Maintaining a long-distance relationship can be difficult, especially when you live in different countries. The best solution to that problem is by applying for spousal sponsorship. However, there are some important aspects about the procedure every claimant should know about before applying.
Eligibility Criteria
There are certain requirements that you need to fulfill to be eligible to sponsor your spouse.
- You must be over eighteen years old.
- You must be living in Canada or have plans to return once your partner receives permanent residency.
- You should be able to provide for yourself and your partner financiallyfor the next three years.
- You should not have any inadmissibility issues such as a serious criminal record.
- You should not be taking any social welfare other than disability.
The process to Sponsor Your Spouse In Canada
When applying for sponsorship for your spouse or children, you will have to fill out two applications:
- Application to become a sponsor
- Application for the permanent residence of your spouse or child
Following are the steps you need to follow to apply for the sponsorship:
Get The Application Â
The application package will have three things: a checklist of documents, application forms, and a guide. Make sure to attach all the forms mentioned on the checklist. For any help with the process, read the guide.
Pay the Application Fee Â
After carefully filling out the application form, you have to pay a certain amount for the application fee.
Submit Your Application Â
The details about the submission are provided in the guide. You can either mail or courier your application.
Submit the Remaining Documents
The sponsored family member will have to submit their medical exam, police report, and biometrics.
Proof of Relationship
To prove that you two share a genuine relationship, you will have to provide the following documents along with your Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation form.
- Marriage certificate
- Wedding pictures and invitations
- Birth and adoption certificates of any children that you have with your partner
- Proof of marriage registration
Time Required for the Process
The process usually requires twelve months. In case you have a complex case, or your application lacks some documents, it can take longer. It’s therefore important to make sure that you apply correctly the first time around.
Difference between Outland and Inland Sponsorship
Before you start applying for your sponsorship, make sure you understand the difference between outland and inland spousal sponsorship.
Inland Spousal Sponsorship
This type of sponsorship is applicable when you and your spouse live in Canada and also when the applicant’s spouse in Canada may or may not hold a valid immigration status. The claimant will have to refrain from travelling outside of Canada until the application is in process.
Outland Spousal Sponsorship
This type of sponsorship is applicable when your spouse lives outside Canada, or lives in Canada at present but doesn’t plan to stay in the country for the entire application process.
Hiring a Canadian Immigration Lawyer
If you want a smooth and stress-free sponsorship, hire Canadian immigration consultants to help you through the process. At Nanda and Associate Lawyers Professional Corporation, our professionals are experienced in handling sponsorship applications and can give you some really good tips and trick to make your application stand out in Canada. If you have a complicated case, make sure to contact us today.
