On October 13th, we last wrote about the 2020 Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship intake. The Government of Canada at that time, had implemented a lottery system for sponsoring parents and grandparents. This came at the beginning of a three week window of opportunity, for all those wishing to sponsor a loved one to apply. In addition, these spots had been reduced from 20,000 last year, to only 10,000 this year. The remainder of spots added to next years intake of 30,000.
However few spots there may seem to be this year, there is still hope through the lottery system. With this final week of applications fast approaching, now may be your last chance to apply.
How to Apply for Sponsorship
In this interest of saving time, lets outline everything you’ll need. First things first, who is eligible to sponsor a parent or grandparent?
- At least 18 years of age or older
- Live in Canada and are a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Have enough money to support those whom you sponsor
What are these financial requirements?
Who Can be Sponsored?
Those looking to sponsor can only do so for their own parents, adopted of natural. If you meet the income requirements, you may also sponsor more than one person. In addition, it is also possible to sponsor a step parent, a half sibling (half brother or sister), and even your mother and father as a couple.
Note: it is not possible to sponsor your spouses family, or those inadmissible to Canada. For more information on “inadmissibility”, visit the government link here.
Sponsorship Process
There are a total of 6 steps in the sponsorship process.
The first step in this new lottery system is the submittal of what is called a “Interest to Sponsor” form. Additionally, this form will be your “lottery ticket” for an opportunity to be able to apply for this program.
Second comes the invitation to apply. This is a completely passive step, and only requires the applicant to wait and see if they have won a spot in the lottery.
After being accepted, each applicant must fill out an application package. It is very important that this is the 2020 form and not the 2019 form, as there have been changes made since the last intake.
The fourth step in the process is the payment of application fees. Keep in mind that these fees are non-refundable. Included are, biometric fees, police certificates, medical exams, processing fees, and Right of Permanent Residence Fee.
Following the payment of fees, the application can be sent in. Without exception, this application must arrive at the immigration office within 60 days of acceptance into the program. Applications must be sent by post (mailing service). However, if the application is not complete, fees are missing, or the application doesn’t arrive by the deadline, it will be sent back.
Finally, the officer handling your case will request additional documentation. These are for the person being sponsored and the initial applicant. These documents are, medical exams, biometrics, and police certificates.
Getting Help
Sponsoring can be difficult, and a small mistake can mean another year of waiting for the next intake. More importantly with the new lottery system, getting documents correct the first time has gained more importance. This is mainly because it is unclear if applicants will receive a second chance to apply in the next lottery intake.
If you are interested in maximizing your chances of a successful application, we can help. Taraz Immigration Services reduce all the pain points in the application process. We take care of all organization of documents, filling of applications, and send them to your immigration officer.
Call, email, checkout our website, or drop by for more information. Click the link to get in contact with our team.