Immigration to Canada through Canadian Family Class Sponsorship

PARENTAL AND GRANDPARENTAL VISA TO CANADA

Family reunification is an important component of Canada's immigration agenda. Of the 262,236 immigrant Visas granted in 2005, over 63,300 Visas were allocated to family sponsorship under the Family Class program. Canada's current Immigration Plan sets out a long range goal of welcoming approximately 67,000 to 69,000 Family Class Visa Applicants per year and will account for a large portion of migrants to Canada.

Under the Parent & Grandparent Visa, Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are living in Canada can apply to sponsor their parents and grandparents.

The Parent & Grandparent Visa allows the sponsorship of applicants who can show their relationship with their Canadian children and grandchildren in Canada. The Canadian sponsors must also be willing to live in Canada with you and must be capable of supporting you without accessing public funds.

PARENTAL AND GRANDPARENTAL VISA BASIC REQUIREMENTS

In order to apply for the Parent & Grandparent Visa, you must possess children or grandchildren with Canadian citizenship or permanent residence living in Canada, willing to sponsor you. Your sponsor must also sign an undertaking to provide for all of your basic needs for a specified period of time.

PARENTAL AND GRANDPARENTAL VISA ENTITLEMENTS

As a Family Visa permanent resident, you will have the right to live, work and study in Canada indefinitely. You are also free to travel anywhere in Canada, and to take employment as you see fit. This flexibility makes it the popular choice for newcomers.

You will have access to Canada's Medicare system (government-funded health care), subsidized education, unrestricted access to the Canadian employment market, language training programs, assistance for finding employment, and the rights, freedoms and responsibilities associated with permanent residence.

Canada also provides financial assistance to residents and citizens through various programs such as unemployment insurance benefits, Canada child tax benefit, worker's compensation plans, social assistance and senior citizen discounts.

In addition, you may also be eligible for Canada Pension Plan Benefits, Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement and the option to participate in retirement plans such as Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP), and the ability to apply for citizenship once you satisfy Canadian residency requirements.

For more information on the Family Class Visas, see Frequently Asked Questions on family visas