Sponsoring your parents for Canadian permanent residency is a wonderful way to reunite your family while ensuring they can enjoy the benefits of living in Canada. Canada’s Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program allows eligible citizens and permanent residents to bring their parents or grandparents to live with them permanently. This sponsorship process can sometimes be complex, especially when the parent is living outside of Canada, but with the right guidance, it’s possible to successfully bring your loved ones to Canada.
To sponsor your parent from outside Canada, you must meet several requirements to prove that you can financially support them. As a sponsor, you need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years old. Additionally, you must show that you meet the minimum necessary income for the three years before you apply, which will depend on your family size and the number of people you are sponsoring. The Canadian government has established financial guidelines to ensure that sponsors can provide for their parents without relying on social assistance.
The process begins with submitting a sponsorship application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Once your application is submitted, the Canadian government will assess your financial ability to support your parent(s) and ensure that they meet other requirements, such as health and background checks.
For parents living outside of Canada, you will need to provide proof of relationship, such as birth certificates or other documents showing that you are indeed the child of the parent you’re sponsoring. Your parent will also need to submit certain forms, including police certificates and medical records, as part of the immigration process.
As a sponsor, you are required to show that you have enough income to financially support your parent(s). This ensures that your parent(s) will not need to rely on social assistance once they arrive in Canada. The income requirements vary based on the size of your family and the number of people you are sponsoring. The Canadian government has published a minimum income chart that you will need to refer to when calculating your income eligibility.
To prove your financial capacity, you will typically need to submit your tax returns for the past three years and provide details of your employment or self-employment. If you are self-employed, you will need to demonstrate a steady income through other documentation, such as financial statements or contracts.
The parent sponsorship process can be lengthy, and it’s important to understand the timeline. Once you submit your application, it can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months for the application to be processed. The processing time can vary depending on various factors, including the number of applications in the queue, the country of residence of the parent, and whether the application is complete.
During this time, both you and your parent will need to attend to additional requirements, such as medical exams or interviews. Once all the necessary documentation is submitted and reviewed, and the medical and criminal background checks are completed, the IRCC will make a decision on your application.
Once your parent’s sponsorship application is approved, they will receive instructions on how to complete their permanent residency process. If they are outside Canada, they will need to attend an interview at the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy to finalize the process. After that, your parent will receive their permanent residency status, and they will be able to move to Canada.
Upon arrival, your parent will be able to enjoy all the benefits of living in Canada, including access to healthcare and other social services. They will also be able to apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting the necessary residency requirements.
While the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program is a great opportunity for family reunification, it’s important to keep in mind that the application process can be detailed and time-consuming. Be sure to gather all the required documents and stay up to date on any changes in immigration policies. Consulting with an immigration professional can help streamline the process and ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements.
Navigating the parent sponsorship process can be complex, especially when your parent is living outside of Canada. At I Can Help Immigration Services, we understand the intricacies of Canadian immigration law and can guide you through every step of the sponsorship process. Whether you are looking to reunite with your parents or bring them to Canada to enjoy a better quality of life, we are here to help.
Contact us today for more information and assistance with your parent sponsorship outside Canada application. Let us help you bring your loved ones closer to you!