The Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship program is one of the Family Class categories and allows Canadian citizen or permanent resident (who is at least 18 years old) to sponsor a parent or grandparent for Canadian permanent residence. In fact, sponsored family members under this class may be eligible to apply for Canadian Citizenship after four years of permanent residency. In order to receive a visa though Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), both the sponsor and the sponsored person must meet certain eligibility requirements. Also, applicants for permanent residence must go through medical, criminal and background checks.