Nowadays, the most popular immigration route to Canada is spousal sponsorship. It’s a major part of the immigration system. If you are a permanent resident or a citizen in Canada, only then are you eligible to sponsor your spouse. The sponsorship applications most probably take 12 months to reach a decision. Let’s understand the details on how you can apply for Canadian sponsorship in Canada.
What is Spousal Sponsorship?
Spousal sponsorship allows Canadian PR and citizens to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner under the spousal program. This will help your non-resident spouses become permanent residents of Canada. The main aim of this program is to help families reunite and live together in Canada. Besides, there are two options for applicants to choose from: inland sponsorship or outland sponsorship.
- Inland Spousal Support: If they are living together in Canada.
- Outland Sponsorship Support: If the partner lives outside Canada.
How many spouses and partners does Canada welcome each year?
Do you know that Canada welcomes over 400,000 new immigrants annually, under Canada’s immigration levels plan? On the other hand, most arrive through economic programs, yet family class remains a major category. Each year, under the spousal and children programs, approximately 80,000 newcomers are welcomed into the country.
Am I Eligible to sponsor my spouse or partner?
You can qualify as a sponsor if you clear the following terms:
- You have to be 18 years or older.
- You should be a Canadian citizen, a permanent Canadian resident living here, or a person registered under teh Canadian Indian Act.
- You must live in Canada or be a Canadian citizen who plans to return with their spouse to the country.
- You can meet your own, your partner’s and your dependent children’s basic requirements.
- You are not receiving any social assistance, except for disability.
As a sponsor, you must:
- Prove you can financially support your partner or spouse.
- Ensure that they will not require government social assistance after arrival.
What are the requirements to Sponsor in Canada?
Sponsoring a spouse in Canada involves commitment. You have to sign an undertaking promising financial support for the sponsored person, covering their basic requirements. It may include your spouse and dependent children.
The basic needs that you have to ensure before sponsoring are as follows:
- Proper housing and utility bills management.
- Food for good health and hygiene products for personal care.
- Required clothing and other necessary essentials for daily living.
- Health expenses are not covered by public health insurance, like dental and eye care.
Your duties as a sponsor begin the moment the undertaking is in effect. The time period of the undertaking lasts 3 years from the day your spouse or common law partner becomes a permanent resident.
It is not allowed to cancel or withdraw an undertaking. However, no matter whether your personal or financial situation alters, once the sponsorship application has been approved by IRCC.
Do you need a specific income to sponsor your spouse or partner?
There is no minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship in Canada. However. Sponsors have to show that the specific income requirements after the partner’s arrival are as follows:
| Fees | Amount (CAD) |
| Sponsorship Fee | $85 |
| Principal Applicant Processing | $545 |
| Biometrics | $85 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | $575 |
Despite this, if you are sponsoring your spouse or partner with dependent children, an additional payment costs you $150. It is required for each child included in the application.
In case a sponsor resides in Quebec or intends to reside there when permanent residence is issued, an additional fee of $289 CAD will be cost or required.
Who Can I Sponsor?
Initially, before receiving a visa under the immigration program, you have to follow a procedure. In this, you and your foreign spouse or partner will have to prove the authenticity of your relationship. This will qualify under one of the three categories mentioned below:
- Spouse: Legally married
- Common-law partner: Lived together for at least 12 consecutive months
- Conjugal partner: In a committed relationship for at least 12 months, but unable to live together due to significant barriers (cultural, legal, immigration)
Your partner must also:
- Be 18 or older
- Pass criminality, security, and medical checks
- Both the sponsor and applicant must be approved by IRCC.
Can You Sponsor a Same-Sex Spouse or Partner?
Yes. Canada fully recognizes same-sex marriages and relationships. Your spouse or partner may apply under any of the three categories, provided all eligibility requirements are met. Marriages performed abroad must be legally valid in the country where they occurred.
How can I prove that my common-law partner relationship is genuine?
To prove the relationship with your spouse or common-law partner, you have to follow a procedure. To share the authenticity of the duration and nature of your relationship, you will need to submit documents such as:
- Relationship information and Sponsorship Evaluation Questionnaire.
- Add certificates, including birth certificate, marriage certificate or adoption records of any children. You and your partner may have to add this together.
- Photos of you and your partner that clarify your bond and relationship.
- Documents that prove that you are recognized as common-law partners of each other, including employment or insurance benefits.
- Evidence of shared expenses between you and your partner.
- Evidence of your relationship (letter, emails, social media).
Connect with Experts Immigration Consultant
To apply for spousal immigration, it is a good idea to connect with the professionals. They are updated with the new laws and regulations by the Canadian government and can assist you best, how to file your spousal file. From documentation to smooth procedures and avoiding mistakes, an expert can guide you better. Connect with the first-generation immigration consultant in Canada for more details.