How to Sponsor Your Parents to Canada: Step-by-Step Process
How to Sponsor Your Parents to Canada: Step-by-Step Process
Sponsoring your parents to come to Canada is a generous way to reunite families. The Canadian government has established the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) specifically for this purpose. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to successfully sponsor your parents to Canada.
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before you can sponsor your parents, you must meet certain criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a Canadian citizen, a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act, or a permanent resident.
- Live in Canada.
- Meet minimum necessary income levels for three consecutive years.
Reference: IRCC’s eligibility criteria (Please find the specific page detailing sponsorship eligibility on the IRCC website)
2. Ensure Your Parents are Eligible
Your parents must also meet specific requirements:
- They must undergo medical examinations.
- Provide police certificates.
- Ensure they are not inadmissible to Canada due to criminal history or other reasons.
Reference: IRCC’s admissibility criteria
3. Gather Required Documentation
Both you and your parents will need to gather various documents, including:
- Proof of relationship (birth certificates, adoption records, etc.).
- Proof of your income over the past three years.
- Your parents’ medical examination results and police certificates.
Reference: Document checklist for PGP
4. Submit the Interest to Sponsor Form
Each year, the Canadian government opens the submission window for the Interest to Sponsor form. This is the first step in showing your interest in the program.
Reference: Interest to Sponsor form details
5. Wait for an Invitation
The IRCC will invite potential sponsors in the order they receive the Interest to Sponsor forms until they reach their yearly limit. If you are among the chosen ones, you’ll get an invitation to apply.
6. Submit the Complete Application
Once you receive the invitation, you typically have 60 days to submit a complete application. Ensure that all information is accurate and that you’ve included all necessary documentation.
Reference: Application package for PGP
7. Pay the Fees
There are application fees, biometrics fees, and third-party fees (medical exams, police certificates) that you must pay. Make sure to keep receipts for all payments.
8. Wait for Application Processing
The processing time for parent and grandparent sponsorship applications can vary, often taking several months.
Reference: Check processing times
9. Parents’ Arrival in Canada
Once approved, your parents will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa (if they’re from a country that requires a visa to enter Canada). Upon arrival, they will have to present these documents to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
Reference: After you get the COPR
10. Fulfill Sponsorship Responsibilities
As a sponsor, you’re financially responsible for your parents for 20 years. This means you’ll need to support their basic requirements, and they can’t seek financial assistance from the Canadian government during this time.
Reference: Sponsorship agreement and responsibilities
Conclusion
Sponsoring your parents to come to Canada is a fulfilling yet detailed process. By following the steps meticulously and ensuring you’re always updated with the latest requirements from the IRCC, you can pave the way for a successful sponsorship. Always consult the official IRCC website or seek advice from immigration professionals for specific guidance.