Learn about the process of sponsoring your grandparents to Canada. If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident you may qualify for sponsoring your grandparents to live in Canada.

Canada believes in immigrants and their families to be together in Canada which is why they pride themselves on family reunification. Currently, there are two programs that allow Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their grandparents to live in Canada:

the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)

and/or the Super Visa Program

Am I Eligible to Sponsor a Grandparent ?

Find out if you meet the income requirements:

Before you apply, find out how much money you need to sponsor your parents and grandparents. You’ll have to prove you have this income in your application. You can sponsor your own parents and grandparents if:

you’re at least 18 years old

you live in Canada

you’re a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act

you have enough money to support the persons you want to sponsor

• To show that you have enough, you’ll have to provide your proof of income.

Who Can't Sponsor a Grandparent

You can’t sponsor your grandparents if:

you’re less than 18 years old

you won’t live in Canada when you apply to sponsor your parents and grandparents and/or when your parents and grandparents become permanent residents

• Your primary residential address must be in Canada when you submit your application and until we make a decision on your application.

you’re not a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act

the person you sponsor will make every effort to support themselves and their family members

you’re a temporary resident, that is you’re visiting, studying or working in Canada on a visa or permit

your permanent residence application is still in the process

• You must have permanent resident status at the time you submit your sponsorship application.

your proof of income shows you don’t have enough money to support the persons you want to sponsor

You may not be eligible to sponsor your grandparents if you:

• are in jail, prison, or penitentiary
• didn’t pay back:
• an immigration loan
• a performance bond
• court-ordered family support payments such as alimony or child support
• didn’t give the financial support you agreed to when you signed a sponsorship agreement to sponsor someone else in the past
• declared bankruptcy and are not discharged
• receive social assistance for a reason other than a disability
• were convicted of a violent criminal offense, any offense against a relative or any sexual offense inside or outside Canada
• can’t legally stay in Canada and must leave the country because you received a Removal Order



There may be other reasons that make you ineligible to sponsor your parents and grandparents which is why it is best to consult with an immigration lawyer to determine your eligibility.