Eligible sponsors must be at least 18 years old, meet minimum income requirements, and commit to financially supporting their parents or grandparents for 20 years (10 years in Quebec). Sponsored family members gain permanent resident status, with access to healthcare, work opportunities, and a pathway to Canadian citizenship. Applications are accepted through an annual intake and random selection process, making it competitive. Alternatives such as the Super Visa provide long-term temporary visits of up to five years, while standard Visitor Visas are available for shorter stays.