Family Sponsorship (Parents, Grand Parents and Relatives)
Canada offers two programs for Canadian citizens and permanent resident to sponsor their parents and grand-parents: the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program (PGP) and the Super Visa Program.
Who can apply to become a sponsor for PGP?
- You sponsor your own parents or grand parents
- You are at least 18 years old
- You are 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 people you want to sponsor:
- To show that you have enough, you’ll have to provide your proof of income.
- You may have a spouse or common-law partner co-sign to combine your incomes.
- You must sign a sponsorship agreement to provide for the basic needs of family member(s) for a period of 20 years.
Find out if you meet the income requirements
Before you apply, you will have to prove you have this income in your application. Click here to know how much money is needed to sponsor your parents and grandparents.
If you want to know more about the PGP click here
Super Visa Program
This program gives you the opportunity to visit your children or grandchildren for up to 5 years at a time. The visa provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years.
If you want to stay for 6 months or less, apply for a visitor visa.
There are specific requirements for a super visa, including the need for medical insurance. You must meet all the criteria to be eligible.
Who can apply for a Super Visa ?
You must:
- be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada
- have a signed letter from your child or grandchild who invites you to Canada that includes:
- a promise of financial support for the length of your visit
- the list and number of people in the household of this person
- a copy of this person’s Canadian citizenship or permanent resident document
- have medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company that is:
- valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry
- at least $100,000 emergency coverage
- have proof that the medical insurance has been paid in full (quotes aren’t accepted)
You must also:
- apply for a super visa from outside Canada
- take an immigration medical exam
Click here for all the details about the Super Visa Program