Navigating the Challenges of Brought Your Parents to Canada: Visitor Visa vs. Super Visa vs. Permanent Residency
Bringing your parents or grandparents to Canada can vary in difficulty based on the type of visa you are applying for and individual circumstances. In this article, we will explore the options of visitor visa, super visa for parents and grandparents, and permanent residency (PR).
Visitor Visa
Eligibility: Your parents can apply for a visitor visa (TRV) if they plan to stay temporarily. They must demonstrate ties to their home country, have sufficient funds for their stay, and the intention to return home.
Application Process: The application involves filling out forms, providing documents like proof of financial support, travel itinerary, and ties to their home country. In some cases, an interview may be required.
Processing Time: Processing times can vary but typically range from a few weeks to a few months.
Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents
Eligibility: The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit for up to two years at a time. Applicants must have medical insurance and pass a medical exam.
Application Process: Similar to a visitor visa but with additional requirements including proof of financial support from the child or grandchild in Canada and a letter of invitation. This process is generally quicker, often taking a few weeks.
Permanent Residency PR
Eligibility: Bringing parents or grandparents as permanent residents is more complex. You can sponsor them under the Family Class category but you must meet specific income requirements and demonstrate the ability to support them.
Application Process: The application process includes submitting a sponsorship application, the permanent residency application, and supporting documents. It can take a significant amount of time, often a year or more, depending on various factors.
Quota System: Canada has a quota system for parent and grandparent sponsorship which can affect how quickly applications are processed.
Challenges
Financial Requirements: Demonstrating sufficient income can be challenging, especially for PR applications. You need to prove that you can support both your own and your parents' or grandparents' living expenses.
Ties to Home Country: For visitor visas, proving strong ties to your home country can be difficult if your parents have limited assets or family ties there.
Processing Delays: Immigration processing times can be unpredictable and may be affected by various factors, including global events like pandemics or political changes.
Conclusion
The difficulty of bringing your parents or grandparents to Canada largely depends on the visa type and individual circumstances. Visitor visas and Super Visas are generally easier and faster to obtain while permanent residency is more complex and time-consuming. Consulting with an immigration consultant or lawyer can provide tailored guidance based on your specific situation.