Family sponsorship
Parent and grandparent sponsorship
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence, but only after IRCC invites them to apply. On 7 October 2026, IRCC said it is not accepting new applications. Until it reopens, the super visa is how most families bring parents for long stays.
Who can sponsor parents and grandparents?
- You are at least 18, live in Canada, and are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian.
- You have enough income for the years IRCC checks. Your spouse or common-law partner can co-sign to add their income.
- You are ready to sign a long-term promise to support your parents or grandparents.
How does the Parents and Grandparents Program work?
- IRCC opens an interest to sponsor period when it decides to take new applications.
- If you are invited, you have a set time to send a complete application.
- IRCC checks your income, usually from your Canada Revenue Agency notices of assessment.
- Your parents do medicals, police certificates and biometrics when asked.
- If approved, they receive confirmation of permanent residence and land in Canada.
What documents do you need to sponsor your parents?
- Proof of your status in Canada.
- Notices of assessment for the years IRCC asks about.
- Birth certificates that show you are their child or grandchild, with any name changes explained.
- Your parents' passports, police certificates and medical results.
IRCC sets the exact list for each application. We give you a checklist for your own file.
Why are parent sponsorships refused?
- Income below the minimum in one of the years checked.
- Birth records that do not clearly show the relationship.
- An incomplete application, or one sent after the deadline.
- A medical or criminal issue for a parent.
How can Blue Chip help?
- We look at your income for the years that count now, so you know where you stand before the next intake.
- If you are invited, we prepare the full application within the deadline.
- While the program is closed, we help you apply for a super visa instead.
Common questions
Can I apply right now?
No. On 7 October 2026 IRCC was not accepting new applications. Applications already in the system are still being processed. We watch for the next intake.
Does my spouse's income count?
Yes, if your spouse or common-law partner co-signs the sponsorship.
What can my parents do in the meantime?
Apply for a super visa. It lets parents and grandparents stay up to five years at a time.
Official pages
Fees, processing times and income figures change often. Check them on the official pages:
- Sponsor your parents and grandparents (IRCC)
- Parent and grandparent super visa (IRCC)
- Check processing times (IRCC)
This page is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different, and no one can guarantee an outcome. Rules checked against canada.ca in October 2026.
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