Sponsoring your parents and grandparents

How does the Parents and Grandparents Program work?

The Parents and Grandparents Program intake typically opens once a year. It lets citizens and permanent residents of Canada sponsor their parents and grandparents to come to Canada.

Here is how the program works:

Step 1: If you’re eligible to become a sponsor, you must submit an interest to sponsor form. This form is currently closed. It was last available from October 13, 2020, to November 3, 2020.

Step 2: After the online form closes, we review the form submissions and remove any duplicates.

We randomly select and invite potential sponsors to apply to sponsor their parents and grandparents. We email the invitations and post the invitation status on our website.

In 2024, we’ll invite potential sponsors from the remaining pool of interest to sponsor forms submitted in 2020.

Step 3: If you’re invited to apply, we must receive your application package by the deadline in your invitation. There are no exceptions. Complete and submit the required forms and supporting documents identified on the 2024 Document Checklist for Parents and Grandparents (IMM 5771).

Don’t prepare your application unless you’re invited to apply.If you apply without being invited, we’ll return your application without processing it.

Find out more about how to apply to sponsor your parents and grandparents.

If you live in Quebec, find out how to sponsor your parents and grandparents in Quebec.

How many applications to sponsor parents and grandparents do you accept each intake?

The application target (the number of applications we’ll accept) for each intake is determined by the number of applications needed to reach the future admission target (the number of persons we’ll admit each year for permanent residence). The admission target for the parents and grandparents category is set annually for the next 3 years in the Multi-Year Levels Plan.

For the 2024 intake, the application target is 20,500.

We send as many invitations as we estimate will be needed to reach the application target. This means we issue more invitations than the application target since not everyone who is invited to apply will actually do so. For the 2024 intake, we’ll send 35,700 invitations.

Number of invitations sent and the application targets in previous intake years:

How much income do I need to sponsor my parents and grandparents?

You, the sponsor (and your co-signer, if you have one), must have enough money to support all the people you’ll be financially responsible for once you become a sponsor, including yourself. We call this your “family size.”

To show that you have enough money, you’ll have to prove that you meet the income requirements for each of the 3 tax years before the date you apply.

For the 2024 intake, we’ll assess sponsors and co-signers on their income for tax years 2023, 2022 and 2021.

We can't assess whether you meet the income requirements until you apply (if you're invited).

This table applies to you, as a sponsor and co-signer, if you live in any province or territory except Quebec. If you live in Quebec, the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) will assess your income.

We can’t assess whether you meet the income requirements until you apply (if you’re invited).

Income required for the 3 tax years before the date you apply (if you’re applying for the 2024 intake)

The sponsor and the co-signer (if there is one) must each submit 3 notices of assessment, or equivalent documents, issued by the minister of National Revenue. The assessments must be for the 3 tax years immediately before the date we receive the application.

If you (or your co-signer, if you have one) don’t submit 3 years of notices of assessment, you won’t meet the requirements to sponsor.

Income requirement for the 2021 tax year

Since many sponsors and co-signers may have been affected financially by the COVID-19 pandemic, the income requirement for the 2021 tax year was reduced to the minimum necessary income, instead of the minimum necessary income plus 30%.

Sponsors and co-signers can also count these benefits in their income calculation for the 2021 tax year:

• regular Employment Insurance benefits (rather than just special Employment Insurance benefits)
• any Canada Emergency Response Benefits issued under the
  • Employment Insurance Act or
  • Canadian Emergency Response Benefit Act
• other temporary COVID-19 related benefits
  • as long as they’re not part of provincial or territorial social assistance programs

Note: This doesn’t apply to the income requirement for the 2023 or 2022 tax years, which is the minimum necessary income plus 30%.

What counts as income for sponsoring my parents and grandparents?

To find out if you have enough income to be eligible to sponsor your parents or grandparents, we

• use your total income on line 15000 of your Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and
• subtract any income that must be excluded:
  • provincial or territorial allowances for an instruction or training program (such as taxable scholarships, bursaries, or fellowships if included on line 13000 of the NOA)
  • social assistance from a province or territory
  • payments from the Government of Canada under a resettlement assistance program
  • regular Employment Insurance earnings (except for the 2021 tax year)
  • Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement payments

If you live outside of Quebec, you must meet the income requirement for each of the 3 tax years before the year you apply.

If you live in Quebec, the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration will assess your income.

Income sources that count toward your total income

These income sources will count toward your total income (as long as they’re reported on your NOA):

• Employment Insurance special benefits, such as maternity and parental benefits
• any Employment Insurance earnings for the 2021 tax year only
• Canada Emergency Response Benefit
• other temporary COVID-19-related benefits
  • as long as they’re not part of provincial or territorial social assistance programs

How to get your NOAs

If you don’t have paper copies of your NOAs, you can view and print your tax returns using the CRA’s My Account online service. The easiest way to prove your income is to give us permission to get your NOAs directly from the CRA.

What’s considered social assistance when sponsoring my parents and grandparents?

Under Canada’s immigration law, if you get social assistance other than for a disability, you aren’t eligible to sponsor a family member.

Social assistance income doesn’t count toward your total income when we assess if you meet the income requirement.

Also, if you sponsor someone and they get social assistance during the time you agreed to be financially responsible for them, you have to pay it back.

What is considered social assistance

Some benefits (money, goods or services) from provinces or territories are considered to be social assistance for the purpose of sponsoring. This includes assistance from the government to cover basic needs like:

• food
• shelter
• clothing
• fuel
• utilities
• household supplies
• health care not covered by public health care (extra benefits paid by the government to low-income people or others in need)

What isn’t considered social assistance

Social assistance doesn’t include:

• Employment Insurance
• provincial student loans
• immigration loans
• subsidized housing
• tax credits
• child care subsidies
• public health care (services your province or territory gives to all people who live there)
• other benefits widely available to residents, including people who are working

Provinces and territories had temporary programs to help people cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. We don’t consider these benefits to be social assistance if they aren’t considered as such by the province or territory.

Also not considered social assistance:

• Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (now closed)
• Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (now closed)
• Canada Recovery Benefit (now closed)
• Canada Emergency Response Benefit (now closed)
• Canada Emergency Student Benefit (now closed)

How do I calculate my family size to sponsor my parents and grandparents?

You, the sponsor (and your co-signer, if this applies), must have enough money to support all the people you’ll be financially responsible for once you become a sponsor, including yourself. We call this your “family size.”

You count your family size on a yearly basis.

If you live outside of Quebec, you must meet the income requirement for each of the 3 tax years before you apply. For example, if you submit an application for the 2024 intake, you must meet the income requirements for the 2023, 2022 and 2021 tax years.

If you live in Quebec, the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration will assess your income.

To count your family size, include

• the people in your family (including people you sponsored before), which includes
  • yourself (the sponsor)
  • your spouse (even if you’re separated, in most cases) or common-law partner
    • If your spouse or common-law partner is co-signing, include them and their dependent children in all 3 years.
    • If they aren’t co-signing, only include them starting the year they met the definition of a spouse or common-law partner.
  • your dependent children, the dependent children of your spouse or common-law partner and any dependent children of the dependent children (if you have any)
    • Only include children for the years they meet the definition of a dependent child.
  • any other person you (and your co-signer, if you have one) sponsored or co-signed, for whom undertaking is still in effect
    • Include the family members (for example, spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children) of the person you sponsored or co-signed for, whether or not they were included in the undertaking.
• the people you want to sponsor and their family, which includes
  • the principal applicant
  • the principal applicant’s spouse or common-law partner
    • Include their separated spouse unless either the principal applicant or their spouse is in a common-law relationship with another person.
  • the principal applicant’s dependent children, the dependent children of their spouse or common-law partner and any dependent children of the dependent children (if they have any)

You must include all the principal applicant’s family members, even if they

• aren’t coming to Canada
• are permanent residents of Canada or Canadian citizens

You can also review our summary sheet for more information about how to count family size.

Here are examples to help you calculate your family size.

Examples of how to calculate your family size

How can I show proof of income to sponsor my parents and grandparents?

You must provide your Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for each of the three taxation years immediately preceding the date of your application.

There are two ways you can do this:

Option 1) Give us permission to get your tax information directly from CRA

• On the form Financial Evaluation for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship [IMM 5768], under question 8, “Sponsor Statement of Consent”:
  • Check “Yes”, and
  • Provide your Social Insurance Number (SIN), signature and date.

Option 2) Send us the paper copies of your Notices of Assessment

• Complete the form Income Sources for the Sponsorship of Parents and Grandparents, and
• Include the Notices of Assessment with your application package. If you don’t have the paper copies, login to CRA’s My Account to find them online.

Read the instruction guide for more information about your proof of income.

Does the change in age of dependants affect sponsorship undertakings for dependent children?

Yes, the change in age of dependants affects sponsorship undertakings.

As of October 24, 2017, the length of undertaking (the length of time you are financially responsible for the person you sponsor) for dependent children has changed:

• If your dependent child is less than 22 years of age when they become a permanent resident, you are financially responsible for them for 10 years after they become a permanent resident, or until they turn 25 years old, whichever comes first.
• If your dependent child is 22 years of age or older when they become a permanent resident, you are financially responsible for them for three years after they become a permanent resident.

Can I sponsor more than one person through the Parents and Grandparents Program?

Yes, you may sponsor more than one person if you want to.

If you are invited to apply, you can sponsor your parents and grandparents.

To do so, you will need to submit separate applications for each person (or couple) you sponsor. We will process each application separately.

You’ll have to meet the income requirements for all people you apply to sponsor and their dependants.

Invitations to apply are not transferable. For example, you cannot use the invitation to sponsor your spouse’s parents and grandparents or give it to a friend or other family member.

If your spouse also wants to sponsor their parents and grandparents, they’ll need to tell us they want to sponsor separately and see if they’re invited to apply.

Find out more about who you can sponsor under the Parents and Grandparents Program.

Can I sponsor my in-laws under the Parents and Grandparents Program?

No, you can only sponsor your own parents and grandparents.

If you want to co-sign your in-law’s application, your spouse or partner must be the one who received an invitation to apply as a sponsor.

Even If you receive an invitation to apply, you can’t:

• use your invitation to sponsor your in-laws.
• use your invitation to be the co-signer on your in-law’s application.
• transfer your invitation to your spouse or partner for them to sponsor their parent or grandparent.

Find out more about who you can sponsor under the Parents and Grandparents Program.

How do I update my information after I’ve submitted my interest to sponsor form?

You can’t update your information after you submit your interest to sponsor form.

If we invite you to apply, complete your application with your updated information. To help us match your application with your interest to sponsor form, also include

• a letter explaining any changes
• proof of the changes

If we invite you to apply, but you no longer have access to the email address you used to submit your interest to sponsor form, you can provide a new email address using the Find your lost confirmation number page.

Updates to your application

If you’ve been invited to apply and you have already submitted your application, you can update your information by sending us a request through our web form.

How do I make an electronic copy of my passport or proof of status in Canada document?

To make an electronic copy, you can use a scanner, your phone or a digital camera. Scan or take a picture of your document.

You can only submit 1 file with your interest to sponsor form. If you have to submit both sides of your passport or status in Canada document, save both sides into 1 file. If you don’t have photo editing software, the easiest way to do this is to save both images into a Word document.

If your file is bigger than 2 MB, you need to reduce the size to upload your document and submit the interest to sponsor form. The maximum file size is 2 MB.

We accept these file formats:

• PDF (portable document)
• JPG, TIFF, or PNG (image)
• DOC or DOCX (Microsoft Word document)

The file name can only contain letters from the English or French alphabets, numbers, spaces, hyphens and these characters: / & , . - : \ ( ) * # ; @

Write down the name you give the file and where you save it so you can easily find the file later.

Documents we accept as proof of your status in Canada

Submit one of these proof of status documents:

• permanent resident card (both sides)
  • combine both sides into 1 image or file
• record of landing (IMM 1000) (only if you didn’t get a permanent resident card)
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688)
• Canadian Citizenship Certificate or card (both sides)
  • combine both sides into in 1 image or file
• Canadian birth certificate
  • If you were born in Quebec, we only accept a birth certificate from the Directeur de l’état civil.
• Your passport (pages showing passport number, date of issue and expiration, photo, name, surname, place and date of birth)
• Secure certificate of Indian status

We accept expired documents. You don’t need to renew your document to complete the interest to sponsor form or to submit your sponsorship application, if you’re invited to apply.

Prepare your copy ahead of time and know where to find it on your computer or mobile device.

If you’re invited to apply, make sure you upload the same status in Canada document that you submitted when you completed your interest to sponsor form under the section “Supporting documents” in your online application.

Where is my status in Canada document number?

On your interest to sponsor form, you were required to provide the number of your status in Canada document.

Make sure you submit the number of the same document you submit with your application, if you’re invited to apply. If the document number doesn’t match, we’ll return your application.

See examples below of where to find your status in Canada document number:

• Canadian birth certificate
• Canadian citizenship certificate or card
• Passport
• Confirmation of permanent residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688)
• Permanent resident card
• Record of landing (IMM 1000)
• Secure certificate of Indian status

Canadian birth certificate

Alberta

• Provide the Registration No.
• It has 12 numbers in this order:
  • begins with 4 numbers (your birth year) and a hyphen,
  • followed by 2 numbers and a hyphen, and
  • ends in 6 numbers.

British Columbia

• Provide the Registration No.
• It has 12 numbers in this order:
  • begins with 4 numbers (your birth year) and a hyphen,
  • followed by 2 numbers and a hyphen, and
  • ends in 6 numbers.

Manitoba

• Provide the Registration No. / N^o d’enregistrement
• It has 12 numbers in this order:
  • begins with 4 numbers (your birth year) and a hyphen,
  • followed by 2 numbers and a hyphen, and
  • ends in 6 numbers.

New Brunswick

• Provide the Registration No. / N^o d’enregistrement
• It has 12 numbers in this order:
  • begins with 4 numbers (your birth year) and a space,
  • followed by 2 numbers and a space, and
  • ends in 6 numbers.

Newfoundland and Labrador

• Provide the Registration No.
• It has 12 numbers in this order:
  • begins with 4 numbers (your birth year) and a hyphen,
  • followed by 2 numbers and a hyphen, and
  • ends in 6 numbers.

Northwest Territories

• Provide the Registration No. / N^o d’enregistrement
• It has 12 numbers in this order:
  • begins with 4 numbers (your birth year) and a hyphen,
  • followed by 2 numbers and a hyphen, and
  • ends in 6 numbers.

Nova Scotia

• Provide the Registration No. / N^o d’enregistrement
• It has 12 numbers in this order:
  • begins with 4 numbers (your birth year) and a space,
  • followed by 2 numbers and a space, and
  • ends in 6 numbers.

Nunavut

• Image not available
• Provide the Registration No. / N^o d’enregistrement
• It has 12 numbers in this order:
  • begins with 4 numbers (your birth year) and a space,
  • followed by 2 numbers and a space, and
  • ends in 6 numbers.

Ontario

• Provide the Registration No. / N^o d’enregistrement
• It has 12 numbers in this order:
  • begins with 4 numbers (your birth year) and a hyphen,
  • followed by 2 numbers and a hyphen, and
  • ends in 6 numbers.

Prince Edward Island

• Provide the Registration No. / N^o d’enregistrement
• It has 12 numbers in this order:
  • begins with 4 numbers (your birth year) and a space,
  • followed by 2 numbers and a space, and
  • ends in 6 numbers.

Quebec birth certificate

• Provide the N^o d’inscription.
• It has 13 numbers.
• We’ll only accept birth certificates issued by the Directeur de l’état civil.

Saskatchewan

• It has 12 numbers in this order:
  • begins with 4 numbers (your birth year) and a hyphen,
  • followed by 2 numbers and a hyphen, and
  • ends in 6 numbers.

Yukon

• Provide the Registration No. / N^o d’enregistrement
• It has 12 numbers in this order:
  • begins with 4 numbers (your birth year) and a space,
  • followed by 2 numbers and a space, and
  • ends in 6 numbers.

Canadian citizenship certificate or card

• Provide the Certificate No.
  • It’s at the back of your citizenship certificate, under the heading Description – Signalement.
  • It has 8 characters in this order:
    • begins with 1 letter, and
    • ends in 7 numbers.

If you don’t have your citizenship certificate or card, you can apply for a

• citizenship certificate urgently (we no longer issue citizenship cards), or
• search of citizenship records urgently

Canadian passport

• Provide the Passport No. / N^o de passport
• You can find this number on your passport information page, on the top right corner, or on the bottom left corner
• It has 8 characters and includes letters and numbers in this order:
  • begins with 2 letters, and
  • ends in 6 numbers.

Confirmation of permanent residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688)

• Provide the Document No.
• It has 10 characters and includes letters and numbers in this order:
  • begins with the letter T, and
  • ends in 9 numbers.

Permanent resident card

• Provide the ID No. / N^o ID.
• It has 8 numbers in this order:
  • begins with 4 numbers and a hyphen, and
  • ends in 4 numbers.

Record of landing (IMM 1000)

• Only use this document as your proof of status in Canada document if you didn’t receive a permanent resident card.
• Provide your Record of Landing number
• It starts with a W, followed by nine numbers.

Secure certificate of Indian status

• Provide the Registration No. / N^o d’inscription
  • It has 10 numbers.

I have a confirmation number. Am I guaranteed to get invited to sponsor my parents and grandparents?

No. All potential sponsors who successfully submit an interest to sponsor form receive a confirmation number, but only a certain number are invited to apply each intake. After the interest to sponsor form closes, we review the submissions, remove duplicates and randomize the list. We’ll invite potential sponsors to submit a complete application from the randomized list of interest to sponsor forms we received.

When we invite a group of potential sponsors to submit a complete application, we call this a round of invitations. Depending on when the intake happens in a given year and the number of complete applications we receive, we may do more than 1 round of invitations.

Not everyone who’s invited to apply submits a complete application by the deadline in their invitation. Because of this, we send more invitations than the application target for a given intake.

For the 2024 intake, we’ll invite enough sponsors to receive up to 20,500 complete applications. We’ll post the status of those who have been invited to apply on our website on May 31, 2024. You’ll be able to look up your confirmation number to find out if you’re invited to apply.

If you aren’t invited to apply

If you’d like your parents and grandparents to come to Canada, the super visa is another option. Your parents and grandparents may be eligible to apply for a super visa to stay in Canada for 5 years at a time.

I was invited to submit an application to sponsor my parents and grandparents. What do I do next?

If we emailed you an invitation to sponsor your parents or grandparents, follow the steps sent in the email.

Make sure you

• read the instruction guide and complete the application package
• pay your fees
• send us your complete application

We must receive your complete application package before the deadline in your invitation. There are no exceptions.

Avoid using outdated forms. Don’t prepare your application before you get an invitation.

Your application will be returned to you if

• it’s incomplete
• fees are missing
• we receive it after the deadline in your invitation to apply
• you weren’t invited to apply
• we can’t match the information in your application with the information you provided in your interest to sponsor form

What proof do I need for changes to my information after I was invited to apply to sponsor my parents?

If the information on your application won’t match what you entered on the interest to sponsor form, you’ll need to:

• complete your application with the updated information and
• include a letter explaining any changes, as well as proof of those changes

For an address change

Proof could include:

• a copy of a bill with your name and new address on it
• a copy of a new driver’s license with your new address on it
• a rental agreement
• the deed to a home

You should include as much information to support your claim as you can to make sure your application will not be returned to you.

For a name change

If your name is different on your status in Canada document (citizenship certificate, permanent resident card, etc.) than on your other supporting documents (such as your birth certificate), you should include:

• proof that explains the name change, such as:
  • legal documents you submitted to change your name
  • confirmation documents showing your name was legally changed
  • marriage or divorce certificates
• a letter of explanation

You should include as much information to support your claim as you can to make sure your application will not be returned to you. 

What if my birth certificate is different from other documents (or I don’t have one)?

That depends on what’s different and why.

If my parent’s or grandparent’s name isn’t the same on my birth certificate as on other documents

We need proof that the person you want to sponsor is related to you.

If your birth certificate doesn’t clearly show this

• give an equivalent document that shows the relationship and
• include a letter of explanation about why you’re sending it

You should also include a copy of your birth certificate.

If I got married and now use my spouse's last name

If your name is different on newer documents because you got married, you should include

• proof that explains the name change and
• a letter of explanation

If there’s incorrect information on my birth certificate

If details in your application don’t match your identity documents (like your birth certificate), include

• a written explanation of why they don’t match
• any supporting documents you have to prove you’re giving us accurate information in your application

If I don’t have a birth certificate

Sponsors normally need a birth certificate as proof of the relationship with their parents. You should apply for a certified copy of your birth certificate if you don’t have one.

If you can’t get a birth certificate from your birth country, you can give an equivalent document from that country along with a letter explaining why your birth certificate isn’t available.

Who can be my co-signer on my application to sponsor my parents and grandparents?

To help you meet the income requirement to sponsor your parents and grandparents, your co-signer can be your:

• spouse or
• common-law partner
  • If your common-law partner is your co-signer, you’ll have to submit a form to confirm your common-law status (PDF, 637 KB) with your application.

Regardless of how long you’ve been married or in a common-law relationship:

• your spouse or common-law partner can be your co-signer
• your co-signer must provide proof of income for the last 3 taxation years before the date of your application

As your co-signer, your spouse or common-law partner must:

• meet the same eligibility requirements as you, the sponsor
• agree to, for a period of time, financially take care of and provide for the basic needs of the persons you’re sponsoring

You and your co-signer are equally liable if these obligations aren’t performed.

What does current or previous undertaking mean on my sponsorship application?

Current undertaking

This refers to the sponsorship application you (the sponsor) and your co-signer (if this applies) are currently preparing.

The undertaking includes all the people listed on the application, even if they’re not all coming to Canada.

If we approve the application, the undertaking will come into effect once the people you’re sponsoring become permanent residents.

Previous undertakings

This refers to

• undertakings still in effect and
• undertakings not yet in effect.

If we return or refuse an application, there is no undertaking.

Previous undertakings still in effect

This refers to any sponsorship applications we approved where

• you (or your co-signer, if you have one) are listed as either a sponsor or co-signer, and
• the people you sponsored became permanent residents

The undertaking stays in effect until it expires, even if the people you sponsored

• leave Canada or
• become Canadian citizens

Undertaking not yet in effect

This refers to the people on sponsorship applications that we

1. are processing, where you (or your co-signer, if you have one) are listed as either a sponsor or co-signer, or
2. approved, but the sponsored people have not yet become permanent residents

Their undertaking comes into effect if

• we approve the application and
• the people you’re sponsoring become permanent residents

This applies if:

• you’re submitting 2 sponsorship applications at the same time, or
• you and your co-signer each submit a sponsorship application

Length of undertaking

The length of undertaking depends on

• who you sponsored or co-signed an application for, and
• when you sponsored them

How do I pay for my application to sponsor a parent or grandparent?

See Pay your fees to learn how you can pay your fees. Your payment options will depend on :

• where are you are paying from, and
• what you are paying for.

Can I hand-deliver my application to sponsor a parent or grandparent?

No. You can’t deliver your application to sponsor a parent or grandparent in person. Processing offices aren’t open to the public and don’t accept in-person deliveries.

If you’re invited to apply, you (or your representative) must apply online using the

• Permanent Residence (PR) Portal (if you’re applying by yourself)
• Representative Permanent Residence (PR) Portal (if you’re using a representative)

If you can’t apply online and need accommodations, including for a disability, you can ask for the application in an alternate format (paper, braille or large print). We’ll give you instructions on where to send your application.

Check our website for information on how to apply.

Will you refuse my application if I include a parent or grandparent that wasn’t on my interest to sponsor form?

You can apply to sponsor both parents (or both sets of grandparents) under the same confirmation number if you’re invited to apply.

You’re able to sponsor your parents or grandparents based on your invitation to apply, whether or not they’re included on your interest to sponsor form (if you meet the eligibility requirements).

You must include a letter explaining why you’re sending an application for a parent or grandparent that wasn’t listed on your interest to sponsor form.

You must also identify 1 parent or grandparent as the principal applicant on your application. Once you have submitted the application, you can’t change the principal applicant.

Please note the following:

• Invitations to apply are not transferable. For example, you can’t use your invitation to sponsor your spouse’s parents (or grandparents) or give your invitation to a friend or other family member.
  • If you transfer your invitation, we’ll return the application. There are no exceptions.
• If you’re applying to sponsor your parents and grandparents, you must submit a separate application for each.

Do I need a marriage certificate for my parents/grandparents sponsorship application?

In most cases, you need to include a marriage certificate to prove your parents’ or grandparents’ relationship. There are a few exceptions:

• If one parent is deceased

  You should include a letter explaining the situation. In the case of a deceased parent, you would include their death certificate.

• If your parents don’t have a marriage certificate

  If you can’t get one, include a detailed explanation as to why you can’t.

• If your parents divorced some time ago and you don’t know where the parent you’re not sponsoring is

  If your parents are divorced, you can include a notarized divorce certificate to prove one parent is not a dependant of the other. A processing officer may ask you for more information later.

Including all the documents we ask for will help make sure your application isn’t

• delayed in processing or
• returned to you as incomplete

What if the parent or grandparent I’m sponsoring has a separated spouse?

If the principal applicant (the parent or grandparent you’re sponsoring) has a separated spouse, their separated spouse is still considered a dependant.

The principal applicant must complete all forms for any dependants, including their separated spouse (if applicable), even if they aren’t coming to Canada.

If the principal applicant can’t get information about their separated spouse, they must upload a written explanation to tell us why they couldn’t get this information.

The explanation should be detailed and include information such as

• if the separated spouse is in prison
• if the separated spouse is in a common-law relationship with another person
• any other relevant details

This letter lets us know the principal applicant didn’t forget to complete the forms.

In most cases, a separated spouse counts toward family size for the purposes of the income requirement. Make sure the principal applicant includes them, if they need to, when they’re calculating this.

If the principal applicant has a separated spouse and is also in a common-law relationship

The principal applicant must include their common-law partner in the application instead of their separated spouse. If the officer who processes the application needs more information, they’ll contact you.

Do I include time on parental leave in my employment history for sponsoring my parents?

When filling out your financial evaluation form (IMM5768), you need to fill out your employment history. Since you’re still employed during parental leave, you can include that time in the employment period for that employer (question 14).

You should list your total income for the entire employment period, not just your annual income.

What do I put for the date of birth (or death) of my family member if I don’t know it?

If you don’t know the complete date, or if it’s in the 1800s, enter 1900 in the space for the unknown year, and 01 for the month or day. This will let you validate the form.

You should also attach a letter of explanation that says why you don’t have the information needed to fill in the complete date.

How long am I financially responsible for the family member or relative I sponsor?

To become a sponsor, you must promise to financially take care of the persons you’re sponsoring for a period of time. We call this promise an undertaking.

The “length of undertaking” is the time period you’re financially responsible for the person you sponsor. It starts on the day the person you sponsor becomes a permanent resident.

The length of undertaking depends on

• the age of the person you sponsor
• their relationship to you
• where you live
  • The length of undertaking for residents of Quebec is slightly different.

You’re still financially responsible even if

• your relationship with the person you sponsored changes (for example, divorce or separation)
• the person you sponsored becomes a Canadian citizen
• your financial situation gets worse (for example, job loss or debt)
• you sent us a request to withdraw your sponsorship application and we received it after the person you sponsored has become a permanent resident

The length of undertaking changed on October 24, 2017, to match the new age limit for dependent children. It went from “under 19” to “under 22.”

How can I quickly get information about my Canadian citizenship to sponsor parents/grandparents?

If you’re sponsoring your parents or grandparents and you don’t have your citizenship certificate, you can apply urgently for a:

• citizenship certificate, or
• search of citizenship records