Spousal sponsorship is a process that allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residence in Canada. This process is available to couples who are married, in a common-law relationship, or in a conjugal relationship. The sponsor must meet certain requirements in order to be eligible to sponsor their spouse or partner.
In order to be eligible to sponsor a spouse or partner, the sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, be 18 years of age or older, and be able to demonstrate that they can provide for the basic needs of their spouse or partner and any dependent children. The sponsor must also demonstrate that they have sufficient income to support their spouse or partner and any dependent children.
The spousal sponsorship process involves submitting an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The application must include all the necessary documents and information, including proof of the sponsor’s eligibility, proof of the relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored person, and proof of the sponsored person’s admissibility to Canada.
The application can be submitted inside Canada while the applicant is physically in the country (usually called an Inland Application). Or, the application can be submitted outside of Canada, while the applicant is still residing overseas (usually called an Outland Application). Once the application is submitted, IRCC will review the application and make a decision. If the application is approved, the sponsored person will be granted permanent residence in Canada.
Spousal sponsorship is a complex process, and it is important to ensure that all the necessary documents and information are included in the application. It is also important to ensure that all the requirements are met in order to be eligible for spousal sponsorship.
The content above is not intended to provide legal advice or opinions of any kind and may not be used for professional or commercial purposes. E&OE.
