Eligibility to sponsor your spouse
Spousal Sponsorship is one of the most important ways to immigrate to Canada. If you’re eligible, you can sponsor your spouse, partner or dependent children to become permanent residents of Canada. The Canadian government allows permanent residents and Canadian citizens who are in a relationship with a foreign national to sponsor that person to join them and become a PR of Canada. You can sponsor your spouse, conjugal partner, or common-law partner. You have two main options to choose from when sponsoring: Inland and Outland
Spousal Sponsorship
INLAND
To submit a sponsorship application in this category, both spouses need to live together in Canada. Also, the foreign spouse or partner must have temporary status in Canada as a worker, student or visitor.
OUTLAND
Applications to sponsor a foreign spouse or partner are submitted when the sponsored person lives abroad and the Canadian sponsor resides in Canada.
Definition of spouse or life partner
1- Legally Married – The marriage has been officially and legally registered in another country.
2- Common law partner – they live together for a period of one year or 12 consecutive months.
3-Partner (Conjugal-partner) – same-sex or different who are in a relationship but cannot live together or are far away due to restrictions or obstacles such as work or immigration.
No criminal record: Your spouse or partner should not have a criminal record.
Terms of becoming a sponsor
- Minimum Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Residence status: You must be a permanent resident or citizen of Canada.
- Residence: You must currently reside in Canada or intend to return to Canada after receiving your spouse’s permanent resident card.
- Financial Affordability: You must be able to prove that you have the financial ability to meet the basic needs of your spouse or partner for 3 years.
- Non-receipt of government assistance: You must not receive any government assistance other than disability or disability assistance.
- Obligations: You must commit to meet the basic needs of your spouse or partner for 3 years after receiving permanent residence in Canada.
Canadian spousal sponsorship procedures
- Choosing the type of sponsorship: You can apply for your spouse’s sponsorship from inside or outside of Canada.
- Collecting documents and documents: You must collect necessary documents and documents to prove your and your spouse’s eligibility.
- Submission of application: You must complete the relevant forms and send them to the Canadian Immigration Department along with documents.
- Payment of Fees: You must pay the fees associated with the sponsorship application.
- Case review: Immigration Canada will review your case and make a decision on it.
- Interview: In some cases, you and your spouse may be invited for an interview.
- Obtaining permanent residence: If the case is approved, your spouse or partner will receive permanent residence in Canada.
Documents required for spousal ship sponsorship
- Identity documents: such as passport, birth certificate and national card
- Marriage documents or proof of joint relationship: such as marriage certificate, joint photos, joint lease, etc
- Evidence of financial ability: such as pay slips, letters from employers, bank statements, etc
- Medical examinations: Your spouse or partner must undergo the necessary medical examinations.
important points:
It is very important to prove that your relationship with your spouse is real.
Providing complete and accurate documents speeds up the review process of your case.
During the sponsorship process, you must contact Immigration Canada and provide the necessary information.
Canada spousal sponsorship benefit
- Fast immigration to Canada: This method is one of the fastest ways to immigrate to Canada.
- Living with a spouse or partner: You can live with your spouse or partner in Canada.
- Access to Canadian services and benefits: After receiving permanent residency, your spouse or partner will have access to Canadian services and benefits, such as health care, education, and job opportunities.
Spouse sponsorship is one of the most popular ways to immigrate to Canada, which brings many benefits to you and your spouse. If you meet the requirements for this immigration method, you can apply for your spouse’s sponsorship by collecting the necessary documents and submitting an application to the Canadian Immigration Office.
If you need more information, you can book a consult with our immigration consultant Seraj Organization.
The duration of the spousal sponsorship immigration process
The duration of the spousal sponsorship immigration process depends on various factors, including:
Type of sponsorship: In general, spousal sponsorship cases from within Canada are processed faster than spousal sponsorship cases from outside Canada.
Number of cases under review: Immigration Canada has a certain number of cases under review at any given time. If there are a large number of cases, it may take longer to review your case.
Completeness of documents: If your documents are complete and accurate, it will significantly speed up the review of your case.
Complexity of the case: If your case is complex, for example if you are already married or have children, it may take longer to be processed.
In general, the duration of examining the spouse’s sponsorship case is between 6 and 12 months.
Frequently asked questions about spousal sponsorship in Canada
Can I divorce my sponsoring spouse after entering Canada?
Yes, you are not obliged to live together with your sponsor if your marriage does not work. However, your sponsor obligations end 3 years after you receive your permanent residence and you can then divorce your spouse without any problems.
After marrying a Canadian citizen, do I also become a citizen or citizen?
No, marrying a Canadian citizen does not automatically grant you permanent residency or Canadian citizenship. After marriage, you can apply for permanent residence in Canada through spousal sponsorship. After receiving permanent residence, you must live in Canada for 3 years before you can apply for citizenship.
Can I apply for permanent residence in Canada with an absentee marriage or proxy?
No, marriage in absentia or in absentia without the physical presence of the parties is not accepted by the Immigration Department and the Canadian government, and you cannot apply for permanent residence in Canada through it.
