When looking to bring your parents and grandparents to Canada, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can do with one of two programs available: Parent and Grandparents Program (PGP) or the Super Visa program.
Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
This program allows the parents and/or grandparents to receive permanent residence status when sponsored and when the required amount of time has passed can enable them to apply for Canadian citizenship (clickable link to its page).
To be eligible, the individual must:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be residing within Canada (must provide proof at a later stage)
- Exceed the minimum necessary income level (refer to the chart below). Your spouse/partner’s income (co-signer) can be included and proof must be provided to the IRCC
- Sign an undertaking to:
- Financially support the sponsored person(s) for 20 years beginning when they acquire permanent resident status
- Repay any social assistance benefits paid to the sponsored family members (if applicable) for a period of 20 years
- An additional undertaking must be signed if the sponsor resides in Quebec
A notice of assessment that’s issued by the CRA must be submitted by the applicants to this PGP program proving that meet the income requirements.
Minimum Necessary Income for PGP
Size of Family Unit | MNI 2018 | MNI 2017 | MNI 2016 |
---|---|---|---|
2 persons | $40,379 | $39,813 | $39,371 |
3 persons | $49,641 | $48,945 | $48,404 |
4 persons | $60,271 | $59,426 | $58,768 |
5 persons | $68,358 | $67400 | $66,654 |
6 persons | $77,095 | $76,015 | $75,174 |
7 persons | $85,385 | $84,631 | $83,695 |
If more than 7, for each additional person, add | $8,740 | $8,616 | $8,522 |
The MNI figures above are Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) figures + 30%
Note: Sponsor must provide their Notice of Assessment from the CRA for the last 3 taxation years prior to applying under the PGP program. Sponsor does not need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for the 3 years immediately preceding the application in order to sponsor, but they must be either one living in Canada when submitting the application.
Low Income Cut-Off (LICO)
Size of Family Unit | Minimum Necessary Gross Income |
---|---|
1 Person (your child or grandchild) | $24,949 |
2 Persons | $31,061 |
3 Persons | $38,185 |
4 Persons | $46,362 |
5 Persons | $52,583 |
6 Persons | $59,304 |
7 Persons | $66,027 |
More than 7 persons, for each additional person, add | $6,723 |
Who is not eligible to sponsor:
Interested individuals are not able to sponsor their parent or grandparent if they:
- Are below the age of 18
- Are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Are not living in Canada at the time of application or even when the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident
- Are a temporary resident in Canada
- Have an application for permanent residence that is still in process
- Are unable to show proof of income demonstrating they have the required Minimum Necessary Income
- Are in jail, prison, or penitentiary
- Have not paid back an immigration loan, performance bond, alimony, or child support
- Did not provide the agreed upon financial support when signing the sponsorship agreement
- Declared bankruptcy and have not been discharged
- Receive social assistance for reasons other than for disability
- Cannot legally stay in Canada due to a removal order
- Were convicted of a violent criminal offence inside or outside Canada
Parents and Grandparents Super Visa Program
Through the Super Visa Program and its multi-entry visa, parents and grandparents are able to visit Canada and stay for up to two years on their initial entry into Canada. This multi-entry visa has a validity for 10 years.
In addition to meeting the visitor visa requirements, parents and grandparents must also:
- Provide a written commitment that their child or grandchild will financial support them during their stay
- Show that their sponsor meets the minimum income requirements
- Purchase Canadian health insurance for at least one year and submit proof of purchase
- Complete the immigration medical examination
Furthermore, a temporary resident visa may also be required depending on their nationality.
Send us an email at contact@canadianbayimmigration.com if you require more information about your options.