Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program in Canada

The Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their family members by sponsoring their parents and grandparents for permanent residency in Canada. This program is an essential part of Canada’s immigration policies, which prioritize family reunification. It ensures that families can live together, share their lives, and contribute to Canadian society.

What Is the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program?

The Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program is designed for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who wish to sponsor their parents or grandparents to come to Canada as permanent residents. Under this program, sponsors agree to financially support their parents or grandparents for a specified period to ensure they are not dependent on government assistance. This program is part of Canada’s immigration system, which focuses on family reunification and offering opportunities for loved ones to join their families in the country.

Who Can Apply for the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship?

To sponsor a parent or grandparent under the program, the following eligibility requirements must be met:

1. Eligibility of the Sponsor:
   • The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
   • The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
   • The sponsor needs to meet the minimum income requirements, proving they can financially support the relative they are sponsoring. The income levels are determined based on the Low Income Measure and the size of the household.
   • The sponsor must not have received social assistance, except for a disability.
2. Eligibility of the Parent or Grandparent:
   • The applicant must be the parent or grandparent of the sponsor. This includes biological parents, adoptive parents, and legal guardians. The sponsor can also include dependent children of the parents or grandparents in the application.
   • The applicant must not have any criminal convictions or health issues that would make them inadmissible to Canada.
   • The applicant must be outside Canada when applying, although there are some exceptions.

The Sponsorship Process

The Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program involves several stages, each requiring specific actions from both the sponsor and the applicant.

1. Interest to Sponsor: Every year, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invites eligible individuals to submit an interest to sponsor form. This process helps manage the high demand for the program. Only those selected through the random draw are invited to submit their full applications.
2. Submission of Application: After receiving an invitation to apply, the sponsor can submit a complete application. This includes providing all the required documents, such as proof of income, proof of relationship with the parents or grandparents, and other necessary forms.
3. Processing and Review: IRCC processes the application, reviewing the eligibility of both the sponsor and the applicant. This stage includes checking the applicant’s medical and criminal background. Processing times may vary but typically take several months.
4. Approval: If approved, the parent or grandparent becomes a permanent resident of Canada. After obtaining permanent residency status, they can enjoy the same rights and privileges as other Canadian permanent residents, including access to healthcare and social services.

Requirements for the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program

Sponsors must meet certain financial and legal requirements to be eligible for the program:

1. Income Requirements: Sponsors must demonstrate that they have enough income to support their parent or grandparent for a period of 20 years after their arrival in Canada. The minimum income requirement varies based on family size.
2. Undertaking Agreement: The sponsor must sign an undertaking agreement, which is a legally binding contract that commits them to financially support the sponsored family members for the duration of their stay in Canada.
3. Commitment to Support: The sponsor must prove that they can provide adequate housing, food, and other essentials to their parent or grandparent without relying on social assistance.

Benefits of the Program

The Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program offers significant benefits to both the sponsor and the applicant:

1. Family Reunification: The program allows families to be together, strengthening family bonds and offering emotional and practical support.
2. Healthcare Access: Once the parents or grandparents are granted permanent residency, they are entitled to provincial healthcare programs, ensuring they have access to necessary medical services.
3. Social Services and Support: Permanent residents have access to various social programs, such as pensions and financial assistance, helping seniors and those who require additional support.
4. Contribution to the Economy: Immigrants who come through the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program often contribute to their communities by offering their skills, wisdom, and experiences. They also support the local economy by helping meet the demand for services and housing.

Challenges of the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program

While the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program offers numerous advantages, it also comes with certain challenges:

1. Income Requirements: Meeting the income threshold can be difficult for many families, particularly those who are self-employed or have irregular incomes.
2. Limited Annual Spots: The number of available sponsorships each year is limited, making it a competitive process. Many people may not be selected in the annual lottery, even if they meet all the eligibility criteria.
3. Long Wait Times: The application process can take several months or even years, which can be frustrating for families eager to reunite with their loved ones.

Final Thoughts

The Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program offers a wonderful opportunity for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their loved ones to live with them in Canada. Despite some challenges in the application process, the benefits of family reunification, healthcare, and access to social services make it a worthwhile pathway to permanent residency. If you’re considering sponsoring your parents or grandparents, it’s essential to ensure that all eligibility criteria are met and that the application is completed correctly to improve your chances of success. Reach out to us, we can guide you through the process and help make the dream of family reunification a reality.