Canada is known to have family-based immigration policies, especially the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program. This program allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their grandparents and parents for permanent residence in Canada. It is an opportunity to reunite with loved ones, but the process may be complex.
What is the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program?
The Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program enables citizens or permanent residents of Canada to permanently sponsor their parents or grandparents to come and stay with them in Canada.
In contrast to the system of sponsoring spouses or dependent children, the process of sponsoring parents or grandparents presupposes fulfilling certain eligibility criteria and undergoing a multi-step procedure that may be both competitive and arduous.
Eligibility to Sponsor:
To be able to sponsor your parents or grandparents, you should fulfill the following requirements:
- Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency: You should be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Age: You have to be 18 years and above
- Income Requirement: You must prove that you have sufficient income to provide for your parents or grandparents without them having to go on publicly-supported benefits
- Clean Sponsorship Record: You should not have any record of default in meeting previous sponsorship commitments
These requirements will allow you to take responsibility for assisting your family members in Canada.
How to Apply for Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship
- Interest to Sponsor: The initial paperwork is the Interest to Sponsor. In case you are chosen, you will be requested to submit a complete application.
- Prepare Documents: You will need to prepare all required documents, such as proof of relationship (birth certificates) and financial records, to demonstrate that you meet the income requirements.
- Application: Fill in the Application. Once you receive the invitation, complete the entire application package. This involves the detailed forms regarding your family, financial and immigration history.
- Awaiting a Decision: After submission, await a decision from Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The processing times tend to be very long, up to several years; therefore, one should be patient.
Key Considerations for Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents
The sponsorship program is an excellent means of reuniting families, but it is worth considering the following;
- Financial Responsibility: As the sponsor, you are responsible for caring for your parents or grandparents for over 20 years. They should not rely on social assistance during this period.
- Healthcare: The healthcare regime in Canada is universal, but sponsored parents and grandparents do not have a free ride on provincial health care. They might require individual health cover in the waiting phase.
- Processing Time: Wait time may be quite long and may take years. Only a few applications are accepted to the IRCC annually, and thus, one has to be ready to wait a long time.
- Ineligibility on the Ground of Previous Immigration Violations: Your parent or grandparent may be denied entry if they have breached the immigration laws of Canada.
FAQs
- Am I able to sponsor my parents or grandparents, who have already entered Canada on a visitor visa?
Yes, they can be sponsored even when they are in Canada temporarily. Their status, however, does not have an influence on the sponsorship process.
- What would occur in the event my sponsorship is rejected?
If your application is denied, you may appeal, depending on the reasons. One should analyze the information and consult with a lawyer.
- What is the duration of processing a Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship application?
Processing times may vary; however, it typically takes several years due to high demand. The IRCC site will help you follow the status of your application.
- Can I speed up the process?
Regrettably, one cannot expedite the process. IRCC has a fixed annual limit on applications, so patience is essential.
- Is it possible to sponsor several sets of parents or grandparents?
You can sponsor either a couple of parents or grandparents. In case of a successful application in the first venture, you can reapply in future.
Conclusion
It is a very rewarding experience to sponsor your parents or grandparents to visit you in Canada, but when planning to do so, a lot of care should be taken, and one should pay attention to details. It is a complex process, particularly when it comes to financial demands and waiting hours. Before applying, it is necessary to be organized and know the eligibility requirements.
At Sponsorship Lawyer, we are experts at maneuvering the peculiarities of the sponsorship procedure. We are available to assist you in making sure that your application is complete, correct and is submitted on time. Call us now, and we will take you through the process step by step to join the loved ones in Canada.
