Immigration Corner | What are the options for my mother?

Dear Ms Powell,

I have a permanent resident card and live in Canada. I left my mom back in my home country and I would like her to come to Canada and stay with me for her birthday in February. I just started a new job and won’t be able to get time off and I would like her to some and spend some quality time with me and my family and friends. Can you tell me what are my options to bring her here and which programme to choose? Thank you in advance for your help.

SE

Dear SE,

As a permanent resident of Canada, you have three options to bring your mother to Canada. They are via the Family Sponsorship Programme, the Temporary Resident/Visitor Visa or the Super Visa. Each option has its own set of requirements, benefits, and timelines. By understanding the differences and benefits of each option, you can make an informed decision that best suits your family’s needs and timelines. I will outline below some information to help you decide which option is best for you and your mother

FAMILY SPONSORSHIP

A Canadian citizen and permanent resident can sponsor a parent or grandparent to live permanently in Canada under the Family Sponsorship Category. This Parent and Grandparent Programme (PGP) is a two-step application process. The first requires you to submit an interest to sponsor your mother and the second involves you and your mother submitting details to show that you are both eligible.

You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and you need to meet certain income requirements to prove you can financially support your mother. Your mother will also need to provide her details to show that she is admissible to Canada. Once your application is approved, your mother will be allowed to live, work or study anywhere in Canada and have access to healthcare.

The difficulty with this programme is that you will need to meet the income requirement for a minimum of three years prior to applying, plus the processing time is lengthy due to the high demand and limited available spots. There is no guarantee that your application will be selected even if you are one of the fortunate persons who are able to submit an expression of interest when the programme opens. Invitations are sent out randomly and that is the reason why many persons call it a lottery system.

SUPER VISA

The Super Visa is a more favourable programme for parents and grand parents who are not interested in working or living permanently in Canada. The super visa is a long-term, multiple-entry visa available to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It will allow your mother to visit Canada for extended periods, without the need to renew or extend her status frequently.

To qualify for a super visa your mother must undergo a medical examination and have valid medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company. The application process is similar to a regular visa. You will need to provide your mother with a letter of invitation, proof of your income and your mother’s medical insurance in accordance with the government’s specification.

The Super Visa allows your mother to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time, with the possibility of extending her stay for another two years without leaving the country. The Super Visa application is generally processed within a few months, depending on your mother’s country of residence.

REGULAR VISITOR’S VISA

If your mother only wishes to visit Canada for up to six months, then you may apply for a regular visitor visa. She may have the option to extend the period. However, she would need to apply, pay an application fee and provide reasons for the request for an extension of time to remain in Canada. The only benefit of this option is that she will not need to purchase the medical insurance which many individuals cost prohibitive.

WHICH OPTION IS FASTER?

If your goal is to have your mother visit you in Canada for her birthday in February, the Super Visa is likely the fastest option. Given the current processing times, a Super Visa application can be completed in a few months, making it feasible for a visit in the New Year. If you do not wish to purchase the insurance, then you may consider a regular visitor’s visa. The key to note is that for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship programme, while offering the benefit of permanent residency, the programme is currently closed, has a much longer processing time and generally not suitable for a short-term visit.

Your choice of programme depends on your long-term goals and immediate needs. If you want your mother to join you permanently in Canada, the Family Sponsorship Programme is your best option in the long run, despite its lengthy processing time. However, for a quicker solution, especially if you want her to visit in a few months, the Super Visa is the best option. It offers a faster processing time and the flexibility of long-term visits without the need for frequent renewals. You still have the option of applying for sponsorship when the programme reopens.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator and notary public in Canada. Send your questions or comments via WhatsApp or tel: 613.695.8777. You may request a Zoom/telephone consultation via Facebook or Instagram.