Canada’s immigration system offers several pathways for individuals to bring their loved ones to the country. Among these, the Canadian Spousal Sponsorship Program is particularly notable for facilitating family reunification. Through this program, Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to obtain permanent residency in Canada. If you want to know all about Canadian Spousal Sponsorship Application, this article may help you.
What Is the Spousal Sponsorship Program?
The Spousal Sponsorship Program is part of Canada’s Family Class immigration category. It allows Canadians and permanent residents to sponsor their spouses or partners for permanent residence. The program is open to three types of relationships:
Spouse: A person legally married to the sponsor.
Common-law Partner: A person who has lived with the sponsor in a conjugal relationship for at least one continuous year.
Conjugal Partner: A person in a genuine, ongoing relationship with the sponsor for at least one year, but due to significant barriers (such as immigration laws or cultural restrictions), they cannot live together or marry.
This sponsorship opportunity underscores Canada’s commitment to family reunification, ensuring that citizens and residents can live together with their partners, regardless of where they are in the world.
Understanding the Application Classes
There are two main classes of sponsorship available for spousal sponsorship in Canada:
1. Outland Sponsorship (Family Class): This stream is designed for applicants living outside of Canada. However, it can also be used by individuals residing in Canada who prefer the flexibility to travel while their application is being processed. The downside of this stream is that, until approval, it may be difficult for the sponsored spouse to live in Canada. They can apply for a temporary visa while waiting for their outland sponsorship approval.
2. Inland Sponsorship (Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class): The inland class is intended for applicants already living in Canada with their sponsor. This option also allows applicants to apply for an open work permit, enabling them to work while the sponsorship application is being processed. However, applicants should avoid traveling outside of Canada during this process, as it may jeopardize their application.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors and Applicants
To qualify as a sponsor under this program, you must meet the following basic requirements:
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Be at least 18 years old.
Whether you currently reside in Canada or plan to return once your spouse or partner obtains permanent residency.
Be able to provide financial support to the spouse or partner for at least three years, ensuring they do not need social assistance.
Meanwhile, the person being sponsored must pass several checks, including criminal background checks and medical exams. It’s crucial to ensure that both the sponsor and applicant meet all the requirements before applying to avoid potential delays or refusals.
Steps in the Spousal Sponsorship Process
Gather Documentation:The process begins by gathering essential documents. This includes a completed application form, proof of your Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, identity documents, and documents proving your relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, cohabitation proof for common-law partners, etc.).
Submit the Application: Applications can be submitted either by mail or through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) online portal. This submission will include the forms, documents, and applicable fees.
Processing Time: The processing time for spousal sponsorship applications typically takes around 12 months. Nonetheless, this can change based on the complexity of the case. Submitting accurate and complete documentation is essential to prevent any delays. If the visa office requires additional proof of your relationship, this could extend the processing time.
Post-Application Process: During the processing period, applicants under the inland sponsorship class can apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work in Canada. Once the application is approved, the sponsored individual will receive permanent residency and the sponsor’s financial obligation begins.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Spousal Sponsorship
One of the common reasons for refusal in spousal sponsorship applications is insufficient documentation proving the legitimacy of the relationship. This can include:
Inconsistent information on forms.
Lack of shared finances or joint assets.
A short timeline between meeting and marriage.
To mitigate these risks, applicants should include as much evidence as possible, such as photos, travel itineraries, joint bank accounts, or letters from family and friends vouching for the relationship’s authenticity.
Another reason for delays or refusals is medical or criminal inadmissibility. While a medical condition generally won’t impact spousal sponsorship unless it poses a risk to public health or safety, applicants should be upfront and transparent about their health and legal history.
The cost to sponsor a spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner includes the following:
Sponsorship fee: $85
Principal applicant processing fee: $545
Right of permanent residence fee: $575
Biometrics fee: $85
Additional costs apply for any dependent children included in the application. It’s also worth noting that applicants seeking sponsorship in Quebec will need to comply with additional provincial fees and requirements.
Traveling and Working During Sponsorship
For applicants under the inland sponsorship class, it’s important to avoid international travel while the application is processing. Leaving the country could complicate re-entry, jeopardizing the sponsorship. However, for those applying under the outland sponsorship class, traveling is typically allowed, though it may be subject to restrictions.
While waiting for permanent residency approval, applicants in the inland class can apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada during the application process.
Final Thoughts on Spousal Sponsorship in Canada
Navigating the Canadian spousal sponsorship application process can be overwhelming, with its complex documentation and financial commitments. To ensure a smooth and successful application, it’s crucial to have expert guidance. Argus Immigration Consultancy specializes in helping applicants through every step of the process. From understanding the different sponsorship streams to ensuring that all paperwork is accurate, Argus Immigration Consultancy can provide the professional support you need to reunite with your spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner in Canada. Let their expertise simplify the journey, so you can focus on what matters most—being together.
Argus Immigration Consultancy Inc. is an ICCRC-approved immigration consultancy firm located in the Greater Toronto Area of Ontario province. Our firm specializes in providing services for Permanent Residency, Work Permit, Study Permit, Citizenship, Sponsorship, Provincial Nomination, and Startup Visa.
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