Sponsoring a Parent to Canada for Permanent Residency
Many Canadian Permanent Residents or Citizens want to bring their parents to Canada. If the parent wants to live in Canada the Canadian Permanent Resident or Citizen has the chance to sponsor them. There are several requirements for the one who wants to sponsor and the parent(s) being sponsored. The good news is that being a mother or father of a Canadian Permanent Resident or Citizen can be a great path to immigration to Canada.
Sponsor a Parent to Canada
Many Canadian Permanent Residents or Citizens will want to bring their parents to Canada and have the chance to do so! This is the same process as sponsoring your grandparent. You are able to sponsor your own parents if:
- you’re at least 18 years old
- you live in Canada
- you’re a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
- you have needed sufficient funds to support the parent you are sponsoring
Who You Can Sponsor
You can sponsor your own parents, related by blood or adoption. In case of divorce or separation, you can sponsor your parents’ spouses, or conjugal or common-law partners.
You may sponsor more than 1 person or couple if you meet the income requirements for all the people you want sponsor and their dependants (spouse, partner and children).
How Do I Know If My Parents Are Eligible?
To show they meet the eligibility requirements, your parents and their dependents must provide:
- all required forms and documents with their application
- any additional information we request during processing, including:
Steps to Sponsoring Your Parent in Canada
When sponsoring your parent, it’s important to know that there are two different applications. One application is to sponsor, the other is your parent applying for permanent residency which should be submitted at the same time! Here the steps to sponsoring your parent to Canada:
Step 1: Submit the Interest to Sponsor Form
The first step to sponsor your parents is filling out the interest to sponsor form which is available at the beginning of the year for a limited time.
Step 2: Recieve an Invitation
The IRCC will invite potential sponsors to submit a complete application in the same order they receive the interest to sponsor forms online.
Step 3: Get Application Package
The application package will include a document checklist, forms to complete and instruction guide.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fees
In most cases, this will include processing fees, right of permanent residence fee, and biometrics if needed.
Step 5: Submit Application
The IRCC must receive your complete application within 60 days. The deadline is specified in your invitation.
Step 6: Send Additional Information
During processing, they will ask the person you’re sponsoring to submit their biometrics, medical exams, and police certificates if needed.
Applying for a Super Visa
July 2022 Update: As of July 4, 2022, the length of stay for Super Visa holders in Canada will be expanded to five years per entrance. Learn more here.
The next best alternative to getting your parents to live with you in Canada if sponsorship doesn’t work out is the Super Visa! The Super Visa is for applicants that are parents (or grandparents) to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The Super Visa is most similar to a multi-entry visa with the key difference being the applicant can stay in Canada for up to 2 years each entry. Learn more about the Super Visa!
To be eligible for the Super Visa you must:
- be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada
- have a signed letter from your child or grandchild who invites you to Canada that includes:
- a promise of financial support for the length of your visit
- the list and number of people in the household of this person
- a copy of this person’s Canadian citizenship or permanent resident document
- have medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company that is:
- valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry
- at least $100,000 coverage
- have proof that the medical insurance has been paid (quotes aren’t accepted)
- apply for a super visa from outside Canada
- be allowed to enter Canada
- take an immigration medical exam
- meet certain other conditions
Why Legal Help for Parent Sponsorship is Important
Although the government prioritizes the processing of sponsorship applications, being successful is by no means a given. All of the requirements must be met, and even the slightest error on an application can lead to a refusal. In order to take advantage of this great opportunity, individuals should enlist the help of a legal professional who knows how to send a package that will provide an applicant with the best chance to be sponsored.
Why Hire Us to Assist Your Family Sponsorship Case?
With over 15 years of experience specializing in helping to reunite families from across the world, we know what immigration officers are looking for when reviewing a sponsorship application. We have helped thousands of individuals to successfully get Canadian permanent residence through family sponsorship, and we can help you too!
Make it happen!
Book a consultation and start your immigration process now!