Parental Sponsorship Canada is a vital immigration program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency. This program is designed to reunite families, enabling parents and grandparents to join their loved ones and build their lives together in Canada.
The sponsorship process involves the Canadian sponsor submitting a sponsorship application and the parent or grandparent applying for permanent residence. Sponsors must meet specific income requirements to demonstrate their ability to support their sponsored family members financially and commit to providing for their basic needs for 20 years.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes these applications concurrently, ensuring a smooth and efficient pathway to reunification. Parental Sponsorship Canada reflects the country’s dedication to family reunification, allowing multiple generations to live together and contribute to Canadian society.
This program strengthens family bonds and enhances the cultural and social landscape of Canada by welcoming the valuable experiences and contributions of parents and grandparents from around the world.
Status: The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years old.
Financial Responsibility: The sponsor must demonstrate the ability to financially support the sponsored parent(s) and any dependent children. This includes meeting the minimum necessary income requirements and signing an undertaking to financially support the sponsored parent(s) for a specified period after they become permanent residents.
No Default on Past Sponsorship Obligations: The sponsor must not have failed to provide financial support to a previously sponsored relative who received social assistance from the government.
Not in Receipt of Social Assistance: The sponsor must not be in receipt of social assistance, except for disability-related assistance.
Relationship: The sponsored individual(s) must be the biological parent(s) or adoptive parent(s) of the sponsor.
Admissibility: The sponsored parent(s) must be admissible to Canada. This includes passing medical, criminal, and security checks, unless eligible for an exemption under humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
Intent to Reside in Canada: Both the sponsor and the sponsored parent(s) must intend for the parent(s) to live in Canada once they become permanent residents.
Prohibition: The sponsored parent(s) must not be prohibited from entering Canada (e.g., criminality, security reasons).
Dependents: Any dependent children of the sponsored parent(s) must also meet admissibility requirements.
Check Eligibility: Ensure both you (the sponsor) and your parent(s) (the sponsored person(s)) meet the eligibility criteria outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Gather Required Documents:
Complete Application Forms: Obtain the most current application forms from the IRCC website or a visa application center (VAC). Complete the forms accurately and honestly, ensuring all required information is provided.
Pay Fees: Pay the application processing fees as required by IRCC. Fees may vary depending on the type of sponsorship and whether biometrics are required.
Submit the Application: Submit the completed application forms along with all required supporting documents to IRCC either online through your IRCC account (if applying online) or by mail (if applying on paper).
Biometrics (if required): Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you and your parent(s) may need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at a biometric collection service point.
Wait for Processing: IRCC will process your application, which can take several months. During this time, they may request additional information or documentation from you or your parent(s).
Interview (if required): In some cases, IRCC may request an interview with you and/or your parent(s) to further assess the application. Prepare thoroughly for the interview by reviewing your application and supporting documents.
Receive a Decision: Once IRCC has processed your application, they will notify you of their decision in writing. If approved, your parent(s) will receive permanent residency status in Canada.
Permanent Residency: Upon approval, your parent(s) may receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can then move to Canada as permanent residents.