How Do I Sponsor My Parents or Grandparents

The Canadian government understands the need for parents and grandparents to reunite with their children and grandchildren. Therefore, they have produced a quick and easy way for reunification in the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa program.

Before the implementation of the Super Visa, most people sponsored their parents or grandparents as permanent residents through the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP). Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) currently places a cap on the amount of applications that may be processed in a year, which means that many families will not see any success through this program.

Now, instead of going through the PGP process, parents and grandparents have the alternative of choosing to opt in the Super Visa instead. The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa that will allow you to visit Canada as many times as you wish for up to ten years, although each individual’s situation may differ. Your dependent children may not be included in the application; only your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible to accompany you.

There are obvious pros and cons in this program. It is important to understand that, unlike the PGP, the Super Visa will not lead to a Canadian citizenship. This being said, unlike a Visitor Visa, you may stay in Canada for up to two years at a time.

Like every program, there are requirements that must be satisfied in order to have a successful application. Some requirements includes having a medical examination showing that you are not medically inadmissible, having Canadian medical insurance coverage, showing that your child or grandchild meets the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO), etc…

You may now be wondering which program suits your situation better, or whether, after submitting an application for the PGP, you can withdraw it to apply for the Super Visa.

At Akrami & Associates, our legal professionals may assist you with any misapprehensions you may have. We understand that an application process is complex and requires commitment. Call us today to see how we can help you.