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Spousal Sponsorship

Reunite with Your Loved One in Canada: Through Spousal, Common-Law, or Conjugal Partner.
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Spousal Sponsorship

Spousal sponsorship is a Canadian immigration program that allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent child to join them in Canada and become permanent residents.

who Can be a Sponsor?

To be eligible as a sponsor, you must meet the following requirements:

At Least 18 Years Old

You must be at least 18 years old to be eligible to sponsor someone. This age requirement ensures you are legally an adult and can enter into a formal sponsorship agreement, which includes financial and legal responsibilities.

Canadian Status

To sponsor someone, you need to be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act. This requirement ensures that you have a recognized and stable status within Canada.

Citizens living abroad

If you are a Canadian citizen living abroad, you must show your plan to return and live in Canada when your sponsored family members become permanent residents. You can't sponsor someone if your a permanent resident living outside Canada.

No social assistance

You must prove that you are not receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability. There isn't an income requirement to sponsor a partner or dependent child, but you must show that you are financially stable.

Financial ability

You must be capable of providing for the basic needs of the persons you wish to sponsor. This includes having adequate income or resources to support them without requiring additional government assistance.

Not living in Quebec:

If you live outside Quebec, you can sponsor your spouse, partner, or dependent child. If you live in Quebec, you must meet additional provincial requirements and sign an undertaking with the Quebec immigration authorities.

Who Can I Sponsor?

You can sponsor three types of partners under the spousal category of Canada’s family sponsorship program:

under 22

Spousal

A legally married partner, recognized as your spouse under Canadian law, regardless of whether the marriage took place in Canada or abroad, as long as it is legally valid in the country where it took place. Both individuals must have been physically present during the ceremony (not by proxy) for the marriage to be recognized as a genuine, lawful union.

Apply as a Spouse
Spousal Sponsorship

Common-Law Partner

A partner with whom you've lived in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 continuous months, sharing a household, finances, and responsibilities. This relationship is recognized under Canadian law as a common-law partnership, even if there is no formal marriage, provided the cohabitation has been consistent and without prolonged separation.

Apply as a Common-Law Partner
Conjugal Partner

Conjugal Partner

A partner with whom you are in a committed relationship for at least 12 months but are unable to live together or get married due to serious barriers like immigration restrictions, cultural, or religious obstacles. This category is for those who cannot qualify as spousal or common-law partners but have a genuine, committed relationship.

Apply as a Conjugal Partner

How to Sponsor your spouse, partner or child

Here’s a 5-step process to sponsor your spouse, partner, or child to come to Canada:

Check your eligibility

Ensure you meet the requirements to be a sponsor, and verify that the person you want to sponsor is eligible. You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act, and you must not face any disqualifications such as financial issues or criminal convictions.

Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary forms and supporting documents, including proof of your relationship, financial documents, police certificate, photo, and identity documents. Make sure to follow the specific document checklist provided by IRCC.

Complete Your Application

Complete your application by accurately filling out all required forms, attaching the necessary supporting documents, paying the processing fees, and submitting the entire package online through the PR portal. Be sure to track your status and respond promptly to any additional requests. Also, if your application is incomplete, IRCC will return it without processing. 

Provide Biometrics

After submitting your application, IRCC will send a Biometrics Collection Letter. The person you’re sponsoring has 30 days to complete their biometrics. Additionally, they may have to undergo an immigration medical exam (IME) by a panel physician. This exam can be done upfront (in advance) or upon request from IRCC.

Get Approved and Prepare to Come to Canada

Once your application is approved, your family member will receive instructions on the next steps to become a permanent resident. They must meet a CBSA (immigration) officer at the point of entry in Canada before their documents expire. After arrival, they will receive their permanent resident card and can access settlement services.

The Canadian spousal sponsorship process can be overwhelming, with intricate steps like filling out detailed forms, proving the authenticity of your relationship, and submitting a wide array of supporting documents. Cantrust Visa can manage all these complexities on your behalf, so you can focus on being with your loved one and planning your life together in Canada.

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Spousal Sponsorship FAQs

Can I sponsor a dependent child as part of a spousal Application?

Yes, you can sponsor a dependent child as part of a spousal application. When sponsoring your spouse or partner, you can include any dependent children they have, allowing them to also apply for permanent residency.

The child must meet the definition of a dependent under Canadian immigration law, typically meaning they are under 22 years of age and not married or in a common-law relationship.

Who can't sponsor their spouse, partner, or child?

You can’t sponsor your spouse, partner, or child if:

  • You’re less than 18 years old.
  • You won’t live in Canada when the persons you want to sponsor become permanent residents.
  • You’re not a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a person registered as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
  • You’re a temporary resident in Canada (visitor, student, or worker on a visa or permit).
  • Your permanent residence application is still in process (you must have permanent resident status when submitting the sponsorship application).
  • You don’t have enough money to support the persons you want to sponsor (if applicable).

You may not be eligible to sponsor your spouse or partner if:

  • You were sponsored by a spouse or partner and became a permanent resident less than 5 years ago.
  • You’re still financially responsible for a previous spouse or partner that you sponsored.

You may not be eligible to sponsor your spouse, partner, or child if:

  • You’ve already applied to sponsor the person you’re currently seeking to sponsor, and a decision hasn’t been made.
  • You’re in jail, prison, or a penitentiary.
  • You didn’t pay back:
    • An immigration loan.
    • A performance bond.
    • Court-ordered family support payments (e.g., alimony or child support) (not applicable if you live in Quebec).
  • You didn’t provide the financial support agreed upon in a previous sponsorship agreement (not applicable if you live in Quebec).
  • You declared bankruptcy and are not discharged (not applicable if you live in Quebec).
  • You receive social assistance for a reason other than a disability.
  • You were convicted of a violent criminal offence, any offence against a relative, or any sexual offence inside or outside Canada.
  • You can’t legally stay in Canada and must leave because of a Removal Order.

There may be other reasons for ineligibility, and if you’re not eligible, you’ll be informed of the reason,

What is a proxy marriage and why is it not allowed?

A proxy marriage is a marriage where one or both of the individuals are not physically present at the ceremony and are represented by someone else, often through a legal agent or stand-in. This type of marriage is performed when the couple cannot be together in person due to reasons such as military deployment or geographical separation.

In terms of Canadian spousal sponsorship, proxy marriages are not recognized for immigration purposes. The reason behind this is that Canadian immigration law requires a genuine, in-person relationship to validate the spousal sponsorship application.

The government prioritizes the authenticity of the relationship, and physical presence at the marriage ceremony is seen as a key indicator of this. Therefore, to successfully sponsor a spouse for immigration to Canada, the couple must have been physically present at their wedding ceremony, ensuring the marriage is recognized under Canadian law.

How much is a Spousal Sponsorship Application?
A Spousal Sponsorship Application for Canada typically costs CAD $1,205 when applied for directly through the Government of Canada. Processing times usually take around 12 months, but can vary depending on factors like application completeness, location, and individual circumstances. At Cantrust Visa, we offer a comprehensive Spousal Sponsorship application service for USD $2000. If you also need an open work permit, we can assist for an additional USD $1000. This fee includes expert guidance throughout the process, ensuring your application is accurate and submitted on time. Please note that government fees are not included.
What are the processing times for a Spousal Sponsorship Application?

The processing times for a Spousal Sponsorship Application can vary depending on several factors, including the applicant’s location, the completeness of the application, and the specifics of the case. As of the most recent updates, the general processing time is about 12 months from the time the application is received by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This timeframe applies to applications for both inland and outland sponsorships.

However, it’s important to note that this is an estimate, and actual processing times can be shorter or longer depending on various circumstances. For instance, if additional documentation is requested or if there are complexities in the case, the process might take longer. Conversely, a well-prepared application with all the necessary documentation can sometimes result in faster processing.

If you want to ensure that your application is processed as quickly as possible, at Cantrust Visa, we can help you prepare a complete and accurate application, reducing the chances of delays.

Can I get an open work permit as a sponsored spouse?
Yes, as a sponsored spouse, you can apply for an open work permit if you meet the following criteria:
  1. Genuine Relationship: You must be in a genuine relationship with your sponsor.
  2. Permanent Residence Application: You need to be included in an application for permanent residence and have an acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) letter confirming that your permanent residence application is being processed. Note that the AOR must be for your own permanent resident application, not for your sponsor’s application.
  3. Living in Canada: You must be living in Canada with your sponsor.
You cannot apply for an open work permit if your permanent residence application has been refused, withdrawn, or returned, or if you plan to apply for your work permit at a port of entry. To apply, ensure you have valid temporary resident status, such as a visitor record, work permit, or study permit. For assistance with the application process, at Cantrust Visa we offer complete application processing for both the spousal sponsorship and the open work permit applications for USD $3000. Please note that these fees do not include government fees.
We applied for spousal sponsorship, how can I get to Canada faster?

After submitting your spousal sponsorship application, there are steps you can take to help your spouse or partner join you in Canada more quickly:

  1. Visitor Visa: Once you receive an acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) confirming that your sponsorship application is in progress, your spouse or partner can apply for a visitor visa. If they are eligible, their application may benefit from expedited processing, which is automatic and does not require a special request.
  2. Requirements: Your spouse or partner must still meet all the requirements for a visitor visa. If approved, they can travel to Canada and apply for an open work permit upon arrival.

To streamline this process, Cantrust Visa offers expert assistance for both the visitor visa and the open work permit. For USD $1500, we handle the visitor visa and work permit applications, ensuring timely and accurate submission. Please note that these fees do not include government fees.

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