WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SPONSORING PARENTS TO CANADA?

Sponsoring parents or grandparents to Canada is a wonderful way to reunite with your family. To successfully sponsor your parents to Canada, you must meet specific requirements and follow a well-defined process. Here are the key requirements for sponsoring parents to Canada:

 

1. Be Eligible as a Sponsor:

 

To sponsor your parents, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
• You must be at least 18 years old.
• If you live in Quebec, you must also meet Quebec's immigration sponsorship requirements, which may have additional criteria.
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2. Financial Eligibility:

 

You must prove that you have sufficient financial resources to support your parents or grandparents and their dependents. This is to ensure that they do not need to rely on social assistance from the government.

 

3. Commitment to Financial Responsibility:

 

As a sponsor, you must sign an undertaking, a legal commitment, to financially support your parents or grandparents for a specified period. The undertaking typically covers the basic needs of the sponsored family members, such as food, clothing, shelter, and healthcare.

 

4. Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) Requirement:

 

You need to demonstrate that you meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement, which is determined based on your family size and the number of people you plan to sponsor. This requirement ensures that you have the financial capacity to fulfill your undertaking.

 

5. Provide Proof of Income:

 

You will need to submit documents as proof of your income, such as tax returns, employment letters, and pay stubs, to show that you meet the MNI requirement.

 

6. Submit an Interest to Sponsor Form:

 

To sponsor your parents or grandparents, you must express your interest by submitting an "Interest to Sponsor" form during the designated intake periods. These intake periods are announced annually by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Ensure that you complete this form accurately and within the specified timeframe.

 

7. Be Selected in the Lottery:

 

Once you've submitted your Interest to Sponsor form, you may be selected through a lottery system. If your application is selected, you will receive an invitation to apply.

 

8. Complete the Full Application:

 

If you receive an invitation to apply, you must submit a complete sponsorship application along with all required documents within the specified timeframe. This includes detailed financial information and supporting documents.

 

9. Undergo Medical Examinations and Security Checks:

 

Both you (the sponsor) and the sponsored parents or grandparents may be required to undergo medical examinations and security checks as part of the application process.

 

10. Wait for Processing:

 

The processing time for parental sponsorship applications can vary, but IRCC makes efforts to process applications as efficiently as possible.

 

11. Receive Approval and Permanent Residence:

 

If the sponsorship application is approved, your parents or grandparents will be granted permanent residence in Canada. They will have the same rights and privileges as other permanent residents.

 

12. Sign a Sponsorship Agreement:

 

As the sponsor, you will need to sign a Sponsorship Agreement, which outlines your responsibilities and obligations regarding the financial support and well-being of your sponsored family members.

 

It's important to note that the requirements and procedures for sponsoring parents may change over time. Therefore, it's crucial to regularly check the official IRCC website or consult with an immigration professional for the most up-to-date information and guidance on sponsoring parents to Canada. Additionally, keep in mind that the sponsorship process can be competitive due to limited spots available, so be prepared to meet all the requirements and deadlines.