How to sponsor your parents or grandparents to move to Canada

Before you can sponsor your family members, you need to receive an invitation to apply. You have 60 days to submit your application from the day you receive the invitation from the Canadian Government. Note that these invitation recipients are chosen through randomized selection, so there is no guarantee that you will have an opportunity to participate in the sponsorship program.

For the parents and grandparents program, you’ll need to submit two applications Opens in a new window.: the sponsorship application and the permanent residence application. You’ll be required to apply as your family member’s sponsor, while your parents or grandparents will each need to apply for permanent residence. You must submit both of these applications together. If the government approves your applications, then you and the family member you’re sponsoring will sign an Agreement and Undertaking, which takes effect when your family member becomes a permanent resident.

There’s a step-by-step process you’ll need to follow to get your applications approved.

It all begins with an invitation. However, whether or not you get one will depend on luck. Each year, the selection is randomized to ensure the government sends out enough invitations to fulfill its annual goals for accepting applications.

People often make the mistake of using old forms and outdated guides. This tends to happen when sponsors and their parents or grandparents start filling out the application forms before they’re invited to do so. To avoid the processing delays that may arise if you use outdated forms, ensure you fill out the most up-to-date applications and use a recent instruction guide to help you along the way.

Review your completed application before you hit the “submit” button. If the government administrators find that your application is incomplete, you may run into delays when waiting for a response. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the key items you should include with your application:

• Answers to every question
• A processing fee receipt
• Uploaded documents (this should include your letter of invitation)
• Your electronic signature

Forms for a sponsor

As a sponsor, you’re required to print, sign and fill out the following PDF forms:

• Document Checklist – Sponsor [IMM 5771]
• Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking [IMM 1344]
• Financial Evaluation for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship [IMM 5768]
• Income Sources for the Sponsorship of Parents and Grandparents [IMM 5748]
• Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409]

Electronic copies of the signed forms should also be sent to the family member you’re sponsoring. This person is known as the principal applicant. The principal applicant will need to electronically sign the application and upload these documents with their online application.

Forms for a principal applicant

As the principal applicant, the parent or grandparent being sponsored will also need to fill out the following PDF forms:

• Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008]
• Schedule A – Background/Declaration [IMM 5669]
• Additional Family Information [IMM 5406]
• Supplementary Information – Your Travels [IMM 5562]

Find the downloadable links for these sponsor and applicant forms on the Government of Canada website Opens in a new window., where you can also review your options if applying online isn't possible for you due to disability.

Your fees are made up of 3 elements Opens in a new window.:

• Biometrics fee
• Right of Permanent Residence fee
• Processing fees

You’ll be required to pay all of your fees online Opens in a new window.. There may also be third-party fees to consider if you need a medical exam and a police certificate.

While your application is being processed, the principal applicant might be asked to submit the following documents Opens in a new window.:

• Biometrics
• Medical exams
• Police certificate

It’s best not to submit these forms until you receive a letter requesting this information. Instructions will be included upon request and you’ll be provided with the deadline for the additional documents.