In 2018, the Parents and Grandparents Program will reopen, which will allow permanent residents and citizens of Canada to bring their grandparents and parents to Canada. IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) has committed to making the application process more transparent and easier.
To apply under the reopened program, applicants will need to fill out an “Interest to Sponsor” form to inform IRCC they wish to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada. IRCC will use a random process to determine who will be allowed to sponsor their family members.
The Parents and Grandparents Program will formally reopen on January 2, 2018, at noon, EST, when the Interest to Sponsor form will be made available online. Applicants who are interested in sponsoring their grandparents or parents will need to fill out this online form by noon EST on February 1, 2018, to be considered.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Ahmed Hussen, has stated the reopening of the program will help cement Canada’s commitment to keeping families together and will promote the integration of those who choose to call the country home.
Do I Qualify?
In order to sponsor family through the Parents and Grandparents Program, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Your parents or grandparents must be able to pass the required medical exams, criminal checks, and background checks to come to Canada
- Your parents or grandparents must not pose a risk to Canadian security and must not have a criminal record
- You must be a permanent resident, registered as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act, or a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years of age
- You must meet Quebec immigration sponsorship regulations if you live in Quebec
- You must meet income minimums and be able to financially support your parents or grandparents and their dependents in Canada
- You must sign an agreement which commits you to financial support for your sponsored relatives and any relatives they arrive with for 3-20 years
- If you live in Quebec, you will need to sign an “undertaking” contract.
You will not be able to sponsor family under the newly reopened Parents and Grandparents Program if you:
- Have defaulted on an immigration loan, past sponsorship financial responsibilities, child support, alimony, or any court-ordered payments
- Have an unreleased bankruptcy
- Are in prison
- Get government assistance (disability benefits do not affect your ability to sponsor parents or grandparents)
- Have a criminal record which includes a sexual offense, an offense against a relative, or any violent offense
Would you like to know more about sponsoring relatives to come to Canada? Immigration Direct has resources to help you navigate the sponsorship process. Our free blog also has the latest news and information you can use. Check out our site today for help with your immigration needs!
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