Do you think there’s anything more important than family? No, right? The Canadian government sets an example for this. They understand the importance of family and how they can bring positive energy into your life. That’s why they place such an emphasis on family reunification in their immigration policy.
Having your loved ones beside you can make it easy to start a new life, help your career grow and perform better at work. And, that’s where the parents sponsorship Canada program comes into the picture, where a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor their parents and grandparents to come and live with them in Canada.
This is not just a plus for immigrants living in Canada but also gives a sense of comfort & emotional support to parents. However, to ensure everything goes well, you need to meet the eligibility criteria to sponsor your parents or grandparents, be financially well settled, have proof of relationship with the person and other criteria. Let’s understand the parent sponsorship program in detail.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsoring Parents to Canada
Canada offers a sponsorship program, but it’s not that easy to get through. To make the process fair, there are certain eligibility criteria to be met. The sponsor should be a minimum of 18 years or above. They must live in Canada and be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada as the program mainly focuses on reuniting families in Canada, so it’s important to have citizenship.
Proof of relationship needs to be submitted, such as the birth certificate or any other document. The Canadian government is strict about this program and only genuine people can reunite.
Income Requirements for Sponsors
When a Canadian citizen sponsors his/her family, he should be financially stable to support and meet the expenses of their family. The main agenda behind this is to ensure that the sponsor and the family have adequate resources to meet the daily expenses and do not rely on the government.
The minimum necessary income depends on the financial requirements set by the government. The requirement varies depending on the number of people you are sponsoring. For example, if the size of the family is 3, the minimum income will be $38,679, and if the family is 6, the minimum income will be $61,666. The minimum requirement keeps getting updated every year, so it’s recommended to check the IRCC website or take assistance from an immigration consultant.
Tips to Meet the Requirements
- Include all the sources of income like your salary, bonus, overtime etc.
- Include your savings.
- Find a joint sponsor; it can be your spouse or siblings.
- Consider the size of your family when mentioning the minimum, as it may vary for families with more members.
- If things go above your head, consult an immigration lawyer as they can recommend ways to meet the minimum requirements.
Obligations of Sponsors
As a sponsor, you will have basic responsibilities to support your parents, like financial support, having a home to live in, healthcare facilities, and helping them settle into Canadian culture.
You will have to sign a legal undertaking stating all the obligations and responsibilities as a sponsor. An undertaking is a set of documents where you will be confirming to support and take responsibility for your parents for 20 years or more depending on their age.
It also mentions that the sponsored person is solely the responsibility of the sponsor and they should not depend on any social assistance for a specific time. If they fail to meet the obligations, the sponsor will have to bear all the consequences like fines or imprisonment.
Application for Sponsoring Parents to Canada
The application process to apply for a parent’s sponsorship program can be complex and lengthy. However, with the correct procedure and documents, it can be easy. Below is an overview of the application process,
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Determine the Eligibility
To be eligible to sponsor, you must be 18 years or above, have proof of financial stability, and should not be prosecuted under any criminal record. Your parents should also have a background check and they should be medically fit.
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Submit the Application
Once you and your parents are eligible, you can submit the application form to the IRCC. The application requires some supporting documents and forms, so complete them accurately and submit the application.
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Wait for Processing
Once the application is submitted, IRCC will process it for determining eligibility for sponsorship. The process may take a few months depending on the number of applications received.
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Complete Sponsorship and Undertaking
If your parents are eligible for sponsorship, you need to sign a legal document stating that you take all the responsibility of your parents, from their financial needs to help them learn about Canadian culture.
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Receive the Approval and Submit for PR
After signing the undertaking, your parents can now apply for PR.
This is the step-by-step process. The process for spouse work permit Canada is more or less the same.
Documents Required
- Sponsorship agreement and undertaking
- Financial documentation
- Declaration of common law union
- Medical certificate
- Police clearance certificate
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
To avoid common mistakes and ensure a smooth application process, follow the below tips:
- Read the instructions carefully and fill in all the details following the rules and regulations.
- Make sure the details you provide are valid because any fake information will lead to rejection.
- Submit all the supporting documents correctly to avoid any delay.
- Make sure that the documents you submit are either in English or French.
- Before submitting, double-check all the information.
- Keep 1 or 2 copies of the application for future reference.
- If you still have any doubts in the application process, it’s good to take the assistance of an immigration consultant.
Processing Time and Fees
The processing time after submitting the application form is around 1 or 2 years. The application fees will be CAD1050 and the biometric and medical fees may vary depending on the country of origin.
Also Read: Fees For Canadian Immigration Processing
Tips for Reducing Processing Time and Fees
- To reduce the processing time, make sure the application is filled correctly and valid documents are submitted.
- You can also apply for a super visa that allows parents and grandparents to stay for 5-10 years. Generally, the processing time is less when compared to other visas.
- To reduce the fees, you can use a credit card that offers cashback and points. You can also consider hiring the services of an immigration consultant, who can help you fill and submit the correct documents ensuring that there is no need to reapply by paying all the fees again.
The sponsorship process can be hectic and complex unless you have followed all the requirements like the eligibility criteria, income requirements, obligations, application process, fees and processing time. Meeting all the sponsorship requirements is essential for a smooth and successful application.
Canada has a rich diversity and healthy environment, perfect for a better quality of life for your parents or grandparents. By sponsoring them, you can create some beautiful memories together.
