Sponsor your Spouse or Partner for Canadian Immigration
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Spousal Sponsorship: A Comprehensive Guide to Sponsoring Your Partner for Canadian Immigration
Understanding the Spousal Sponsorship Program
Defining Relationship Types:
Canada’s agriculture and agri-food industries have long faced challenges in filling labor gaps, often relying on short-term, seasonal work permits. The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot aims to address this issue by providing a stable solution:
- Spouse: The individual is legally married to the sponsor.
- Common-law Partner: The couple has lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least one continuous year.
- Conjugal Partner: The couple has maintained a genuine relationship for at least one year but cannot live together or marry due to exceptional circumstances.
Each relationship type comes with unique eligibility requirements and documentation. For an in-depth comparison, read our article, “Difference Between Spouse, Common-Law, and Conjugal Partner.”
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Find out if you are eligible to sponsor or be sponsored for Canadian immigration.
Family Class (Outland) vs. In-Canada Sponsorship Class
The spousal sponsorship program offers two streams based on the sponsor’s and applicant’s location.
1. Family Class (Outland) Sponsorship
This option is suitable if:
- Your spouse or partner resides outside Canada.
- You are in Canada but plan to live elsewhere during the application process.
While this stream allows your spouse to apply for a temporary visa to visit Canada during processing, living together may be challenging until the application is approved.
2. In-Canada Sponsorship Class
- You and your partner live together in Canada.
- The applicant holds valid immigration status in Canada.
- The applicant seeks an open work permit to work during the application process.
Even applicants without valid immigration status may qualify under a public policy allowing them to remain in Canada while their application is processed. However, applicants in this category should avoid traveling outside Canada during this time.
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Processing Times for Spousal Sponsorship Applications
Spousal sponsorship applications generally take about 12 months to process. However, factors such as additional documentation requests or complex cases can extend this timeline.
If you’re applying in Quebec, processing may take up to 25 months due to additional provincial requirements. Ensuring your application is accurate and complete from the outset is critical to minimizing delays.
Submitting a Spousal Sponsorship Application
Including Dependent Family Members
Dependent children can be added to your spouse’s application for permanent residence. Ensure all necessary documents are included for accompanying dependents.
Cost of Sponsoring a Spouse or Partner
- Sponsorship fee: $85
- Principal applicant processing fee: $545
- Right of permanent residence fee: $575
- Biometrics fee: $85
- Total: $1,205
Are Interviews Required for Spousal Sponsorship?
- Documents supporting the relationship are insufficient.
- Information in forms and documents conflicts.
- There is a significant age or cultural gap between partners.
- The couple has had minimal cohabitation or a short relationship before marriage.
Consulting an experienced immigration lawyer can help ensure your application is strong and reduce the likelihood of an interview.
Medical Conditions and Sponsorship
A serious medical condition does not usually disqualify a sponsored spouse unless it poses a risk to public health or safety. The rule for medical inadmissibility due to excessive demand does not apply to spousal sponsorships.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Live in Canada or plan to return after your spouse or partner becomes a permanent resident.
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Demonstrate the ability to support your spouse or partner financially for three years.
Spousal Sponsorship Process with Universal Adviser
The process begins with a formal agreement, initiating our collaboration. As a client, you will receive detailed guidance on gathering the necessary documentation for the initial stages. Universal Adviser will then prepare your application, complete all essential forms, and manage the submission to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
After submission, we will monitor the process and await IRCC’s decision on the approval or denial of your Permanent Residency application.
While no consultant or immigration professional can guarantee the approval of Canadian Permanent Residency through the sponsorship program, partnering with Universal Adviser ensures you have the support of a knowledgeable and committed team. We’ll assist you in building a strong application and provide dedicated support throughout your spousal sponsorship journey.
Ongoing Obligations When Sponsoring Your Spouse, Conjugal Partner, or Common-Law Partner
As a sponsor, you are legally required to fulfill the basic needs of your spouse, conjugal partner, or common-law partner, including their everyday and health needs, for three years.
Before signing the undertaking agreement, you must ensure your partner does not need social assistance from the government. If they do require financial assistance, you will be responsible for repaying the full amount they received during your sponsorship period. Failure to do so will prevent you from sponsoring another eligible family member until the repayment is made.
Your financial obligations remain in effect even if:
- Your partner becomes a Canadian citizen.
- Your relationship ends.
- Your partner moves to another country or province.
- You experience financial difficulties.
Job Requirements for Sponsorship
A job is not mandatory to sponsor your spouse, conjugal partner, or common-law partner in Canada. Unlike other sponsorship programs, there is no minimum income requirement. However, the immigration officer may evaluate your financial capacity to fulfill the basic needs of your partner based on the undertaking agreement you sign. Providing proof of financial resources is recommended.
Can Your Partner Come to Canada While Waiting for Approval?
Your partner may come to Canada while waiting for sponsorship approval, though there is no special visa for applicants awaiting a decision. Applicants may face challenges securing a temporary visa due to dual intent (applying for both temporary and permanent residence).
Financial Requirements for Sponsorship
There is no minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship. However, you must sign an undertaking agreement promising financial support for your partner’s basic needs for three years after they receive permanent residency.
Traveling During Application Processing
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Language Proficiency Requirements
Documents Required for Sponsorship
- Completed application forms.
- Proof of status in Canada.
- Identity documents.
- Marriage certificate or equivalent evidence for common-law/conjugal relationships.
- Police certificates and medical exams for your partner.
- Proof of government fee payments.
- Digital photos and supporting relationship evidence (e.g., shared assets, joint financial arrangements, photos, letters from family/friends).
Common Reasons for Sponsorship Application Refusal
- Your relationship is deemed inauthentic.
- Insufficient or improper evidence is provided.
Sponsorship in Quebec
FAQs on Spousal Sponsorship
No, Canada accepts spousal sponsorship applications year-round.
No. You must apply for and receive sponsorship approval to become a permanent resident.
Yes, but you must prove your marriage has broken down and provide supporting evidence for your new relationship.
Yes, but you must demonstrate past cohabitation of at least 12 consecutive months and an ongoing commitment.
Partner with Universal Adviser for expert guidance and a seamless sponsorship process, ensuring your application has the best chance of success!
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