To sponsor a step-parent under the Canadian Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), they must be legally married to or in a common-law relationship with your biological parent. You must prove you meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for your total family size for the past three consecutive tax years using your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notices of Assessment.
Bringing your family together in Canada is a deeply rewarding goal. If your biological parent has remarried, you may naturally wish to sponsor their new spouse so the couple can immigrate together. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor step-parents, but the financial requirements are incredibly strict.
Understanding how step-parents fit into the family class rules and how your family size impacts your income requirements is critical for a successful application. This guide walks you through the steps to sponsor a step-parent in June 2026. If you need personalized assistance calculating your family size or preparing your application, you can easily find a knowledgeable Canadian immigration lawyer in our directory. 📍
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a federal programme. Whether you live in Toronto, Vancouver, or Halifax, the general IRCC rules apply. However, if you reside in the province of Quebec, different financial requirements apply, and you must obtain a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ).
Step 1: Establishing the Family Relationship
You cannot sponsor a step-parent entirely on their own unless they legally adopted you. Generally, you sponsor your biological parent as the “Principal Applicant” and include the step-parent as their “Accompanying Dependant.” You must provide IRCC with official marriage certificates or statutory declarations of common-law union to prove their relationship is genuine. 💍
Step 2: Calculating Your Family Size
IRCC bases your required income on how many people you will be supporting in Canada. You must count yourself, your spouse or common-law partner, your dependent children, any previous relatives you sponsored who are still under a financial undertaking, and the parents/step-parents you are currently sponsoring. If you are a family of four and want to sponsor your mother and step-father, your family size becomes six.
Step 3: Verifying Your Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)
To qualify outside of Quebec, you (and your co-signing spouse, if applicable) must meet or exceed the MNI plus 30% for your calculated family size. Crucially, you must prove this income for the three consecutive taxation years immediately preceding your application. IRCC only accepts official Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notices of Assessment (NOA) as proof. 💰
Step 4: Entering the PGP Lottery and Submitting the Application
Currently, the PGP operates on an “Interest to Sponsor” lottery system. You must first submit an online form when IRCC opens the intake. If you are lucky enough to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you then have 60 days to submit the full, comprehensive application package containing all your forms, civil documents, and police certificates.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Sponsoring parents and step-parents involves substantial federal fees and personal expenses. 💵
- IRCC Sponsorship Fee: The federal government charges $1,080 CAD per adult applicant (so $2,160 CAD for both your parent and step-parent).
- Biometrics Fee: Fingerprinting and photographs cost $85 CAD per person, or a maximum of $170 CAD per family.
- Medical Exams: Upfront immigration medical exams usually cost between $200 and $300 CAD per person in their home country.
- Lawyer Fees: If you retain an immigration law firm to manage the complex paperwork, expect to pay between $3,500 and $6,000 CAD.
| Expense Type | Who is Responsible? | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Federal PR Application Fee | The Sponsor (You) | $1,080 per adult |
| Document Translation | The Sponsor (You) | $100 – $500 depending on volume |
| Financial Undertaking | You and your Co-signer | Legally bound to repay any social assistance for 20 years |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Sponsoring a parent and step-parent is a lengthy commitment. After you receive an ITA and submit your complete application, IRCC’s standard processing time for the PGP is approximately 20 to 24 months. During this waiting period, your parents may be eligible to apply for a Super Visa, allowing them to visit Canada for up to 5 years at a time. ⏳
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I sponsor my step-parent if my biological parent has passed away?
Generally, no. Under standard family class rules, a step-parent cannot be sponsored alone after the biological parent dies unless the step-parent legally adopted you. However, you may consult a lawyer to explore an application on Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds.
Can my spouse combine their income with mine to meet the MNI?
Yes. Your legal spouse or common-law partner can act as a “co-signer” on the application. This allows IRCC to pool your CRA Notice of Assessment incomes together to meet the required threshold for your family size.
What happens if my income dropped during the pandemic?
For specific tax years affected by the pandemic (such as 2020 and 2021), IRCC temporarily lowered the MNI requirement to the base level without the extra 30%, and allowed standard Employment Insurance (EI) to count towards the total income. Always check the current year’s manual.
How long am I financially responsible for my step-parent?
When you sign the sponsorship agreement, you enter into a legal financial undertaking with the Canadian government. For parents and step-parents, this undertaking lasts for exactly 20 years from the day they become permanent residents.
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