Parents and Grandparents Program
Canadians and permanent residents sponsoring their parents or grandparents for permanent residence.
The Parents and Grandparents Program is a Canadian family & partner visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~CA$1,205 (sponsorship + processing + CA$575 RPRF)) and processing time (~24-36 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Parents and Grandparents Program is for
Canadians and permanent residents sponsoring their parents or grandparents for permanent residence.
Grants permanent residence directly to sponsored parents and grandparents.
Parents and Grandparents Program - eligibility criteria
- Sponsor submitted an interest-to-sponsor and was invited
- Meet minimum necessary income for 3 prior tax years
- Sign a 20-year undertaking of support
- Sponsor is a citizen or permanent resident aged 18+
- Sponsored relatives are admissible
Parents and Grandparents Program cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Parents and Grandparents Program (Canada) is ~CA$1,205 (sponsorship + processing + CA$575 RPRF), with an indicative processing time of ~24-36 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at IRCC (canada.ca).
| Type | Permanent residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Invitation-based intake, then apply to IRCC online |
| Length of stay | Permanent |
| Work rights | Full work rights once PR is granted |
| Study rights | Full study rights as a permanent resident |
| Government fee | ~CA$1,205 (sponsorship + processing + CA$575 RPRF) |
| Processing time | ~24-36 months |
| Route to PR | Grants permanent residence directly to sponsored parents and grandparents. |
Pathway & next steps
Grants permanent residence directly to sponsored parents and grandparents.
Many applicants also compare Super Visa · Super Visa (Parents and Grandparents), Spousal Sponsorship · Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship, Child Sponsorship · Dependent Child Sponsorship. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Canadian route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Parents and Grandparents Program pitfalls we fix
Parents and Grandparents Program - frequently asked questions
How much does the Parents and Grandparents Program cost?
The Parents and Grandparents Program government fee is ~CA$1,205 (sponsorship + processing + CA$575 RPRF). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at IRCC (canada.ca) before applying.
How long does the Parents and Grandparents Program take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~24-36 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Parents and Grandparents Program lead to permanent residence?
Grants permanent residence directly to sponsored parents and grandparents.
Can I work on the Parents and Grandparents Program?
Work rights: Full work rights once PR is granted.
Who can apply for the Parents and Grandparents Program?
Canadians and permanent residents sponsoring their parents or grandparents for permanent residence.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Canada government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- IRCC (canada.ca) - official Canada immigration authority