Immigration
Spousal Sponsorship, conjugal partner, or common-law partner in Canada is a possibility for Canadian citizens or permanent residents who meet certain conditions. The Canadian government recognizes the importance of family reunification and offers two streams for sponsorship: the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class (Inland) and the Family Class (Outland) Sponsorship Class.
Each stream has its own set of requirements and advantages. However, the basic financial obligation of the sponsor remains in effect for three years, regardless of the type of sponsorship chosen. In this article, we will explore the eligibility criteria, application process, and fees associated with sponsoring a partner in Canada. We will also discuss the medical inadmissibility criteria and how they may affect the sponsorship application.
The requirements for a spouse visa include being at least 18 years old, living in Canada or planning to return to Canada once the spouse or partner becomes a permanent resident, and being able and willing to provide for the basic financial needs of the partner for three years. The sponsorship can be done under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class (Inland) or the Family Class (Outland) Sponsorship Class.
Under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class (Inland), the sponsor lives with the partner in Canada, holds valid immigration status, and wishes to apply for an open work permit while the application is being processed. This stream is also open to those whose partner is out of status in Canada, but they are protected under a public policy that allows them to remain in Canada until the application is fully processed. However, the applicant should refrain from travelling outside of Canada while the application is being processed.
On the other hand, the Family Class (Outland) sponsorship option is for those whose partner lives outside of Canada, but the sponsor is currently living in Canada and does not plan to stay in Canada for the duration of the application process. The downside of this stream is that until the application is approved, living with the partner may be difficult. However, the partner can apply for a temporary visa to come to Canada while their outland sponsorship application is being processed.
The processing time for a spouse visa application according to the IRCC is approximately 12 months from start to finish, but it can take longer depending on the nature of the case. If there are complications or the visa office requires additional proof of the relationship, the processing of the case will be delayed. It is best to ensure that the sponsorship application is done right the first time to ensure it is processed as quickly as possible.
The government processing fees for sponsoring a partner are $75 for the sponsorship fee, $475 for the principal applicant processing fee, $500 for the right of permanent residence fee, and $85 for biometrics. If the sponsor resides in Quebec or intends to reside in Quebec upon the issuance of permanent residence, an additional fee of $289 CAD will need to be paid in addition to the fees mentioned above.
There is no minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship, but the sponsor is required to sign an undertaking agreement, promising to fulfill the basic financial needs of the partner. The immigration officer may assess whether the sponsor has sufficient funds to sponsor the partner, so the sponsor should provide some proof of how they will support the partner in Canada.
Here are some documents that are required for a spouse visa in Canada.
Contact SayHomeCanada Immigration today to learn more about our sponsorship services and how we can help you bring your spouse, conjugal partner, or common-law partner to Canada. We are committed to providing you with the highest level of service and support, and we look forward to helping you achieve your immigration goals.
No, only Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner for immigration to Canada.
If you and your partner break up during the sponsorship application process, the sponsorship will be cancelled. However, you may be able to withdraw your sponsorship application before a decision is made. If your partner has already become a permanent resident, you may still be financially responsible for them for a certain period of time, depending on the terms of your undertaking agreement.
Spousal sponsorship applications take approximately 12 months to process from start to finish. However, processing times may be longer if the case is complicated or if additional proof of the relationship is required.
The Inland spousal sponsorship option is for partners who live together in Canada and have valid immigration status, while the Outland option is for partners who live outside of Canada. The Inland option allows the applicant to apply for an open work permit while the application is being processed, but travel outside of Canada may not be permitted. The Outland option allows the sponsor to continue living in Canada, but the applicant may find it difficult to live with their partner until the application is approved.
