How to Bring Your Parents to Canada
Bringing your parents to Canada is a common goal for many Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Whether you want to reunite your family or offer your parents a better quality of life, there are several ways to bring them to Canada, either temporarily or permanently. This article outlines the primary options available, along with the necessary steps to follow.
1. Sponsoring Your Parents for Permanent Residency
One of the most popular options for bringing parents to Canada is through the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program. This program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents to become permanent residents of Canada. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how this process works:
Eligibility Requirements
To sponsor your parents, you must meet specific requirements:
You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.
You must be at least 18 years old.
You must have enough income to financially support your parents once they arrive in Canada. This is measured using the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement, which depends on the number of people in your household and the number of family members you want to sponsor.
You must agree to provide financial support for your parents for a period of 20 years (10 years if you live in Quebec).
Application Process
Submit an Interest to Sponsor Form: Every year, the Canadian government opens the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program for a limited number of applications. You will first need to submit an Interest to Sponsor form online during the designated intake period.
Invitation to Apply: If selected through a random draw, you will receive an invitation to submit a formal application to sponsor your parents.
Submit the Sponsorship Application: Once invited, you’ll need to complete the sponsorship application, including forms that your parents must also complete, and submit it along with supporting documents, such as proof of income and your relationship to the person(s) you are sponsoring.
Wait for Processing: Processing times can vary, but it can take up to 2 years or more for the application to be processed.
Key Considerations
The Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) is very popular, and there is a limited number of spots available each year. Make sure to act quickly once the intake period opens.
You must meet all financial obligations, including the minimum income requirements for several consecutive years before applying.
2. Super Visa for Temporary Visits
If you’re looking for a faster option to bring your parents to Canada temporarily, the Super Visa is an excellent choice. The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods—up to 5 years at a time, with the possibility of multiple entries over a 10-year period.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a Super Visa, the following requirements must be met:
Letter of invitation from the Canadian citizen or permanent resident (you) inviting your parents.
Proof of financial support, showing that you meet the low-income cut-off (LICO) for your household.
Medical insurance from a Canadian company, covering at least $100,000 in health care costs for at least one year.
Proof of parental ties and the intention to leave Canada after the visa expires.
Application Process
Submit the Super Visa Application: Your parents will need to apply for a Super Visa at a Canadian visa office in their home country. The application requires documentation such as the invitation letter, proof of your income, and proof of health insurance.
Medical Examination: Your parents may be required to undergo a medical exam to ensure they meet Canada’s health requirements.
Visa Processing: Processing times for the Super Visa can vary, but it is typically faster than applying for permanent residency.
Key Benefits
The Super Visa allows long-term stays, up to 5 years without the need to renew every six months like a regular visitor visa.
The application process is generally quicker than the sponsorship route.
3. Visitor Visa for Short-Term Stays
If your parents are only planning to visit Canada for a short period (typically up to 6 months), they can apply for a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa). This is ideal for short visits, such as vacations or attending family events.
Application Process
Submit a Visitor Visa Application: Your parents will need to apply for a Visitor Visa from outside Canada. The process involves submitting documents such as a letter of invitation from you, proof of financial support, and information about their ties to their home country (to prove they will return).
Processing Times: Visitor Visas can take a few weeks to process depending on the country of application and current processing times.
4. Pathway to Permanent Residency After Arrival
If your parents come to Canada on a Super Visa or Visitor Visa, they might later consider applying for permanent residency. However, it's important to note that they cannot apply for permanent residency directly from within Canada as a visitor. They would need to apply for the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship in a subsequent year when the program opens.
Final Thoughts
Bringing your parents to Canada can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and understanding of the different immigration pathways. Whether you choose the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program for permanent residency or a Super Visa for long-term visits, it’s important to ensure that all eligibility requirements are met and that you have the financial means to support your parents during their time in Canada. Keep in mind the competitive nature of the Parent and Grandparent Program and consider applying for a Super Visa as a more flexible alternative for immediate family reunification.
With the right preparation, you can successfully bring your parents to Canada and enjoy the benefits of having your loved ones close by.
