Sponsorship Appeal – Parents & Grandparents

Introduction

Parent and grandparent sponsorships are unique: they hinge on rigorous income thresholds, medical admissibility, and lengthier processing queues. When IRCC refuses an application, Canadian sponsors can still fight back at the Immigration Appeal Division. This guide demystifies the appeal mechanics, explains how to address Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) findings, and outlines the strategic role of experienced counsel.

Eligibility to Sponsor

• Age 18 + Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Ability to meet the three-year MNI (plus 30 %) for family size, proven via CRA Notices of Assessment
• Signed undertaking covering 20 years (10 years in Quebec)

Loss of Eligibility

Sponsors become ineligible if in default of a previous undertaking, in personal bankruptcy, or subject to a removal order themselves.

Common IRCC Refusal Reasons

1. Income Shortfall – CRA records show one or more years below MNI.
2. Medical Inadmissibility – High projected health-care costs for a parent.
3. Documentation Gaps – Missing Option-C printouts, unverifiable employment letters.
4. Misrepresentation – Undisclosed dependants, unreported benefits income.

Understanding the root cause directs the evidence strategy.

Appeal Rights & Timelines

The same statutory windows apply as in partner appeals: 30 days to file, 60 days for the Minister to supply the Appeal Record, and rolling disclosure obligations leading up to hearing.

Because financial documents arrive from CRA and accountants, early organisation is critical. Immigration Nation maintains an internal checklist covering every T-slip, pay statement, and pension document needed to rebut an income-based refusal.

Building a Winning Record

• Income Analysis – Reconcile CRA figures with year-end pay statements; identify one-time anomalies (parental leave, severance, pandemic layoffs).
• Co-Signer Strategy – Where a spouse or adult child helps meet MNI, supply complete income packages for both signatories.
• Medical Evidence – Independent assessments on treatment plans and provincial coverage can counter projected “excessive demand” findings.
• Affidavits & Letters of Support – Detail emotional and practical reliance of parents on Canadian children, availability of in-home care, and absence of comparable support abroad.

ADR and Hearing Practice

Many parent-appeal files reach an Alternative Dispute Resolution conference once updated financials are tabled. If ADR does not resolve the matter, the file proceeds to a formal hearing where counsel should be prepared to:

• Walk the Member through income calculations line-by-line.
• Explain any CRA reassessments or accounting adjustments.
• Call medical experts (live or affidavit) to address admissibility concerns.
• Present H&C arguments: grandchildren bonds, cultural expectations, lack of elder-care services abroad.

Self-Representation vs Counsel

Income spreadsheets, CRA jargon, and cross-examination on tax law can overwhelm unrepresented sponsors. Professional advocates distill complex numbers into clear exhibits and object when questioning strays outside relevance or fairness.

Conclusion

A refusal under the Parent and Grandparent Program is disappointing, but not final. With disciplined document preparation and persuasive humanitarian submissions, sponsors frequently overturn IRCC decisions at the IAD. For tailored guidance and full-service representation, contact Immigration Nation today.

Contact Immigration Nation – Immigration Consultant Edmonton
☎ (780) 800-0113  ✉ [email protected]
Immigration Nation Edmonton Immigration Consulting
Suite 206, 9038 51 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6E 5X4