Spousal Sponsorship in Canada

Through spousal sponsorship, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residence, promoting family reunification and bolstering the country’s social cohesion.

Spousal Sponsorship Categories

A variety of relationships are recognized by Canada under the spousal sponsorship program:

• Spouse: Partners who are legally wed.
• Common-Law Partner: A couple who have been married for at least a year and have lived together consistently.
• Conjugal Partner: Partners who are prevented from living together by extraordinary circumstances such as marital status or immigration restrictions.

Responsibilities of the Sponsor

Sponsors are subject to certain requirements and duties:

• To qualify, you must be at least eighteen, a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, and free from certain legal restrictions.
• Financial Support: To guarantee the sponsored partner will not need social assistance, we pledge to provide them with financial support for three years.

Outland and Inland Sponsorship

There are two application streams available to applicants:

• Outland Sponsorship: For partners who do not live in Canada. During processing, this stream permits the sponsored individual to stay overseas and may even allow them to visit Canada.
• Inland Sponsorship: Partners who currently reside in Canada are eligible for inland sponsorship. Candidates may be able to work while their application is being processed if they are granted an open work permit.

Steps to Apply for Spousal Sponsorship

Several steps are involved in the application process:

• Get the Application Package: On the official website of the Government of Canada.
• Processing Fee: Processing fees, right of permanent residence fees, and biometrics fees are all included in the pay fees.
• Application Submission: To prevent delays, make sure all forms and supporting documentation are accurate and complete.
• Proof of Relationship: Showing that your relationship is sincere is essential.
• Documentation: Offer supporting documentation, including joint bank accounts, leases, photos, correspondence logs, and testimonies from loved ones.
• Interviews: In certain situations, immigration officers might interview people to determine how genuine the relationship is.

How Long Does it Take to Sponsor Your Spouse?

The processing time of spousal sponsorship is currently 11 months if your spouse is living outside of Canada. Whereas, if your spouse resides within Canada, the processing time is 34 months. But due to interviews, paper checks, and background checks, the process can take more time. 

How CWC Can Help?

The process of spousal sponsorship can be difficult to navigate. To guarantee a successful application and receive individualized support, contact CWC today for a FREE assessment. Our expert immigration consultants have been helping people meet their loved ones since 2005.