Canada values family reunification and offers several pathways for parents to immigrate and join their children who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a popular immigration option that allows eligible parents and grandparents to obtain permanent residency in Canada. In this comprehensive guide, we will outline the step-by-step process of applying for parents’ immigration in Canada under the PGP.
1. Understand the Eligibility Requirements
Before starting the application process, it is crucial to assess the eligibility requirements for parents’ immigration in Canada. The key factors to consider are:
Sponsorship Eligibility: You must have a child who is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident and is willing to sponsor your immigration.
Age Requirement: There is no age cap for sponsoring parents under the PGP.
Financial Capacity: Sponsors must meet the minimum necessary income requirement to demonstrate their ability to support their parents financially.
Relationship: You must prove the biological or legal parent-child relationship with the Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsor.
2. Preparing the Application
Once you have determined your eligibility, you can begin preparing the application for parents’ immigration. The process involves the following steps:
Complete the Forms:
Apply to become a sponsor by completing the Sponsorship Evaluation and Relationship Questionnaire forms.
Your child (the sponsor) needs to complete the Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and Undertaking form.
Gather Supporting Documents:
As the parent applicant, gather required documents such as passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce or separation documents, police certificates, and medical examination reports.
The sponsor should provide proof of citizenship or permanent residency, proof of income, and other supporting documents as specified by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Income Requirements:
Sponsors must meet the minimum necessary income requirement for the past three taxation years, demonstrating their ability to financially support the parents.
If the sponsor does not meet the income threshold, they can use an eligible co-signer or a legally binding undertaking from a group of individuals to meet the financial requirements.
Notarized Translation and Document Verification:
Ensure that all documents not in English or French are translated into one of these languages by a certified translator.
Verify the authenticity of all supporting documents to avoid delays or complications during the application process.
3 Submitting the Application
Once you have completed the forms and gathered all the required documents, you are ready to submit the application for parents’ immigration. Follow these steps:
Pay the Fees:
Check the IRCC website for the most up-to-date fee information.
Pay the sponsorship fee and the processing fee for each parent applicant.
Include proof of payment with the application.
Compile the Application Package:
Organize all the completed forms, supporting documents, and proof of fee payment into a comprehensive application package.
Include a detailed cover letter outlining the contents of the application package.
Submit the Application:
Mail the complete application package to the appropriate IRCC office as specified in the application guide.
Ensure that the application reaches the designated office within the specified timeframe.
4. Application Processing and Decision
After submitting the application for parents’ immigration, the IRCC will begin processing it. The processing time may vary, but you can check the IRCC website for estimated processing times.
Completeness Check:
IRCC will perform an initial completeness check to ensure that all the required forms and supporting documents are included in the application package.
If any documents are missing, you may be requested to provide them within a specified timeframe.
Additional Information and Verification:
IRCC may request additional information or documentation if needed to verify the genuineness of the relationship or other aspects of the application.
Be prepared to provide any requested information promptly.
Medical Examination and Police Certificates:
As part of the application process, parents will need to undergo a medical examination conducted by a designated panel physician.
Obtain police certificates from all countries where the parents have resided for six months or more since the age of 18.
Decision on the Application:
Once the application is processed and reviewed, IRCC will make a decision regarding the parents’ immigration.
If approved, the parents will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and instructions on how to complete the landing process.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that immigration policies and procedures may change over time, so it’s recommended to visit the official IRCC website or consult with an immigration lawyer for the most up-to-date information and guidance on sponsoring parents for immigration to Canada.
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