Canada’s much-anticipated Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program is set to reopen, offering thousands of families the opportunity to bring their loved ones to Canada as permanent residents. Starting on May 21, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will begin the process of randomly selecting potential sponsors from those who submitted an interest to sponsor form back in 2020.
The 2024 intake aims to send out a total of 35,700 invitations over approximately two weeks. The goal for this year is to accept up to 20,500 complete applications, providing many families with the chance to reunite under one roof.
Key Details of the 2024 Program:
- Status: The program is currently closed and will operate by invitation only.
- Processing Times: Applicants can check the current processing times on the IRCC website.
- Fees: The starting fee for the application process is set at $1,205.
How much income do I need to sponsor my parents and grandparents?
As a potential sponsor (and your co-signer, if applicable), it is crucial to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support not only yourself but also all individuals for whom you will be financially responsible once you become a sponsor. This total number of individuals constitutes your “family size.”
To qualify, you must meet specific income requirements for each of the three tax years immediately preceding the date of your application. For those applying in the 2024 intake, your financial records from the tax years 2023, 2022, and 2021 will be evaluated.
Please note, your eligibility based on income cannot be determined until after you submit your application (following an invitation to apply).
The following table provides the required income based on family size for the three years prior to your application, applicable to sponsors and co-signers residing in any Canadian province or territory outside of Quebec. Residents of Quebec will have their income assessed by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).
Income Requirements for the 2024 Intake (non-Quebec residents)
| Family Size | Income 2023 | Income 2022 | Income 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 people | $44,530 | $43,082 | $32,898 |
| 3 people | $54,743 | $52,965 | $40,444 |
| 4 people | $66,466 | $64,306 | $49,106 |
| 5 people | $75,384 | $72,935 | $55,694 |
| 6 people | $85,020 | $82,259 | $62,814 |
| 7 people | $94,658 | $91,582 | $69,934 |
| Additional person | +$9,636 | +$9,324 | +$7,120 |
Both the sponsor and co-signer are required to submit three Notices of Assessment, or equivalent documents, which are issued by the Minister of National Revenue. These documents must correspond to the three tax years immediately before the receipt of your application.
Failure to provide three years of Notices of Assessment for both you and your co-signer (if applicable) will result in not meeting the sponsorship requirements.
This initiative is part of Canada’s ongoing commitment to family reunification as a core pillar of its immigration policy. Families who have been waiting since the 2020 submission period are advised to prepare their documents and be ready to act quickly if selected.
For those who are not invited in this round, IRCC provides guidance and alternative options for family sponsorship. Detailed information and updates can be found on the IRCC’s official website.
Stay tuned to local news outlets and the IRCC website for further announcements and details on this and other immigration opportunities.
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