Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship in Canada: A Quick Overview

Canada’s Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) facilitates the permanent residence of parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Process:

• Lottery System: Potential sponsors express their interest, after which a random selection occurs.
• Application Timeline: Chosen sponsors get 60 days to submit a complete sponsorship application.

Sponsor’s Eligibility:

1. Age & Residency: 18 years or older and living in Canada.
2. Status: Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
3. Income Requirement: Must have met the stipulated minimum income for three consecutive years. Income from a co-signer can be combined.
4. Financial Commitment: Sponsors commit to support their parents/grandparents for 20 years, which includes repaying any social benefits the sponsored individual might claim.

Who Qualifies for Sponsorship?

• Direct parents and grandparents, whether by blood or adoption.
• Step-parents or step-grandparents, if applicable due to a sponsor’s parent’s divorce or separation.
• Siblings are eligible only if they are deemed dependent children.

Alternative – Super Visa: If PGP doesn’t work out, the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa offers an alternative. It lets the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents visit Canada for 2 years per entry, with a validity of up to 10 years.

The PGP allows Canadians to reunite with their elders, ensuring family ties remain strong and integral to the country’s multicultural fabric.