Canada PR Visa?

Not everyone is eligible to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency in Canada. Certain legal, financial, and immigration-related restrictions can disqualify a sponsor.

• Legal Issues and Criminal Conviction: If you are currently in prison or serving a sentence for a criminal conviction, you are not eligible to sponsor family members.

• Unpaid Financial Obligations: If you fail to repay immigration loans, performance bonds, or court-ordered family support payments like alimony or child support, you will be unable to sponsor.

• Unresolved Bankruptcy Issues: Those who have declared bankruptcy but haven't yet been discharged from it are not eligible to act as sponsors.

• Dependence on Social Assistance: Receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability makes you ineligible to sponsor your parents or grandparents.

• Serious Criminal Convictions: Convictions related to certain crimes, including violent or sexual offenses, will prevent you from being a sponsor.

• Removal Orders from Canada: If you are subject to a Removal Order, you will not be able to sponsor parents or grandparents for permanent residency.

Read the latest update: Canada Reopens Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship for 2025

Who Can Be Sponsored for the Canada PGP?

The Canada PR visa for parents and grandparents allows you to bring your loved ones to Canada, but not everyone qualifies. Here’s a breakdown of who can be sponsored under this program.

• Parents and Grandparents: Both biological and adopted parents or grandparents are eligible for sponsorship under the Canada PGP program.

• Dependent Children of Sponsored Parents or Grandparents: This includes siblings, half-siblings, or step-siblings who financially rely on the sponsored parent or grandparent.

• Current Spouse or Partner of Sponsored Individuals: If your parent or grandparent has remarried or is in a common-law relationship, their current spouse or partner can also be included in the application.

Explore: Canada PR Visa Fees From India

What are the Documents Required for Canada PR for Parents?

Below is an image of the document checklist required for Canada PR for Parents, along with a detailed explanation of the same:

1. Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Undertaking or Agreement: This document should be electronically completed, signed, and dated by you (the sponsor), your co-signer (if applicable), and the individual you're sponsoring (principal applicant). It's recommended to retain a copy for your own records. This agreement outlines the duties and roles of the sponsor, co-signer (if applicable), and the sponsored individuals.
2. Financial Evaluation of Parents’ and Grandparents’ Sponsorship: This pertains to the Income Sources (Proof of Income and Notice of Assessment) for Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents. Both the sponsor and co-signer (if applicable) should complete it. Residents of Quebec are exempted from this document.
3. Generic Canada Application Form: The principal applicant is responsible for filling out this form online. It's necessary to declare the dependent spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children of the principal applicant unless they are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
4. Background Declaration Form: It's important to make sure the document is duly filled, with no missing details in sections about education and personal history.
5. Photographs: 1 passport Photograph of the principal applicants and each accompanying dependent must be submitted.
6. Supplementary Information on Travels: Principal applicants and dependents must submit documents of travel history.

Quick Read: List of Documents Required For Canada PR From India

How to Apply for the Canada PGP Program?

If you want to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada, the Canada PGP Program is the ideal pathway. The process involves several key steps, starting with expressing your interest and ending with receiving a decision. Here’s how you can apply.

Step 1: Submit an Interest to Sponsor Form

To begin, you must fill out the online Interest to Sponsor form during a designated intake period. This form is used to verify your eligibility to act as a sponsor and collect basic details about you.

Step 2: IRCC’s Random Selection Process

After submitting your form, IRCC will randomly select applicants from the pool and invite some to apply further. If you are chosen, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to move forward in the process.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once you receive the ITA, you and your parents or grandparents must submit a comprehensive application within 60 days. This includes the necessary forms, financial statements, and other documents to support your application.

Step 4: Wait for Processing and Decision

IRCC will review your application to ensure it is complete and meets all requirements. The processing time can take up to two years, depending on the number of applications received.

Suggested Reading: Canada PR Processing Time From India in 2025

Alternative Path for Parents and Grandparents: Canada Super Visa

If you are not selected in the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) lottery, the Canada Super Visa provides another way to reunite with your family. This visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for extended periods, making it a great option for long-term visits. Unlike a standard visitor visa, it grants stays of up to two years at a time and remains valid for multiple entries over a 10-year period.

Eligibility for the Canada Super Visa

To qualify for a Super Visa, you must have a host who meets the following requirements:

• Must be your child or grandchild and at least 18 years old.
• Should be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
• Needs to provide proof of status, such as,
• Canadian citizenship certificate or permanent resident document (including their spouse’s, if applicable).

• Must live in Canada and meet the minimum income threshold to support your stay.
• Required to sign an invitation letter promising financial support throughout your visit.

Additionally, if your host’s spouse is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they can co-sign the letter to strengthen the financial commitment. This visa offers a flexible and reliable way to stay connected with family in Canada for extended periods.

Also Read: Is the Super Visa a good alternative to the PGP?

Take the First Step Towards Family Reunification with GetGIS!

The Canada PR visa for parents and grandparents is a valuable opportunity for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their loved ones to Canada permanently. From submitting an Interest to Sponsor form to receiving a final decision, each step requires careful planning and timely action. By understanding the process and meeting the eligibility criteria, you can increase your chances of successfully reuniting with your family in Canada.

Do you find yourself concerned about making mistakes in the complicated process of immigration? It's understandable, given the numerous legal and bureaucratic hurdles that need to be overcome. By working with an immigration consultant like GetGIS, you can receive specialized guidance and support to help you navigate through the complexities of immigration. Our team of professionals can assist you every step of the way.

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