Parents Sponsorship Program

The Parents Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents to come to Canada as permanent residents. This program is designed to facilitate family reunification by allowing parents to join their children in Canada. Once approved, parents will be able to live, work, and study in Canada as permanent residents.

Overview of the Parents Sponsorship Program

The Parents Sponsorship Program is a pathway that enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents to come and live in Canada. The program is based on family reunification, providing an opportunity for families to be together. The process of sponsoring a parent requires fulfilling eligibility requirements, submitting an application, and demonstrating sufficient financial support to the government.

Eligibility for Parents Sponsorship

To be eligible to sponsor your parent(s), both the sponsor (the child or sponsor) and the parent(s) must meet specific requirements. Below are the key eligibility criteria:

Sponsor’s Eligibility Requirements:

• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident: The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
• Minimum Age: The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
• Income Requirement: The sponsor must demonstrate that they have enough income to support their parent(s) once they arrive in Canada. The minimum income required is based on the sponsor's household size and the number of people being sponsored.
• Stable Income: The sponsor must show they have a stable and continuous income for the past 3 years, often through tax returns, pay stubs, and other financial documents.
• Promise of Financial Support: The sponsor must sign a legally binding agreement to support their parent(s) for a set period of time (usually 20 years), ensuring they do not rely on social assistance.

Eligibility Requirements for the Sponsored Parent(s):

• Relationship to the Sponsor: The parent must be the biological or legally adopted parent of the sponsor. Proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate) must be provided.
• Health and Criminal Background Checks: The sponsored parent(s) must pass a medical exam and provide a police certificate. If the parent(s) have certain health conditions or criminal backgrounds, this could affect the application.
• Not Inadmissible to Canada: The parent(s) cannot be inadmissible to Canada due to criminal activity or serious medical conditions. This includes failing to meet the immigration health or security requirements.

How to Apply for Parents Sponsorship

The application process for the Parents Sponsorship Program involves several steps, which are outlined below:

• Step 1: Submit an Interest to Sponsor Form: The first step is to submit an "Interest to Sponsor" form to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The form is typically available once a year, and the government will randomly select applicants to invite them to apply for sponsorship.
• Step 2: Receive an Invitation to Apply: Only a limited number of people will receive an invitation to apply, as the program has a limited quota each year. Those who are selected will receive an invitation from IRCC to submit a full sponsorship application.
• Step 3: Complete the Sponsorship Application: After receiving an invitation, the sponsor must complete the sponsorship application, including all necessary documents such as proof of income, family relationship, and identity documents.
• Step 4: Submit the Application: The completed application, along with the required documents and application fees, must be submitted to IRCC. The sponsor will be asked to provide financial documents such as tax returns, pay slips, and employment verification.
• Step 5: Wait for Processing: IRCC will process the application, which may take several months or longer. During this time, the sponsored parent(s) will undergo medical exams and security checks. IRCC will also verify the sponsor's financial information.
• Step 6: Decision and Visa Issuance: Once the application is processed and approved, the sponsored parent(s) will be issued a permanent resident visa and can then travel to Canada. The sponsor will receive confirmation that their parent(s) are now permanent residents.

Financial Requirements for Parents Sponsorship

The sponsor must meet certain financial criteria to ensure they can support their parent(s) once they arrive in Canada. The sponsor must demonstrate that their income meets the minimum necessary income (MNI) for the size of their household, which includes both the sponsor’s immediate family and the parent(s) being sponsored. The sponsor must provide:

• Tax returns for the last 3 years.
• Proof of employment or self-employment income (e.g., pay stubs, bank statements, and employment verification letters).
• Letter of employment or income from self-employment, if applicable.
• Any additional financial documents requested by IRCC, such as business records or investments.

Benefits of the Parents Sponsorship Program

• Family Reunification: The primary benefit is family reunification, allowing parents to join their children in Canada and live together as a family.
• Permanent Residency: Approved parents will be granted permanent resident status in Canada, which allows them to live, work, and study in Canada.
• Healthcare and Social Benefits: Parents who are granted permanent residency will be eligible for Canada’s public healthcare system and other social services.
• Pathway to Citizenship: After living in Canada for a number of years, parents can apply for Canadian citizenship, subject to residency requirements.

Challenges and Limitations of the Parents Sponsorship Program

• Limited Intake: The program has a limited number of spots each year, and not all applications are invited to apply due to the high demand.
• Long Processing Times: The processing time for the sponsorship application can be lengthy, often taking several months to years depending on the complexity of the case and the number of applications.
• Financial Responsibility: Sponsors must ensure they meet the income requirements and be financially stable to support their parent(s) for several years. Failure to meet the obligations could result in financial penalties.
• Medical and Criminal Screening: Parents must pass medical exams and criminal background checks. If they have serious health issues or criminal history, this may impact the approval of their application.

Conclusion

The Parents Sponsorship Program offers a valuable opportunity for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their parents. Although the process can be competitive and time-consuming, it allows families to be together and provides parents with the chance to live in Canada permanently. Sponsors must meet eligibility requirements, demonstrate financial stability, and sign a commitment to support their parent(s) for a period of time. If successful, parents can enjoy permanent residency and the benefits that come with it, including healthcare, social benefits, and eventually citizenship.

For more information about the Parents Sponsorship Program and the application process, please visit the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.