Spousal Sponsorship Canada

Canadian Spousal Sponsorship Program

Spousal Sponsorship Canada is a crucial immigration program enabling Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residency.
This program aims to reunite couples and ensure they can live together in Canada. To be eligible, sponsors must be at least 18 years old, demonstrate the ability to support their spouse financially, and commit to providing for their basic needs for three years.

The application process involves submitting both a sponsorship application by the Canadian sponsor and a permanent residence application by the spouse being sponsored. These applications are processed concurrently by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Spousal Sponsorship Canada reflects the country’s commitment to family reunification, allowing couples to build their lives together in a stable, supportive environment. This program not only strengthens family bonds but also contributes to the social and cultural fabric of Canadian society.

Eligibility Criteria for Spousal Sponsorship Canada

Sponsor Eligibility:

Status: The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years old.

Financial Responsibility: The sponsor must 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 spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner of the sponsor. Definitions:

  • Spouse: Legally married to the sponsor and marriage must be valid under Canadian law.
  • Common-Law Partner: Have lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least one year continuously, or less if there is a child of the relationship by birth or adoption.
  • Conjugal Partner: In a relationship with the sponsor for at least one year but unable to live together or marry due to exceptional circumstances beyond their control (e.g., immigration barriers, legal restrictions).

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 spousal 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, proof of relationship with the sponsored person (e.g., marriage certificate, cohabitation evidence), proof of financial ability to support the sponsored person, and any other required documents.
  • For the Sponsored Person: Gather identity documents, proof of relationship with the sponsor, and any required personal documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), and police certificates (if applicable).

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.