How much income do I need to sponsor my parents and grandparents?
To sponsor your parents and grandparents to come to Canada as permanent residents, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Be invited to apply by IRCC.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Live in Canada.
- Be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a registered Indian.
- Have enough money to support them in Canada.
- Meet the minimum necessary income level for the last 3 tax years and provide proof of income.
The minimum necessary income level (MNI) is calculated based on the number of people you will be responsible for supporting financially, including yourself. The MNI requirement for the last 3 tax years is as follows:
| Total number of people you’ll be responsible for | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | $32,270 | $32,898 | $43,082 |
| 3 | $39,672 | $40,444 | $52,965 |
| 4 | $48,167 | $49,106 | $64,306 |
| 5 | $54,630 | $55,694 | $72,935 |
| 6 | $61,613 | $62,814 | $82,259 |
| 7 | $68,598 | $69,934 | $91,582 |
| More than 7 | Add $6,985 for each additional person | Add $7,120 for each additional person | Add $9,324 for each additional person |
Please note that the MNI requirement for the 2020 and 2021 tax years has been reduced to the minimum necessary income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Family class sponsors and co-signers will also be able to count certain benefits in their income calculations for the 2020 and 2021 tax years.
If you live in Quebec, the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) will assess your income.
How long does it take to process my application?
The processing time for your application depends on the type of application you have submitted. The processing times for most applications are available on the Government of Canada website. The processing time for an Express Entry application is generally six months or less. However, the actual processing time may vary depending on the complexity of your application and the number of applications received.
If you have already applied, you can check your application status on the Government of Canada website. You will need to provide your application number and other personal information to access your application status.
How much does it cost to apply for sponsorship of parents and grandparents?
The cost of sponsoring your parents and grandparents to Canada as permanent residents includes the following fees:
- Sponsorship fees: $75 CAD
- Processing fees for each parent or grandparent: $490 CAD
- Right of permanent residence fees for each parent or grandparent: $515 CAD
- Biometrics fees per parent or grandparent: $85 CAD
- Principal applicant processing fee: $475 CAD
- Principal applicant’s spouse processing fee: $500 CAD
It is also possible to sponsor your parents or grandparents without the right of permanent residence fee, in which case only the sponsorship fee and principal applicant processing fee would be necessary.
Please note that the fees mentioned above are subject to change. You can check the Government of Canada website for the most up-to-date information on fees and processing times.
How long does it take to process my application?
The processing time for your application depends on the type of application you have submitted. The processing times for most applications are available on the Government of Canada website. The processing time for an Express Entry application is generally six months or less. However, the actual processing time may vary depending on the complexity of your application and the number of applications received.
If you have already applied, you can check your application status on the Government of Canada website. You will need to provide your application number and other personal information to access your application status.
What is the difference between a co-signer and a sponsor?
- A sponsor is a person who agrees to support a family member financially and provide for their basic needs after they arrive in Canada as permanent residents. A co-signer, on the other hand, is someone who agrees to take on the financial responsibility of providing additional support if the sponsor is unable to fulfill their obligations.
- By co-signing a sponsorship application, the co-signer assumes financial responsibility for the sponsored individual in the event that the sponsor is unable to fulfill their financial obligations. This includes providing financial support and repaying any social assistance payments made to the sponsored person. A co-signer is required when the sponsor’s income does not meet the necessary requirements to support themselves and their family members. The co-signer must also meet all eligibility criteria and may be subject to similar restrictions as the sponsor.
What documents do I need to submit with my sponsorship application?
To sponsor your parents and grandparents to come to Canada as permanent residents, you need to submit the following documents:
- A completed and signed sponsorship agreement and undertaking form (IMM 5772).
- A completed and signed application to sponsor form (IMM 5768).
- A completed and signed sponsorship evaluation form (IMM 5481).
- Proof of income for the last three years, such as a Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency.
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status.
- Proof of relationship to the person you are sponsoring, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate.
- Police certificates from all countries where you have lived for six months or more since the age of 18.
- Medical exams for the person you are sponsoring and their dependents.
Please note that the above list is not exhaustive and additional documents may be required depending on your specific situation.
What happens if my sponsorship application is refused?
If your sponsorship application is refused, you can file a sponsorship appeal at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (Immigration Appeal Division) within 30 days of receiving the refusal letter. If the sponsor is refused, the family members can still apply for permanent residence, but their application may not be approved. If the sponsor chooses to withdraw the application, they won’t get the $75 CAD sponsorship fee back.
Please note that sponsorship appeals are not possible for persons who have been found inadmissible to Canada based on certain reasons.
conclusion
sponsoring your parents and grandparents to become permanent residents in Canada requires careful consideration of eligibility criteria, financial commitments, and thorough documentation. Meeting the minimum necessary income levels, understanding processing times, and being aware of associated costs are crucial aspects of this process. Differentiating between sponsors and co-signers, ensuring the submission of comprehensive documentation, and understanding the appeal process in case of refusal are key elements to navigate successfully through the sponsorship journey. As applicants embark on this meaningful endeavor, staying informed and up-to-date on the latest requirements is essential for a smooth and successful sponsorship experience.
