Last Updated:March 4, 2025
What is the Family Class (Parents and Grandparents Program)?
This is a permanent residence application program that allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada. Only those who are selected through the lottery by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are eligible to apply.
Eligibility Criteria for the Family Class (Parents and Grandparents Program)
- The applicant must be the parent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- The applicant must be the grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and have been paying taxes in Canada for at least 3 years. (Note: There are income requirements based on the number of family members to be sponsored.)
Application Process for the Family Class (Parents and Grandparents Program)
01Online registration for sponsors
Canadian citizens or permanent residents who wish to sponsor their parents or grandparents must complete the online registration via the ‘Interest to sponsor’ form within the specified application window.
02Receiving the Invitation to Apply (ITA)
An Invitation to Apply (ITA) grants the right to submit an application for permanent residence. Applicants can only proceed with the full application once they have received the ITA. IRCC holds draws, or ‘lotteries,’ once or several times a year to select potential applicants. If applicants are not selected, they must re-register each year for a chance to be invited in the next draw.
03Submitting a permanent residence application to IRCC
After receiving the Invitation to Apply (ITA), applicants must complete their permanent residence application by the designated deadline. First, they need to create an account on the IRCC Portal, where they will upload the necessary documents and submit their online application to IRCC.
04Processing and review by IRCC
After IRCC completes their review, the applicant will receive a letter called the Confirmation of Permanent Resident (CoPR).
05Landing
Applicants outside Canada will enter Canada with their CoPR. Those in Canada can complete the landing process online.
06Receiving the PR card
A few months after landing, the PR card will be mailed to the designated address in Canada.
If applicants are not selected for the Family Class (Parents and Grandparents) lottery
Even if applicants are not selected for the Family Class lottery, they may still be able to apply for a Super Visa, which allows them to stay in Canada with their child for up to five years.
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