Family sponsorship
Parents and grandparents
Bringing parents or grandparents to Canada can mean permanent sponsorship or a long-stay super visa. We explain what is open right now and help you choose the right path.
IRCC paused new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program on July 15, 2026, and has not announced when intake will reopen. Applications already submitted continue to be processed. The super visa remains available for long family visits.
Overview
There are two ways to bring a parent or grandparent to Canada.
The Parents and Grandparents Program lets a citizen or permanent resident sponsor a parent or grandparent for permanent residence. IRCC invites a limited number of sponsors to apply. New applications are currently paused.
The super visa is a long-stay visitor visa for parents and grandparents. It allows stays of up to five years at a time, and it remains open.
Official information: IRCC, super visa.
Who this may be for
- Citizens and permanent residents who want their parents or grandparents close
- Families with a parents and grandparents sponsorship already in process
- Parents and grandparents who want to visit for long periods
- Families planning ahead for when sponsorship intake reopens
General eligibility considerations
Sponsorship: invitation required
Under the Parents and Grandparents Program, you can only apply after IRCC invites you. No new invitations are being issued while intake is paused.
Sponsorship: income
Sponsors must meet a minimum income for each of the three tax years before applying, shown with Canada Revenue Agency notices of assessment. A spouse or partner can co-sign.
Sponsorship: undertaking
You promise to support your parent or grandparent financially for 20 years (10 in Quebec).
Super visa: relationship and invitation
The applicant must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, with a letter of invitation and a promise of financial support.
Super visa: income
The child or grandchild in Canada must meet a minimum income set by IRCC.
Super visa: insurance and medical
The applicant needs private medical insurance that meets IRCC's requirements for at least one year, and an immigration medical exam.
How the super visa process works
Consultation
We confirm that the super visa fits your family and check the income and insurance requirements.
Your document list
We give you and your parent or grandparent a clear list of documents.
Preparing the application
We prepare the forms, the letter of invitation and the supporting documents.
Submission
We submit the application to IRCC as your representative.
Biometrics and medical exam
Your parent or grandparent gives biometrics and completes the medical exam when instructed.
Decision
If approved, the visa is placed in their passport and they can travel.
Documents you may need
- Letter of invitation from the child or grandchild in Canada
- Proof of the relationship, such as birth certificates
- Proof of income for the child or grandchild in Canada
- Proof of the child's or grandchild's status in Canada
- Private medical insurance that meets IRCC's requirements
- Immigration medical exam results
- Passport and travel history
- Evidence of ties to the home country
How Bonti can help
- A clear explanation of what is open now and what is paused
- Super visa applications, including the invitation letter and income documents
- Support for sponsorship applications already in process
- Planning for when sponsorship intake reopens
Common questions
When will the Parents and Grandparents Program reopen?
IRCC has not announced a date. Check IRCC's notice for updates, or contact us.
How long can a super visa holder stay in Canada?
A super visa allows a parent or grandparent to stay for up to five years at a time. The visa can allow multiple entries and may be valid for up to 10 years.
Does a super visa give my parents health coverage?
No. Super visa holders are visitors and are not covered by provincial health insurance. Private medical insurance that meets IRCC's requirements is part of the application.
I already have a parents and grandparents application in process.
Applications already submitted continue to be processed. We can help you respond to IRCC requests and keep your information up to date.
Next step
Bring your parents closer.
Start with a 30-minute consultation. You will leave with a clear next step and a list of documents to prepare.
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