Grandparents Sponsorship
Overview of Canadian Grandparents Sponsorship Immigration Program
At Titan Law, we understand the deep bond between grandparents and their grandchildren. We recognize the importance of family unity and strive to help you bring your grandparents to Canada through the Grandparents Sponsorship program. Our experienced immigration lawyers in British Columbia (BC), serving the Vancouver area, are here to guide you through the sponsorship process, ensuring a smooth and successful reunion with your loved ones.
Our Lawyers Specializing in Immigration are Ready to Help You
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors and Sponsored Grandparents
To sponsor your grandparents for immigration to Canada, both sponsors and sponsored grandparents must meet specific eligibility criteria. At Titan Law, our immigration lawyers will guide you through the requirements to ensure a successful sponsorship process. Here are the key eligibility criteria:
Sponsors:
- You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident residing in Canada.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- If you are a Canadian citizen living outside of Canada, you must demonstrate your intent to return to Canada once your grandparents become permanent residents.
- You must prove your ability to financially support your grandparents and meet the minimum necessary income requirement. This requirement ensures that your grandparents won’t rely on social assistance from the government.
- You must sign an agreement called the Sponsorship Undertaking, committing to providing financial support for your grandparents for a specific period. This undertaking ensures that your grandparents won’t need to rely on government assistance during their initial years in Canada.
Sponsored Grandparents:
- The sponsored grandparents must be your biological or adoptive grandparents.
- They must provide supporting documentation to prove their relationship with you, such as birth certificates or adoption papers.
- The grandparents must undergo medical examinations to ensure they meet health requirements and do not pose a risk to public health and safety.
- They must undergo criminal record checks to ensure they are not inadmissible to Canada based on criminal grounds.
The Application Process
At Titan Law, our experienced immigration lawyers are well-versed in the application process for sponsoring grandparents to Canada. We will guide you through each step, ensuring that all forms and documents are completed accurately and submitted within the designated timelines. Here is an overview of the application process:
- Initial Consultation. The process begins with an initial consultation with one of our immigration lawyer During this consultation, we will assess your eligibility, discuss your specific circumstances, and address any questions or concerns you may have.
- Document Gathering. Our lawyers will provide you with a comprehensive list of documents required for the sponsorship application. These may include proof of your relationship with your grandparents, financial information, medical examination reports, criminal record checks, and other supporting documentation. We will assist you in gathering these documents and ensuring their accuracy and completeness.
- Completing the Application Forms. We will assist you in completing the necessary application forms, including the Sponsorship Agreement, the Application to Sponsor, and the Application for Permanent Residence. Our lawyers will review the forms with you to ensure all information is accurate and consistent.
- Submission of the Application. Once all the forms and supporting documents are prepared, our lawyers will compile the application package and submit it to the designated immigration authorities on your behalf. We will ensure that all required fees are paid and that the application is submitted within the specified timeframe.
- Application Processing. After the submission, the immigration authorities will review your application. This process involves assessing the eligibility of both the sponsor and the sponsored grandparents, conducting background checks, and verifying the authenticity of the documents provided.
- Additional Requests or Interviews. In some cases, the immigration authorities may request additional documents or schedule an interview to further evaluate the application. Our lawyers will assist you in preparing for any such requests and guide you through the process.
- Decision and Confirmation of Permanent Residence. Once the application is processed, a decision will be made regarding the sponsorship. If approved, your grandparents will receive confirmation of permanent residence, and they can proceed with preparing for their relocation to Canada.
Throughout the application process, our immigration lawyers will keep you informed about the progress of your application, address any concerns that arise, and provide guidance and support at every stage.
Processing Times and Fees
Processing Times:
The processing times for grandparent sponsorship applications can vary depending on various factors, including the volume of applications and the specific circumstances of each case. While the Canadian government strives to process most applications within a reasonable timeframe, it’s important to note that delays can occur due to factors beyond our control. As of our knowledge cut off in September 2021, the processing times for grandparent sponsorship applications were approximately 20 to 24 months.
Please note that processing times are subject to change, and it’s advisable to consult with our immigration lawyers for the most up-to-date information regarding processing times.
Fees:
The grandparent sponsorship process involves several fees, which may include the following:
- Application Processing Fee: The current application processing fee for grandparent sponsorship is CAD $1,050 per person (subject to change). This fee is paid when submitting the sponsorship application.
- Biometrics Fee: As part of the application process, biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) are required for both the sponsor and the sponsored grandparents. The biometrics fee is CAD $85 per person (subject to change) and is paid separately.
- Medical Examination Fee: The sponsored grandparents are required to undergo a medical examination conducted by a designated panel physician. The fees for the medical examination vary depending on the physician and the specific tests required.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
The grandparent sponsorship process can present certain challenges along the way. However, with the guidance of our experienced immigration lawyers at Titan Law, you can overcome these challenges effectively. Here are some common challenges and strategies to address them:
Financial Eligibility:
Challenge: Demonstrating the financial ability to support your grandparents can be a challenge for some sponsors.
Strategy: Our lawyers will work closely with you to assess your financial situation and explore various options to meet the sponsorship requirements. This may include combining the income of multiple sponsors, utilizing assets, or exploring alternative sources of financial support.
Gathering Sufficient Documentation:
Challenge: Collecting all the necessary documents and evidence to prove your relationship with your grandparents, financial capacity, and other requirements can be time-consuming and complex.
Strategy: Our immigration lawyers will provide you with a comprehensive checklist of required documents and guide you through the process. We will ensure that you have the necessary supporting documentation and assist you in organizing and preparing the materials to present a strong and complete application.
Language Barriers:
Challenge: If your grandparents have limited English or French language skills, it may be challenging for them to communicate effectively during the application process.
Strategy: Our team can provide interpretation services during consultations or assist in obtaining translation services for documents that need to be submitted. We will ensure that language barriers do not hinder the progress of your application.
Application Delays or Refusals:
Challenge: Processing delays or a refusal of the sponsorship application can be disheartening and can significantly impact the reunion with your grandparents.
Strategy: Our experienced lawyers will meticulously review your application to minimize the chances of errors or omissions that could lead to delays or refusals. In the event of a refusal, we can guide you through the appeal process, addressing the concerns raised by the immigration authorities and presenting a strong case for reconsideration.
How Titan Law Can Help
Reuniting with your grandparents in Canada is a heartfelt endeavor that requires careful navigation of the immigration process. At Titan Law, our team of dedicated lawyers understands the importance of family ties and is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to book a free consultation with our experienced lawyers serving British Columbia (BC), including the Vancouver area. Let us help you bring your grandparents closer to home.
Book your free consultation now. Your family’s happiness is our priority.
Please note that immigration policies and processing times can change over time, so it’s important to consult with our immigration lawyers for the most accurate and up-to-date information based on your specific circumstances.
FAQs
No, under the current regulations, grandparents cannot directly sponsor their grandchildren for immigration to Canada. However, there are other family sponsorship programs available, such as parents and grandparents sponsorship, where a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor their parents (grandchild’s grandparents) for immigration to Canada.
Yes, a 70-year-old individual can immigrate to Canada, provided they meet the eligibility requirements for a specific immigration program. Age itself is not a barrier to immigration to Canada. However, it’s essential to consider the specific criteria of the program, such as the points system, health requirements, and financial capability, which may vary depending on the immigration stream or category chosen.
Once sponsored and granted permanent residence, grandparents can stay in Canada indefinitely. Permanent residents have the right to live, work, and study in Canada, as well as access healthcare and social benefits. However, it’s important to maintain permanent resident status by meeting residency obligations, which include physical presence requirements.
Having a grandmother born in Canada does not automatically grant you the right to move to Canada. However, if you have a Canadian citizen parent or meet other eligibility criteria, you may be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship or immigration through various programs available, such as family sponsorship or skilled worker programs. Each case is assessed individually based on specific requirements.
As of our knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the processing times for grandparent sponsorship applications were approximately 20 to 24 months. However, processing times can vary depending on factors such as the volume of applications, the complexity of the case, and the efficiency of the immigration authorities. It’s advisable to consult with our immigration lawyers for the most up-to-date information on current processing times.