PR FOR PARENTS

[jimmy_kallarackal]

Hi. Request your help.

1. As a pr holder if we sponsor our parents for pr and if they are above the age of 65, can they resort to government support after some time period for there expenses.
2. Would the hospitilization be free for them.
3. As it is said hospitilization is free for pr holder, does it mean that in emergency if an pr holder needs to go through some major operation or surgery the expenses would be beared by government or in case of child birth maternity expenses would be beared by govt??

[scylla]

1. You will be responsible for supporting them financially for 10 years. If they request financial assistance from the government during this time, you will be held responsible for paying this money back.
2. Yes. Either immediately or after three months of residence (depending on the province).
3. Yes - these costs would be covered by the government.

Note that every province has rules about how you qualify for and retain free health care. For example, if you are away from the country for too long, you lose your health care benefit and must return to Canada and live here for three months before your health care coverage is returned.

[Leon]

To sponsor parents, you have to show that you have enough income to support them as well as your own family.  Go to http://www.cic.gc.ca/English/information/applications/guides/5196E10.asp and look at table 3.  It will show you how much money you need to make.  With just wife and sponsoring one set of parents, you need enough for 4 people.  Add 2 kids, then you need enough for 6.

Sponsoring parents is not considered a priority by immigration so it can easily take 5 years or more.  If they are frail of health, they may be considered to be excessive demand on health care and may be denied.

You can see the old age pension at http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/lifeevents/retirement.shtml  They would not get anything from Canada pension plan if they have not worked in Canada.  They would also not be eligible for Old age security pension until after 10 years.