Citizenship and Immigration Canada is set to reopen in January 10,000 applications for the Parents and Grandparents Program which allows entry of parents and grandparents of qualified citizens into Canada and receive Canadian permanent resident status. They may also eventually apply for Canadian citizenship after fulfilling residency obligations.
The sponsor in Canada of a parent or grandparent candidate must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
- Be 18 years of age or older;
- Exceed the minimum necessary income level for this program by submitting notices of assessment issued by the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) in support of their sponsorship. Sponsors must also demonstrate they have met the minimum necessary income level for three consecutive years. If married or in a common-law relationship, the income of both persons can be included; and
- Promise to provide financial support for the sponsored relative for a period of 20 years. This time period begins on the date the sponsored relative becomes a permanent resident.
The sponsor and the sponsored relative must sign a sponsorship agreement that commits the sponsor to provide financial support for the sponsored relative, if necessary. This agreement also states that the person becoming a permanent resident will make every effort to support himself or herself. Quebec residents must sign an “undertaking” with the province of Quebec — a contract binding the sponsorship.