Canada is a country that values family reunification, and one of the ways it shows this is by allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouses or common-law partners for permanent residency. If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and want to sponsor your spouse or common-law partner to come to Canada, there are certain requirements and procedures you must follow. In this article, we will explore the steps involved in sponsoring your spouse to Canada.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to sponsor your spouse to come to Canada, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be able to prove that you can financially support your spouse or common-law partner once they come to Canada.
- You must not be receiving social assistance, except for disability.
- You must not be in default of any immigration loan, undertaking, or sponsorship agreement.
- You must not have been convicted of a violent or sexual offense, an offense against a family member, or an offense resulting in bodily harm.
Spousal Sponsorship Application Process
The spousal sponsorship application process consists of two parts: the sponsorship application and the permanent residency application. The sponsor must first submit the sponsorship application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), along with the necessary documents and fees. Once the sponsorship application is approved, the sponsored spouse can then submit the permanent residency application.
The sponsorship application includes the following steps:
- Complete the application forms: The sponsor must complete the sponsorship application forms and any additional forms required by IRCC.
- Gather supporting documents: The sponsor must gather supporting documents, such as proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, proof of relationship with the spouse, and proof of financial support.
- Pay the fees: The sponsor must pay the sponsorship fees, which include the processing fee and the right of permanent residence fee.
- Submit the application: The sponsor must submit the sponsorship application to IRCC.
The permanent residency application includes the following steps:
- Complete the application forms: The sponsored spouse must complete the permanent residency application forms and any additional forms required by IRCC.
- Gather supporting documents: The sponsored spouse must gather supporting documents, such as a police certificate, a medical exam report, and proof of language proficiency.
- Pay the fees: The sponsored spouse must pay the permanent residency fees, which include the processing fee and the right of permanent residence fee.
- Submit the application: The sponsored spouse must submit the permanent residency application to IRCC.
Processing Time
The processing time for spousal sponsorship applications can vary depending on the number of applications received by IRCC and the completeness of the application. However, IRCC aims to process spousal sponsorship applications within 12 months.
In some cases, the sponsored spouse may be eligible for an open work permit while the application is being processed. This will allow the sponsored spouse to work in Canada while they wait for their permanent residency application to be approved.
Conclusion
Sponsoring your spouse to come to Canada can be a complex process, but it is one that is worth pursuing if you want to be reunited with your loved one. By following the eligibility criteria and application process, you can increase your chances of success. Remember to gather all the necessary documents and pay the fees on time to avoid any delays in processing. With the right approach and support, you can bring your spouse or common-law partner to Canada and start your new life together.