For many families, parental sponsorship is an essential step in reuniting loved ones across borders. Canada offers a robust immigration system, and one of its key family reunification programs is the Parental Sponsorship program. If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident looking to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada, understanding the process is crucial. This step-by-step guide will help you navigate the parental sponsorship process smoothly, ensuring that your application is thorough and properly submitted.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Before diving into the application process, it's important to assess whether you meet the eligibility requirements for parental sponsorship. As a sponsor, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support the parents or grandparents you wish to sponsor.
- Agree to provide financial support for the sponsored individuals for 20 years from the date they become permanent residents.
The income requirement is often a key factor in determining eligibility. You will need to provide proof that your income meets the minimum necessary income level based on the size of your family unit, including those you are sponsoring.
Step 2: Submit an Interest to Sponsor Form
Each year, Canada Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) opens the Parental Sponsorship program for a limited number of applicants. The first step in the process is to submit an "Interest to Sponsor" form online. This form indicates your desire to sponsor your parents or grandparents.
The IRCC uses a lottery system to randomly select individuals who have submitted the form, inviting them to apply for parental sponsorship. Keep an eye on the application window, as it's typically only open for a short period each year.
Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If you are selected in the lottery system, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for parental sponsorship. This ITA is a key document and gives you the official go-ahead to submit your full sponsorship application. It's important to note that receiving an ITA does not guarantee approval—it's the next step in the process.
Once you receive the ITA, you'll need to gather all necessary documents and submit your completed application within the deadline provided. Missing the deadline could result in forfeiting your spot.
Step 4: Complete and Submit the Sponsorship Application
The parental sponsorship application process involves two key parts:
- Sponsorship Application – This part includes details about your ability to sponsor and your commitment to support the sponsored individuals financially for 20 years.
- Permanent Residence Application – This part is filled out by the individuals you are sponsoring (your parents or grandparents) and includes their personal details, background information, and any supporting documents.
Ensure that you double-check all the information provided in the application forms. Incomplete or inaccurate applications can lead to delays or, in some cases, rejections.
Step 5: Pay the Required Fees
The parental sponsorship application comes with associated fees, including:
- Sponsorship application fee.
- Right of permanent residence fee.
- Biometrics fee (for the sponsored individuals).
- Additional fees for medical exams, police certificates, and translation of documents, if required.
It's advisable to pay all fees promptly to avoid any unnecessary delays in processing your application.
Step 6: Undergo Background Checks and Medical Examinations
Once the application is submitted, the sponsored individuals will need to complete specific steps to meet Canada's requirements. These include:
- Biometrics: Fingerprints and a photograph are taken at a local visa application center.
- Medical Examination: All sponsored individuals must pass a medical exam to ensure they do not pose a public health risk to Canada.
- Police Clearance: Sponsored individuals must provide police certificates from any country they have lived in for more than six months since the age of 18.
Failure to complete these steps within the timeframe provided can delay the application process.
Step 7: Wait for Approval
Once all required documents, fees, and supporting materials are submitted, the waiting period begins. Processing times for parental sponsorship can vary but typically take between 20 to 36 months. During this period, IRCC will assess both the sponsor’s eligibility and the sponsored individual's admissibility.
It's important to remain patient and monitor your application status through IRCC's online portal.
Step 8: Approval and Arrival
Upon approval, your parents or grandparents will receive their permanent resident visa, allowing them to travel to Canada. Once they arrive in Canada and complete the landing process, they will officially become permanent residents.
You, as the sponsor, will be financially responsible for them for the next 20 years. This means covering essential living expenses such as healthcare not covered by public insurance and ensuring they have a stable life in Canada. Visit website
Final Thoughts
Navigating the Parental Sponsorship process can be complex, but by following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure that you're well-prepared at every stage. Keeping track of deadlines, ensuring all required documents are accurate, and maintaining clear communication with IRCC are crucial for success.
For many families, parental sponsorship offers an opportunity to reunite and build a life together in Canada. By staying informed and organized, you can make the process smoother and help your loved ones join you in Canada for the long term.
