Sponsoring a spouse to come and live with you in Canada can be a complex and time-consuming process. As a sponsor, you will need to meet certain requirements to ensure that your application is successful. Here are the key requirements to sponsor a spouse in Canada:
1. Eligibility as a Sponsor
To sponsor your spouse, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, be at least 18 years old, and reside in Canada. You must also be able to prove that you are not receiving social assistance for a reason other than a disability. Additionally, you must not be in default of any previous sponsorship undertakings or court-ordered support payments.
2. Relationship Requirements
You must be able to prove that you are in a genuine relationship with your spouse, and that your relationship is not primarily for immigration purposes. You will need to provide evidence of your relationship, including photographs, joint bank account statements, and letters of support from family and friends.
3. Financial Requirements
As a sponsor, you will need to meet certain financial requirements to ensure that your spouse does not require social assistance. You must be able to demonstrate that you meet the minimum necessary income for your family size, which is determined by the Government of Canada. You will need to provide documents such as your Notice of Assessment, pay stubs, and employment letters to prove your income.
4. Medical Requirements
Your spouse will need to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician to ensure that they do not have any serious health conditions that could pose a risk to public health or safety.
5. Security Requirements
Both you and your spouse will need to undergo a security check to ensure that you do not pose a risk to Canadian security. This may include criminal background checks and biometric data collection.
6. Application Process
The application process for sponsoring a spouse to come to Canada can be lengthy and complex. You will need to complete and submit several forms, provide supporting documents, and pay fees. Once your application is submitted, it will be processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), who will review your application and make a decision.
In summary, sponsoring a spouse to come and live with you in Canada requires that you meet certain eligibility, relationship, financial, medical, and security requirements. If you are considering sponsoring your spouse, it may be helpful to consult with an immigration lawyer or a registered immigration consultant to guide you through the application process.
F.A.Q
Who can sponsor their spouse in Canada?
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years of age and living in Canada can sponsor their spouse to come and live with them in Canada.
What are the basic requirements to sponsor a spouse in Canada?
The sponsor must meet certain eligibility criteria, including being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, being able to financially support their spouse, and not being in default of any previous sponsorship agreements. The sponsored spouse must also meet certain eligibility criteria, including passing medical and criminal background checks.
What is the financial requirement to sponsor a spouse in Canada?
The sponsor must show that they have enough income to support their spouse and any dependents. This is usually determined by the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement, which is based on the sponsor’s family size and the number of people they are sponsoring.
What is the process for sponsoring a spouse in Canada?
The process involves submitting an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which includes forms, supporting documents, and fees. The application will be processed by IRCC, and if approved, the sponsored spouse will be issued a visa to come to Canada.
How long does it take to sponsor a spouse in Canada?
The processing time can vary depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the case and the number of applications being processed by IRCC at the time. As of September 2021, the average processing time for spousal sponsorship applications is around 12 months.
Can a person sponsor their same-sex spouse in Canada?
Yes, same-sex couples are eligible for spousal sponsorship in Canada, provided they meet the same eligibility criteria as opposite-sex couples.
Can a person sponsor their common-law partner in Canada?
Yes, a person can sponsor their common-law partner if they have been living together continuously for at least one year.
Can a person sponsor their conjugal partner in Canada?
Yes, a person can sponsor their conjugal partner if they have been in a relationship with them for at least one year, but due to circumstances beyond their control (such as immigration restrictions or persecution), they have been unable to live together or get married.
What happens if the sponsor and the sponsored spouse separate before the sponsored spouse becomes a permanent resident?
The sponsor is still responsible for financially supporting their spouse for a period of three years after they become a permanent resident. If the sponsored spouse receives social assistance during this time, the sponsor may be required to reimburse the government for these costs.
