Spousal Sponsorship Canada
Bring your spouse or common-law partner with the Canadian spousal sponsorship.
What’s the Spousal Sponsorship Program?
A spousal sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their spouses or common-law partners to Canada to live permanently. This program is designed to reunite families and prioritize family unity. There are two primary options for spousal sponsorship: Outland and Inland sponsorship.
Family Class (Outland) Vs. In Canada Sponsorship Class
The primary difference between these two sponsorship categories lies in the location of the sponsored individual.
Family Class (Outland) Sponsorship
Choose the Family Class (Outland) sponsorship if:
- The spouse or partner resides outside of Canada.
- The sponsorship application is typically processed by a visa office abroad.
- You are currently residing in Canada with the sponsor but intend to leave the country before the sponsorship application is finalized.
In Canada Sponsorship Class
Choose the In Canada Sponsorship Class if:
- You currently reside in Canada with your sponsoring partner.
- Maintain a valid immigration status.
- Wish to obtain an open work permit to work while your sponsorship application is processed.
Who Can Sponsor Their Spouse, Partner?
You can sponsor your spouse, partner, or dependent child if you meet the following criteria:
- You are at least 18 years old.
- You are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
- If you are a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you must show that you plan to live in Canada when the persons you want to sponsor become permanent residents.
Income Requirement
In most cases, there isn’t an income requirement to sponsor your spouse, partner, or dependent child. However, you may need to demonstrate sufficient financial means if you are sponsoring a dependent child with one or more dependent children of their own or a spouse or partner with a dependent child who has one or more children.
Sponsorship Agreement
To become a sponsor, you must commit to providing financial support for your sponsored family members. This includes repaying any provincial social assistance they may receive during the sponsorship period. You and your sponsored family members will also agree to certain responsibilities during the undertaking period.
Who Can’t Sponsor Their Spouse or Partner?
Ineligibility Criteria
You cannot sponsor your spouse, partner, or child if you meet any of the following conditions:
- You do not meet the sponsor eligibility criteria explained above
- You are a temporary resident, such as visiting, studying, or working in Canada on a visa or permit.
- Your permanent residence application is still in process.
- You don’t have sufficient financial means to support the persons you want to sponsor.
- You are still financially responsible for a previous spouse or partner you sponsored.
Who is eligible to be sponsored?
Spousal Sponsorship Categories
You can sponsor your spouse, partner, or dependent children. Here are the specific requirements for each category:
- Your spouse can be of either sex and must be legally married to you and at least 18 years old.
- Your common-law partner, of either sex, must have lived with you for at least 12 consecutive months.
- Your conjugal partner, of either sex, must have been in a relationship with you for at least 1 year and is unable to live with you in their country of residence due to legal and immigration reasons.
Dependent Children
Dependent children qualify if they meet specific requirements, such as being under 22 years old and not having a spouse or common-law partner. Children over 22 may also qualify under certain conditions, such as being financially dependent on their parents due to a mental or physical condition.
How to apply to a Spousal Sponsorship?
Application Steps
The Spousal Sponsorship process involves two applications:
- You, the sponsor, apply to become a sponsor.
- Your spouse, partner, or child applies for permanent residence.
Supporting Documents
Both you and the persons you are sponsoring must provide all required forms and documents with your applications.
Some key documents include:
- Proof of your relationship. This may include photographs of your ceremony, if applicable, and any other evidence that demonstrates the genuineness of your relationship.
- Family Information. Detailed information about your family members, including spouses, partners, and dependent children.
- Proof of combined financial management. Providing evidence of your shared financial responsibilities is essential in demonstrating your commitment to the relationship.
Submission Letter
A well-prepared submission letter is a crucial element of the Spousal Sponsorship application. What to include:
- Your history as a couple. Share the story of your relationship, how you met, and the milestones you’ve reached together.
- Future plans. Discuss your plans for the future, including how you intend to establish your life together in Canada.
- Demonstrating your commitment. Emphasize the emotional and financial commitment you have for one another
- Clarify any discrepancies. If there are any inconsistencies or potential concerns in your application, the submission letter is the place to address and explain them.
FAQs Spousal Sponsorship
The answer is no. Marrying a Canadian does not grant you permanent residency. While marriage to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident is a common pathway to obtaining permanent residency, it’s essential to go through the formal spousal sponsorship process. This process involves specific requirements and documentation.
Yes, you can sponsor your husband and parents at the same time. However, You will need to submit separate sponsorship applications for your husband and your parents.
No, there is no limit to the number of spousal sponsorship applications accepted by Canada. Unlike some other immigration programs, there’s no annual cap or quota for spousal sponsorship.
No, you cannot sponsor a common-law partner if you are still married.
If you are separated from your spouse, you may be able to meet the common-law requirements, but you would need to provide proof of separation and that you have lived with your common-law partner for the required period.
Yes, you can sponsor your wife even if you are unemployed. Unlike other sponsorship categories, spousal sponsorship does not have a specific income requirement. However, you will need to demonstrate that you can meet your wife’s basic needs once she arrives in Canada.
Get help sponsoring your partner.
Let us handle the paperwork and procedures while you focus on building your future together. With our support, you’ll be one step closer to a successful spousal sponsorship journey.