Canada has been identified as one of the most accommodative nations as far family reunification is concerned. In case you are in Canada and would like to permanently bring your parents with you, you have a legal way of doing it. This is a complete guide to PR among parents in Canada, how to apply, eligibility, documents required, costs, schedule, and reliable governmental sources.
This resource will answer all your questions no matter whether you are just beginning to think about the family sponsorship or you are making all your documents.
What Does This PR to Parents in Canada?
Permanent Residency (PR) implies that your parents will have all the rights that are enjoyed by citizens of Canada, and they can live there, stay there, and do everything legally. After securing PR, they are at one time or another eligible to acquire citizenship.
Family class immigration of parents in Canada comes in category of Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
As a second option, though a temporary visa is not a permanent route to take, you may use a Super Visa.
How to take your parents to Canada.
There are two main options:
- Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship (PGP) – This is the legitimate process of granting your parents a permanent residency.
- Super Visa – An up to 10 years visa that allows your parents to spend up to 5 years with you each time, but it is not permanent and does not result in PR.
We will dwell on PR with the PGP, before briefly mentioning the operation of the Super Visa in case the PGP is not available at the moment.
What is Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP)?
The PGP is a program which enables citizens of Canada as well as permanent residents to sponsor their grandparents and parents to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents.
IRCC publishes a small number of figures annually, after which the individuals who express their interest in sponsoring a parent can post an online form of Interest to Sponsor on the site. Should you be chosen, you will be sent an Invitation to apply (ITA) whereby you can file a full immigration application.
Here you can find official information on the government of Canada website.
Who is Eligible to Sponsor Parents for Canada PR?
In order to sponsor your parents, you have to meet the following rules:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Live in Canada
- Be an Indian who is a permanent resident or a citizen of Canada.
- Have the ability to take care of your parents financially.
- Show that you earn a sufficient amount of income over the previous 3 years by providing tax returns.
- Consent to support the basic needs of your parents during 20 years (or 10 years provided that you reside in Quebec)
The amount of income you earn should be adequate to qualify as what we refer to as Minimum Necessary Income (MNI). This need varies depending on family size. The revised amounts are available on the income requirement page of IRCC.
The Sponsorship Process.
The following is a rough list of the steps:
- Confirm your eligibility – Be sure that you are old enough, live where, and have enough income.
- Send Interest to Sponsor form – It is done online on the opening of the application window. It’s like entering a lottery.
- Wait till you are picked – IRCC conducts a draw and picks a few thousand sponsors.
- Get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) – You will be invited to submit a complete application of sponsorship and PR, in case you are selected.
- Complete and forward the entire application- This involves your sponsorship application and the PR application of your parents.
- Waiting a decision – In case all is well, your parents will be allowed to get permanent residency.
When Does the PGP Open?
The program is announced in October or November, once every year, by IRCC. The amount of applications one gets is minimal and therefore one should apply promptly once the form becomes open.
The dates may be kept by referring to the IRCC Newsroom or their Program Updates page.
What Documents Are Required?
Your turn to make a full application will require a number of documents on your side as a sponsor, as well as that of your parents. The following goes as a rough list:
From You (Sponsor)
- Canadian passport or PR card
- Evidence of income (tax documents issued by CRA)
- Past 3 years Notice of Assessment.
- Sponsorship undertaking signed.
- Proof of residence in Canada
From Your Parents
- Passports
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificate (where necessary)
- Police clearance
- Medical examination
- Digital photos
- Forms IMM 1344, IMM 0008, and other ones (supplied by IRCC).
All the necessary forms and guides can be downloaded directly on the official sponsorship guide.
Time and Duration of Process for Parents PR in Canada.
An average PR processing time of parents may be 24-36 months, yet it may change depending on the complexity of the case and the document preparedness.
IRCC has updated processing time. Visit the Check Processing Times tool to check the recent average time.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost to the government of sponsoring parents is as follows (prone to change):
- Sponsorship fee: $85 CAD
- Application processing fee of parents: $570 CAD.
- Right of permanent residence fee: $515 CAD.
- Biometrics (if required): $85 CAD
The government fee per parent is approximately 1255 CAD without other costs such as translation fees, medical examination and courier fees.
Fees can always be re- checked in the official fee list of IRCC.
What Happens If You are not Picked in the PGP?
You will not be eligible to continue with the PR application that year in case you are not selected during the annual draw. However, there is no need to fret about that, there is another great option the Super Visa.
The Super Visa Expert Knowledge.
The Super Visa is an excellent option in case you would prefer your parents to remain with you longer but you are not willing to wait till the PR process is completed.
The most important facts concerning the Super Visa:
- Visits of not longer than 5 years are allowed.
- Valid for up to 10 years
- Should possess personal health cover.
- Evidence of support of child or grandchild.
- Must undergo a medical exam
Although this visa does not grant PR per se, it is quick and gives a long visitation period to the family.
It is possible to learn more on the Super Visa page.
PR vs Super Visa: Which Is the Better One?
It depends on your goals. PR by the PGP is the best choice in case you desire your parents to live in Canada permanently and receive healthcare.
In case they need a few years stay here with them another time or without committing to make their abode here permanently, then the Super Visa could be perfect.
Other families apply to a Super Visa as they wait to receive PGP invitations.
Should Your Spouse Sponsor her Parents?
Yes you can also sponsor your mother-in-law or father-in-law though remember that your spouse has to co-sign the application. Collectively, you are supposed to uphold the necessary income and the co-signer should also take the obligation of your parents legally.
Quebec Has Different Rules
In Quebec, there are differences in the process. You need:
- In order to satisfy the general eligibility of IRCC.
- To meet Quebec’s income scale
- To conclude an undertaking with MIFI (Ministere de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Integration).
Quebec The Quebec applicants are advised to visit the Quebec immigration site to get updated procedures.
How Is PR Implemented Once It has Been Approved?
After their parents have been accepted as PR they can:
- Live permanently in Canada
- Get provincial public healthcare once waiting period (depending on the province) has elapsed.
- Apply to be a Canadian Citizen in future (after 3-5 years of residing)
- Get Old Age Security and other benefits (after qualifying on them)
Publicity of your parents is a life changing move that will enable your parents to live healthy and insecure lives with close family.
What Is the Result of the Refusal of the Application?
You are not eligible to appeal in case your application will be rejected based on the mistake, missing documents, or does not satisfy the income requirement. You should wait till the next intake of PGP or you may have to consider applying the Super Visa.
Always make sure:
- You are using the right and recent forms.
- You meet the income for 3 years
- Your documents are complete
In case of any concern, also refer to a regulated Canadian immigration consultant or lawyer.
Key Tips to Improve Success
- Bring all your tax records (NOA) in the last 3 years.
- Investigate intake rounds on the News section of IRCC.
- Get your documents legalized and translated in case they are in a foreign language.
- Deadlines are to be followed strictly in case you are picked.
- Use family reunification forums and community pages to get updated.
Family Dream Worth Pursuing.
Taking your parents to Canada as permanent residents is a sign of the strength of family, love, and support. It may sound like a tedious process, but it becomes bearable with patience and the appropriate information on hand.
Here’s a quick reminder:
- Start preparing early
- Adhere to the instructions provided by the government.
- Submit documents on time
- Only reliable sources such as Canada.ca should be used.
You can either go through the PGP or start with a Super Visa but what you need to know is that your family togetherness is important and Canada encourages it.
Parent PR in Canada Trusted Government Links.
- Main Page in Family Sponsorship.
- PGP sponsorship application manual (IMM 5196).
- Super Visa Information
- Processing Times of Checks.
- Fee Information
- Quebec Immigration Website
Final Thoughts On Canada PR for Parents
You are not only filling in paperwork by sponsoring your parents to PR in Canada, but you are also bringing your family together. Though the process is time consuming, it is well worth it.
Be updated, plan ahead and do not be shy to seek assistance when you feel lost. You have a chance of staying with your parents in Canada and this guide will help you to do so.
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