How Does Canadian Spousal Sponsorship Work?

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What is Canadian Spousal Sponsorship?

Spousal Sponsorship is a Canadian immigration program created to keep loved ones together. What this means is that if you are married to a Canadian permanent resident or to a Canadian citizen, he or she can sponsor your application for permanent residence in Canada

The government however has some criteria that needs to be fulfilled. The following a list of who qualifies for sponsoring a spouse in Canada

  • Canadian citizens, persons registered in Canada as Indian under Canadian Indian Act,
  • Permanent residents living in Canada.
  • Not receiving social assistance, other than help with disability.
  • Able to financially provide for the needs of the person sponsored.
  • In a married, common-law or conjugal relationship.

In rare cases, proof that you exceed a low-income cut-off point

Canadian spousal sponsorship is about bringing families together – after all, home is wherever your family lives.

Immigration Canada allows you to sponsor your loved ones for a life together within Canadian borders. Similar to most immigration programs, the government requires extensive paperwork, documentation, proof of your relationship to ensure that your application will succeed.

Who Qualifies for Sponsoring a Spouse to Canada?

  • Canadian citizens, persons registered in Canada as Indian under Canadian Indian Act,
  • Permanent residents living in Canada.
  • Not receiving social assistance, other than help with disability.
  • Able to financially provide for the needs of the person sponsored.
  • In a married, common-law or conjugal relationship.

Support Requirements for Sponsorship:

Sponsoring a spouse means providing financial support for the person sponsored. This includes dependent children.

As the applicant, you will need to sign an undertaking to support the following and you will be financially responsible during the period of time which the sponsorship lasts.

  • Rent or mortgage, along with utility bills.
  • Food and personal toiletries, like shampoo, soap and toothpaste.
  • Clothing and other items necessary for daily life.
  • Medical costs not covered by public health insurance, such as dental and eye care.

How Long Is The Processing Time For Sponsorship Applications?

Typical Permanent Visa processing time is about 12 months. The processing time for spousal sponsorship to Canada may lengthen, depending on the details of your case.

Reasons for Refused Application

  • Not enough proof of relationship to prove legitimacy.
  • Errors when filling out Canadian spousal sponsorship forms.
  • Misrepresentation of facts presented in your application.
  • Inadmissibility due to a conviction or public safety issues.
  • Unable to meet basic requirements for spousal sponsorship.

Everything you need to know about Canada Spousal Sponsorship Application

Does My Spouse Receive Canadian Citizenship?

On completing a successful sponsorship program your spouse can apply for citizenship

What Type Of Marriage Proof Do I Need?

  • Joint bank accounts.
  • Filing tax returns as a couple.
  • Shared bills, such as mortgage, rent and utilities payments.
  • Traditional communication, including phone call logs and text messages.
  • Social media communication, such as Facebook posts and messages.
  • Sharing benefits offered by an employer.
  • Statutory declarations from family and friends.
  • Photographs of you as a couple.

Do We Need To Be Married For Canadian Sponsorship?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) spousal sponsorship programs accept applications for common-law partnerships and conjugal relationships. Canadian sponsorship law supports same-sex marriage and relationships from applicants in the LGBTQ community.

Fiancé(e) Visa Canada – Can I Choose This Option Instead?

Do I Qualify for Spousal Sponsorship If I’ve Been Married Before?

Divorced sponsors are allowed to apply. If you’ve previously sponsored a spouse, that person must be a permanent resident for at least 5 years before you may sponsor another spouse.

Do I Still Qualify If I’ve Been Charged with a Criminal Offense?

You may still qualify for the spouse sponsorship program if you’ve been charged with a criminal offense. Certain criminal offenses will not disqualify you from the process, while others may require additional legal work for your application to succeed.

Does Spousal Sponsorship Include A Work Permit?

If spousal sponsorship has been approved in principle, you may obtain an open work permit. Otherwise, your partner will require a valid work permit.

Questions that you need to ask you immigration consultant when applying for a Spousal Sponsorship

  • How do I apply for sponsorship if I’m outside of Canada?
  • Can my out of status spouse be sponsored in Canada?
  • What proof do I need if I’m sponsoring my common-law partner?
  • Do I need special proof of relationship for my same-sex sponsor?
  • What relationship proof is required for conjugal relationships?
  • Will I be able to sponsor a spouse with a criminal conviction?

Contacting EEP for assessment: Why is this important?

The lawyers at EEP provide legal representation tailored to your individual situation. Our expertise focuses on immigration and visa programs for Canada and the United States.

Partnering with our award-winning immigration team greatly increases the likelihood of achieving your specific immigration or visa goals. Immigration is a complex process that requires strong legal strategy, precise paperwork and attention to detail. This reduces the risk of wasted time, money or permanent rejection.

Contact us: Start your Spousal Sponsorship application today!

Begin with our one-minute online assessment form or call us +1 (431) 264-0786.

We have a dedicated team of licensed professionals standing by, ready to answer your immigration and visa questions. Book a personal consultation to speak with an award-winning immigration lawyer over the phone, on Skype or in-person at our Winnipeg office.