Spousal Sponsorship

As a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you are legally entitled to sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner residing outside of Canada for immigration, enabling them to reside in Canada on a permanent basis.

Spousal Sponsorship Canada Requirements

The IRCC specifies the following criteria that must be met to be considered a supporter for your husband, common-law partner, or conjugal partner:

Justify your suitability as a companion by demonstrating your ability to meet his or her most fundamental requirements.
– You must provide proof that you are not receiving public aid for any reason other than impairment – Age 18 or older.
– To qualify, you must either be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident or an Indian recognized under the Canadian Indian Act. Keep in mind:
– Permanent residents
– Those who are currently living outside of Canada are ineligible to act as sponsors.
– If you are a Canadian citizen residing outside of Canada and would like to support your companion or spouse for permanent residence in Canada, you must demonstrate that you intend to return to Canada.
– In order to demonstrate your financial capability to support your sponsored spouse and any dependent children they may have, you are required to meet or exceed the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) threshold established by immigration authorities. As part of the application procedure, it is mandatory to complete the Undertaking and spousal sponsorship in Canada.
By signing the undertaking, you, as the sponsor, commit to providing financial support to your spouse or partner for a duration of up to three years, irrespective of the continuation of your relationship. This obligation remains in effect for the entire three-year period, ensuring the well-being of your sponsored spouse and their dependents.
– If you live in Quebec, you must satisfy Quebec’s visa and sponsorship criteria in order to become a sponsor.
– The sponsor will provide for the sponsored person’s essential necessities. – The spouse or partner you support will do their best to provide for themselves and their family. The Canadian state of Quebec conducts its own financial review and asks for a separate promise from you.
– When completing your application, you must sign the undertaking and sponsorship agreement. As the sponsor, you sign the undertaking promising that:
- — You’ll provide financial assistance to your partner or spouse for three years even if your relationship ends
- — You’ll pay back any provisional social aid offered to the sponsored partner/spouse within the undertaking period (3yrs)

The Canadian spousal sponsorship is an agreement signed by the sponsor and the person being sponsored. It’s an agreement that:

– The sponsor will cater to the basic needs of the sponsored person
– If you live in Quebec, you must satisfy Quebec’s visa and sponsorship criteria in order to become a sponsor.
– The sponsor will provide for the sponsored person’s essential necessities. – The sponsor will provide for the sponsored person’s essential necessities.
– The spouse or partner you support will do their best to provide for themselves and their family. The Canadian state of Quebec conducts its own financial review and asks for a separate promise from you.
– Establish the authenticity of your connection with the individual you intend to sponsor.
– Spouses must provide proof of marriage and must be at least 18 years old; common-law partners must also meet these requirements and must show evidence of having resided together consistently for at least a year.
– You and your “conjugal partner” must both be at least 18 years old and in a committed partnership for at least a year. You’ll need to provide evidence that you and your spouse aren’t compatible to live as common-law partners or get married.
The following situations may prevent you from sponsoring your husband or partner

– You were convicted of a violent criminal offense, sexual crime, or any offense against your family members within or outside Canada.
– If you’ve been a permanent resident for less than five years and you were sponsored by a spouse or partner.
– You’re still accountable for another partner or spouse that you sponsored (3-year undertaking agreement).
– If you: – Have a current conviction – Have not paid back an immigration debt or required family support payments – If unable to provide for the basic and financial requirements of the person you sponsored
– Then you have been given a Removal Order.
– Filed for insolvency

How to Apply for Spousal Sponsorship Canada

1. Verify Eligibility

It is imperative to ensure that both you and your prospective sponsoring partner satisfy the minimum criteria. Prior to proceeding with a Canadian spouse support application, it is crucial to ascertain that all prerequisites are met.

2. Get the Application Package

Obtain the latest spouse funding application package and ensure its comprehensive completion. The registration materials comprise of the following:

– The necessary paperwork to be completed by both the supporter (sponsorship request) and the sponsored companion or spouse(permanent residence application).
– A document checklist to facilitate thoroughness with the supported individual to ensure all the required documents are included.

3. Make an Application for Sponsorship and Send It In

Please submit your sponsorship request and permanent residence application together, in accordance with the provided postal directions, or by utilizing a courier service. Before submission, kindly ensure that all forms have been accurately filled out, all necessary documents have been attached, and any applicable fees have been paid.

4. Elaborate on Previous Statements

Upon receipt of your sponsorship application, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reserves the right to contact your spouse or companion to request additional documentation. These documents may include physical examinations, security clearances, and biometrics. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter

Duration of Process for Spousal Sponsorship

There is currently a 12-month wait period for applications for spouse support.

Sponsorship Checklist for Spouses

– Make ensure a successful sponsorship application, it is imperative that both the sponsor and the sponsored individual meet the established requirements. Furthermore, it is essential to have all pertinent paperwork and supporting evidence of the relationship readily available and to remit all applicable fees through the prescribed channels promptly.
– We strongly advise thoroughly completing the requisite funding documentation, adhering closely to the guidelines and instructions provided by IRCC, and submitting the paperwork in a timely and comprehensive manner. Doing so will help ensure a smooth and efficient processing of the application.