Sponsor Your Parents and Grandparents to Become Canadian Permanent Residents
May 9, 2024
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Are you considering permanently bringing your parents and grandparents to Canada? Look no further than the Family Sponsorship program, which enables Canadian permanent residents and citizens to sponsor their parents and grandparents for Canadian permanent residency (Canada PR).
The program presents an opportunity for immigrant families to reunite together in the beautiful landscapes of Canada. By sponsoring your parents or grandparents, you can provide them access to Canada's excellent healthcare system, education, and quality of life.
Join us as we take you through the process of sponsoring your parents and grandparents via a family sponsorship.
What is the Application Intake For Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship in 2024?
The 2024 intake process starts on May 21, 2024, with the random selection of potential sponsors who previously submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020. Over about two weeks, the aim will be to issue a total of 35,700 invitations to these applicants.
The primary objective during this period is to receive and process up to 20,500 complete applications from prospective sponsors. This process ensures a fair and comprehensive selection of sponsors for the 2024 intake, facilitating the smooth progression of sponsorship programs and opportunities.
How Can I Be Eligible to Sponsor My Parents and Grandparents for Canada PR?
To be eligible to sponsor your parents or grandparents for Canada PR, you must be:
- 18 years or older,
- Canadian citizen,
- Person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act, and
- Canadian Permanent resident.
Furthermore, to be eligible to sponsor your relatives, you must live in Canada unless you are:
- A Canadian citizen who lives abroad,
- Plan to return to Canada when your relatives immigrate, or
- Sponsor your spouse and common-law partner, or
- Have dependent children with no dependent children.
Note that if you live in Quebec, you must meet Quebec’s conditions to be a sponsor after being approved.
Responsibilities as a Sponsor
When you sponsor your parents and grandparents for Canada PR, you must:
- Meet the income guidelines,
- Agree in writing to give financial support to your parents and grandparents on the day they receive Canada PR, and
- The parent or grandparent you sponsored must sign an agreement saying they will try to support themselves.
What Makes You Ineligible to Sponsor Your Parent or Grandparents?
You will deemed ineligible to sponsor your parents or grandparents for Canada PR if:
- Are in prison,
- Have not paid your alimony or child support payments,
- Have declared bankruptcy and have not been released from it yet,
- Got social assistance for reasons other than being disabled,
- Did not pay back an immigration loan, made late payments, or missed payments,
- Sponsored another parent or grandparent in the past,
- Did not meet the terms of the sponsorship agreement, and
- Were convicted of a violent crime or any sexual offense.
How Can I Apply to Sponsor my Parents and Grandparents for Canada PR?
There are two stages in the process for eligible parents and grandparents to be sponsored for permanent residency in Canada. This includes you applying to sponsor your parents and grandparents for Canada PR or your family members applying for permanent residence. You must send both your permanent residence application and the sponsorship application to your relatives.
Beginning September 23, 2022, it is compulsory to apply online. If you cannot apply online, ask for the application in paper, braille, or large print. Ensure you use the Instruction Guide (IMM 5196) to assist you in filling out all forms properly.
Step 1: Applying to Sponsor
When applying to be a sponsor, you must use your checklist to ensure you include all the necessary forms and documents and upload the checklist with your online application. Your visa office may require you to provide additional documents. You may find your local visa office by visiting the Canadian government’s website visa offices outside Canada page.
You must upload the visa office instructions and additional documents with your online application. You can obtain your visa office instructions from the following country visa office documents.
| List of Country Visa Office Instruction Forms | |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates [IMM 3146] | Accra, Ghana [IMM 3100] |
| Ankara, Turkey [IMM 3103] | Beijing, China [IMM 3155] |
| Berlin, Germany [IMM 3056] | Bogota, Colombia [IMM 3063] |
| Bucharest, Romania [IMM 3106] | Buenos Aires, Argentina [IMM 3044] |
| Cairo, Egypt [IMM 3011] | Colombo, Sri Lanka [IMM 3110] |
| Dakar, Senegal [IMM 3068] | Dar es Salaam [IMM 3157] |
| Hong Kong, China [IMM 3019] | Islamabad, Pakistan [IMM 3020] |
| Kingston, Jamaica [IMM 3021] | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia [IMM 3123] |
| Kyiv, Ukraine [IMM 3074] | Lima, Peru [IMM 3125] |
| London, United Kingdom [IMM 3023] | Manila, Philippines [IMM 3025] |
| Mexico City, Mexico [IMM 3062] | Moscow, Russia [IMM 3075] |
| Nairobi, Kenya [IMM 3055] | New Delhi, India [IMM 3029] |
| Paris, France [IMM 3031] | Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago [IMM 3033] |
| Port-au-Prince, Haiti [IMM 3061] | Pretoria, South Africa [IMM 3067] |
| Rabat, Morocco [IMM 3060] | Rome, Italy [IMM 3034] |
| Sao Paulo, Brazil [IMM 3134] | Seoul, South Korea [IMM 3058] |
| Singapore, Singapore [IMM 3057] | Sydney, Australia [IMM 3038] |
| Tel Aviv, Israel [IMM 3039] | Tokyo, Japan [IMM 3041] |
| Vienna, Austria [IMM 3042] | Warsaw, Poland [IMM 3059] |
Make sure you download, complete, and digitally sign these PDF forms with the parent or grandparent you are sponsoring.
- Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking [IMM 1344],
- Financial Evaluation [IMM 1283],
- Medical Condition Statement [IMM 0133], and
- Forms for giving someone else access to your application or information (e.g., Use of a Representative [IMM 5476],
- Separation Declaration for Minors Travelling to Canada [IMM 5604], and
- Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union [IMM 5409].
Step 2: Steps For the Sponsored Parent or Grandparent
As the sponsored parent or grandparent for Canada PR, you must sign in or create a Permanent residence online application portal account and fill out the following digital forms.
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008),
- Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669), and
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406).
Note that you must also upload your sponsor’s completed and signed forms.
Using a Representative
If you are going to use a representative such as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), you must:
- Download a Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (PDF, 1.48 MB)
- Complete it,
- Digitally sign it and get your immigration representative or designated individual to do so also, and
- Upload it with your application.
Note that an immigration representative can advise and help you with your application for a fee. But they can not:
- Open a portal account on your behalf,
- Electronically sign the application for you, and
- Sign into the portal using your username and password.
Photo specifications
You need a photo for each applicant. Follow the instructions to scan and upload both sides of the photo. If you are between 14 and 79, you may need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics).
Pay your biometric fee when submitting your application to avoid delays. You have 30 days to do this from the date on the letter.
Step 3: Pay Your Application Fees
The fees for all permanent residence applications increased on April 30, 2024. You must pay the difference if you paid your fees before April 30 but still need to submit your complete application. Here is a list of old and new family sponsorship permanent residency fees that you can use to know the cost of the payable difference you have to pay.
| Applicants | Old Fee (CAD) | New Fee From April 30, 2024 (CAD) | Payable Difference (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship Fee | 75 | 85 | 10 |
| Sponsored Principal Applicant (Parent or Grandparent) | 490 | 545 | 55 |
Step 4: Submit the Online Application
Before submitting your application online, you must ensure that:
- All questions are questions,
- You electronically sign your application,
- Include your processing fee receipt, and
- Upload all the supporting documents.
Benefits of Sponsoring Your Parents and Grandparents for Canada PR
Sponsoring your parents and grandparents for Canada PR offers many benefits, not just for them but for your entire family unit. Let us discuss the advantages of sponsoring your parents and grandparents for permanent residency in Canada.
Family Reunification in Canada
Family reunification lies at the heart of Canada's immigration policies. By sponsoring your parents and grandparents, you facilitate the reunion of generations, fostering stronger familial bonds and creating a supportive network for all members involved. Research by the Canadian government indicates that family reunification leads to greater emotional well-being and overall satisfaction among immigrants.
Learn more about what makes Canada one of the most family-friendly countries in the world.
Cultural Connection With Your Family in Canada
Bringing your parents and grandparents to Canada allows them to partake in the country's rich culture. It allows cultural exchange within the family, preserving traditions, language, and heritage across generations. Maintaining cultural connections with your family enhances a sense of identity and belonging, contributing to immigrants' psychological and social well-being.
Learn more about multiculturalism in Canada.
Parental Involvement in Canada
Having parents and grandparents nearby means increased involvement in family life, particularly in childcare and eldercare. Research published in the Journal of Marriage and Family suggests that intergenerational co-residence promotes greater support and involvement in caregiving tasks, leading to improved outcomes for children and older adults.
Emotional Support in Canada
The presence of parents and grandparents offers invaluable emotional support, especially during transition or adversity. Research from the University of British Columbia highlights the role of family support networks in buffering stress and promoting resilience among immigrants, contributing to better mental health outcomes.
Childcare and Eldercare in Canada
Sponsoring your parents and grandparents can alleviate the burden of childcare and eldercare responsibilities. Studies have shown that intergenerational living arrangements result in a more efficient distribution of caregiving duties, reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being.
Learn more about child and elderly care in Canada through the Childcare and Home Support Worker Pilots.
Family Financial Assistance in Canada
While sponsoring your parents and grandparents may involve initial financial commitments, it can lead to long-term economic benefits for your family. Research by Statistics Canada indicates that immigrant households with multi-generational support tend to have higher levels of financial stability and resilience, thanks to shared living expenses and pooled resources.
Learn more with the newcomer's guide to handling money in Canada.
Integration Support in Canada
Integrating into a new country can be challenging, but having family members present can ease the transition. Research from Ryerson University suggests that intergenerational households serve as hubs for social support and information exchange, facilitating smoother integration into Canadian society for immigrants.
Learn more about integration support in Canada with the top settlement services.
Healthcare Benefits for Your Family in Canada
Access to Canada's universal healthcare system significantly benefits sponsored parents and grandparents, ensuring timely medical care and support as they age. Research from the Canadian Institute for Health Information demonstrates the importance of access to healthcare services in promoting seniors' overall well-being and quality of life.
Learn more about healthcare in Canada.
Social Benefits in Canada
Social connectedness is crucial for overall happiness and life satisfaction. By sponsoring your parents and grandparents, you improve their social networks and community engagement opportunities. Research published in the Journal of Gerontology indicates the positive impact of social support on the health and longevity of older adults.
Learn more about social benefits in Canada via its Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Mutual Care in Canada
Finally, sponsoring your parents and grandparents fosters a culture of mutual care and reciprocity within the family. Research from the University of Toronto suggests that intergenerational support networks promote interdependence and solidarity, enriching family dynamics and enhancing their overall quality of life.
FAQs
What Happens if my Sponsorship Application For my Parents and Grandparents is Refused?
If your sponsorship application for your parents and grandparents is refused, you can appeal the decision or reapply with additional supporting documentation. Consulting with an RCIC or immigration lawyer can help you explore your options and address any concerns raised during the initial application process.
Can I Include my Siblings in the Sponsorship Application for my Parents and Grandparents?
Unfortunately, you cannot include your siblings in the sponsorship application for your parents and grandparents under the Family Sponsorship program. However, there may be alternative immigration pathways available for siblings, depending on their circumstances and eligibility.
Are There Any Limits on the Number of Sponsorships Available Each Year?
Yes, there are limits on the number of sponsorships available each year for parents and grandparents. The Government of Canada sets an annual cap on the number of applications accepted to manage processing times and ensure fairness in the immigration system.