Canadian Conjugal Partner Sponsorship Program
Conjugal Partner Sponsorship Canada is a crucial immigration program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their conjugal partner for permanent residency. This program is designed for couples who, due to significant barriers such as immigration restrictions or legal constraints, cannot live together or get married. To qualify, couples must demonstrate they have been in a genuine, committed relationship for at least one year.
The sponsorship process involves the Canadian sponsor submitting a sponsorship application while the conjugal partner applies for permanent residence. Both applications are processed concurrently by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Sponsors must be at least 18 years old and commit to providing financial support for their partner for three years.
Conjugal Partner Sponsorship Canada highlights the country’s commitment to family reunification, allowing partners facing exceptional circumstances to live together and build their future in Canada. This program helps reunite loved ones and enriches Canada’s diverse social fabric by welcoming relationships that transcend traditional boundaries.
Eligibility Criteria for Conjugal
Partner Sponsorship Canada
Sponsor Eligibility:
Status: The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years old.
Proof of Relationship: Provide evidence that the sponsor and the sponsored person have maintained a genuine and committed relationship for at least one year. This relationship must be akin to a marriage or a common-law partnership but cannot be legally formalized due to exceptional circumstances beyond their control (e.g., immigration restrictions, legal barriers).
Financial Responsibility: Demonstrate the ability to financially support the sponsored person and any dependent children, if applicable. This includes meeting the minimum necessary income requirements and signing an undertaking to financially support the sponsored person for a specified period after they become a permanent resident.
No Default on Past Sponsorship Obligations: The sponsor must not have failed to provide financial support to a previously sponsored relative who received social assistance from the government.
Not in Receipt of Social Assistance: The sponsor must not be in receipt of social assistance, except for disability-related assistance.
Sponsored Person Eligibility:
Relationship: The sponsored person must be the conjugal partner of the sponsor. To qualify as conjugal partners, they must have maintained a genuine and committed relationship with the sponsor for at least one year but cannot live together or marry due to exceptional circumstances beyond their control.
Admissibility: The sponsored person must be admissible to Canada. This includes passing medical, criminal, and security checks, unless eligible for an exemption under humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
Intent to Reside in Canada: Both the sponsor and the sponsored person must intend to live together in Canada after the sponsored person obtains permanent residency.
Prohibition: The sponsored person must not be prohibited from entering Canada (e.g., criminality, security reasons).
How to Apply?
Check Eligibility: Ensure both the sponsor and the sponsored person meet the eligibility criteria for conjugal partner sponsorship as outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Gather Required Documents:
- For the Sponsor: Gather proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, proof of identity, and evidence of the conjugal relationship. This can include detailed personal statements outlining the history of the relationship, correspondence proving ongoing communication, proof of visits or trips together, and any other evidence demonstrating a genuine and committed relationship despite the inability to marry or live together.
- For the Sponsored Person: Gather identity documents, proof of relationship with the sponsor, and any required personal documents such as birth certificates, police certificates (if applicable), and medical exam results.
Complete Application Forms: Obtain the most current application forms from the IRCC website or a visa application center (VAC). Complete the forms accurately and honestly, ensuring all required information is provided.
Pay Fees: Pay the application processing fees as required by IRCC. Fees may vary depending on the type of sponsorship and whether biometrics are required.
Submit the Application: Submit the completed application forms along with all required supporting documents to IRCC either online through your IRCC account (if applying online) or by mail (if applying on paper).
Biometrics (if required): Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you and the sponsored person may need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at a biometric collection service point.
Wait for Processing: IRCC will process your application, which can take several months. During this time, they may request additional information or documentation from you or the sponsored person.
Interview (if required): In some cases, IRCC may request an interview with the sponsor and/or the sponsored person to further assess the application. Prepare thoroughly for the interview by reviewing your application and supporting documents.
Receive a Decision: Once IRCC has processed your application, they will notify you of their decision in writing. If approved, the sponsored person will receive permanent residency status in Canada.
Permanent Residency: Upon approval, the sponsored person may receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can then move to Canada as a permanent resident.