Parental Sponsorship
Parent sponsorship in Canada enables citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency. Eligible sponsors must be at least 18 years old, Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and meet specific income criteria. The process typically begins with an online “Interest to Sponsor” form submission, followed by an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if selected. Applicants must then submit a complete sponsorship application with supporting documents and fees. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes the application, and if approved, the sponsored parents or grandparents gain permanent resident status in Canada, facilitating family reunification.
How To Sponsor A Parent To Canada
To sponsor a parent to Canada, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and meet specific income requirements. The process typically involves the following steps:
- Express Interest: When the “Interest to Sponsor” form becomes available, submit it online during the specified period.
- Receive Invitation: If your submission is selected in the random draw, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to sponsor your parent.
- Submit Application: Complete and submit the sponsorship application within the specified timeframe, including all required forms, supporting documents, and fees.
- Processing: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will process the application, which includes medical exams and background checks for the sponsored parent.
- Decision: IRCC makes a decision on the sponsorship application. If approved, the parent will receive permanent resident status in Canada.
- Super Visa: If the parent wants to visit Canada during processing, they may apply for a Super Visa, allowing them to stay for up to two years at a time.
Navigating the parent sponsorship process can be complex, so consider seeking assistance from an immigration consultant or lawyer experienced in family sponsorship to ensure a smooth and successful application.
Requirements for Parental Sponsorship
For parental sponsorship in Canada, the requirements generally include:
- Eligibility: As a sponsor, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years old and residing in Canada. You must also be able to demonstrate that you can financially support your parents once they arrive in Canada.
- Financial Support: You’ll need to show that you meet the minimum necessary income requirement to sponsor your parents. This involves providing proof of income for the past year, such as tax returns and employment verification. If you’re married or in a common-law relationship, your spouse or partner can also contribute to meeting the income requirement.
- Undertaking: You’ll be required to sign a sponsorship undertaking, which is a legal agreement that you will provide financial support to your parents for a specific period, usually 20 years from the date they become permanent residents.
- Accommodation: You must demonstrate that you have adequate accommodation for your parents when they arrive in Canada.
- Medical Examination: Your parents will need to undergo a medical examination by a designated panel physician to ensure they meet Canada’s health standards for immigration.
- Background Check: Both you as the sponsor and your parents will need to undergo a background check to ensure you don’t have any criminal convictions or immigration-related issues that could affect the sponsorship application.
- Application Process: You’ll need to complete the sponsorship application forms, along with any required supporting documents, and submit them to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). There are specific application forms for both the sponsor and the sponsored parents.
- Processing Fees: There are processing fees associated with the sponsorship application, including fees for the sponsor, principal applicant (parent), and any accompanying dependents.
- Processing Time: The processing time for parental sponsorship applications can vary, but it typically takes several months to a year or more for the application to be processed.
It’s crucial to review the most up-to-date information on the Government of Canada’s official immigration website or consult with an immigration professional to ensure you understand and meet all the requirements for sponsoring your parents to immigrate to Canada.
How long does Parental sponsorship take in Canada?
The processing time for parental sponsorship applications in Canada can vary depending on various factors, including the volume of applications received, the completeness of the application, and whether any additional processing or verifications are required.
The processing time for parental sponsorship applications was typically around 20 to 24 months. However, it’s essential to note that processing times can fluctuate, and it’s always a good idea to check the most up-to-date information on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Additionally, some applications may be processed faster or slower than average due to individual circumstances or specific factors related to the application.
How can I bring my parents to Canada permanently?
To bring your parents to Canada permanently, you can sponsor them for immigration through the Family Class sponsorship program. Here’s a general overview of the steps you would need to take:
Check Your Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria to sponsor your parents. You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and meet specific income requirements to support your parents financially.
Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents for both your sponsorship application and your parents’ immigration application. This may include identity documents, proof of relationship, proof of income, and other supporting documents.
Submit the Sponsorship Application: Complete the sponsorship application forms and submit them along with the required documents to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Pay the applicable sponsorship fee.
Wait for Approval: Once your sponsorship application is approved, your parents will be notified and invited to apply for permanent residence. They will need to submit their immigration application, including medical exams and background checks.
Wait for Processing: The immigration application processing time can vary, but it typically takes several months to a year or more. During this time, your parents may be required to undergo medical examinations and provide additional documentation as requested.
Receive Permanent Residence: If your parents’ immigration application is approved, they will receive their permanent resident visas and can then travel to Canada to live with you permanently.
Fulfill Sponsorship Obligations: As the sponsor, you are legally responsible for supporting your parents financially for a specific period, usually 20 years from the date they become permanent residents. Ensure you fulfill your sponsorship obligations, including providing financial support and ensuring they have access to necessary services.
It’s essential to review the most up-to-date information and requirements on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or consult with our immigration lawyers in Toronto to ensure you understand the process thoroughly and meet all the requirements for sponsoring your parents to immigrate to Canada.
How Kurzfeld Law Firm Can Help with your Parental Sponsorship?
Kurzfeld Law Firm offers expert assistance with parental sponsorship in Canada. Our immigration lawyers provide personalized guidance, handle application paperwork, and communicate with authorities on your behalf. If needed, they can represent you in appeals or legal proceedings. With their expertise, you can navigate the sponsorship process smoothly and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
