Parents and grandparents sponsorship eligibility - live in Canada

[hleao]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum and I've already found a lot of useful information! I'm looking for some extra info regarding the eligibility for sponsoring my parents.

I currently have a sponsorship application for my parents already sent and waiting to be processed. At the same time, my girlfriend is finishing her university in Europe, so I'd like to stay there with her for as long as I can. The problem is that the sponsorship eligibility requirements lists "live in Canada" as a requirement. Does anyone know what would be the cic definition of "living in canada"? How long would I be allowed to stay out of Canada and remain eligible?

Is is that I simply have to have an address in Canada? File taxes, have a job here? Do I need to spend certain amount of days physically present here (6 months perhaps)?

Any input would be appreciated, I could not find much in that regard at their website.

 

[zardoz]

Generally speaking, when CIC refer to "live in Canada", they mean physical presence. You may go for visits abroad but they should be of short duration and temporary in nature. Most people on here think that any more than about 3 weeks is really pushing your luck.

 

[hleao]

Thanks zardoz. That's tough.. I was hoping I could at least spend a couple of months away at a time, as long as I kept my job and filed taxes here, and of course still met the financial requirements.

 

[user828]

Thanks zardoz. That's tough.. I was hoping I could at least spend a couple of months away at a time, as long as I kept my job and filed taxes here, and of course still met the financial requirements.

Some folks have lived long stretch and CIC has asked for proof of residency, so it's a risky thing if you wanna try