Spousal Sponsorship
Canada’s Spousal Sponsorship Program enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residency, facilitating family reunification. The program offers two primary streams: Inland and Outland sponsorship, each tailored to specific circumstances.
Understanding Spousal Sponsorship
The Spousal Sponsorship Program is a key component of Canada’s family reunification efforts, allowing sponsors to bring their loved ones to live permanently in Canada. Depending on the residency status and location of the partner, applicants can choose between:
Inland Sponsorship:
- Applicable when the spouse or common-law partner is already residing with the sponsor in Canada.
- The sponsored person may be eligible for an open work permit during the application process.
- It’s recommended that the sponsored individual maintains valid temporary resident status throughout the process.
Outland Sponsorship:
- Suitable when the spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner resides outside Canada.
- This stream may also be used if the sponsored person is in Canada but does not plan to stay during the application processing.
- Outland applications are processed through the visa office responsible for the applicant’s country of residence.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors
To sponsor a spouse or partner, the sponsor must:
Age and Status:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident living in Canada, or a person registered under the Canadian Indian Act.
Residency:
- Canadian citizens living abroad must demonstrate the intention to reside in Canada once the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident.
- Permanent residents must reside in Canada at the time of application and when the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident.
Financial Obligations:
- Agree to provide financial support for the basic needs of the sponsored person.
- Ensure the sponsored person does not require social assistance from the government.
Additional Conditions:
- Not be receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability.
- Not be in default of previous sponsorship undertakings, immigration loans, or support payments.
- Not be an undischarged bankrupt.
- Not be under a removal order (if a permanent resident).
- Not be convicted of certain criminal offenses.
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Who Can You Sponsor?
Sponsors can apply to bring the following individuals to Canada:
Spouse:
- Legally married to the sponsor.
- The marriage must be legally valid in the country where it took place and in Canada.
Common-Law Partner:
- Not legally married but has lived with the sponsor in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months.
Conjugal Partner:
- In a genuine relationship with the sponsor for at least one year but unable to live together due to circumstances beyond their control (e.g., immigration barriers, religious reasons).
- The conjugal partner must reside outside Canada.
All sponsored individuals must be at least 18 years old and pass background, security, and medical checks.
Application Process
Obtain Application Package:
- Access the spousal sponsorship application package from the official IRCC website.
Gather Supporting Documents:
- Proof of the sponsor’s status in Canada.
- Evidence of the genuine and ongoing relationship (e.g., photographs, communication records, joint financial statements).
- Marriage certificate or proof of common-law status.
- Police certificates and medical examination results for the sponsored person.
Complete and Submit Application:
- Fill out all required forms accurately.
- Pay the applicable fees, including the sponsorship fee, principal applicant processing fee, and right of permanent residence fee.
- Submit the complete application package to the appropriate IRCC office.
Await Processing:
- Processing times vary; IRCC aims to process spousal sponsorship applications within 12 months.
Decision and Final Steps:
- If approved, the sponsored person will receive confirmation of permanent residence and instructions on obtaining a permanent resident card.
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I’m Rashid Ali, a Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, having a designation of RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) from the College of Citizenship & Immigration Consultants of Canada or CICC (Previously known as ICCRC). CICC is the official regulator of immigration consultants in Canada. I’m also a member of the Canadian Association for Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC).
