Sponsoring your spouse for a Canadian visa is not an easy process, and you might also require legal representation. One mistake in your application can sabotage the whole process, so it’s best to get help from a professional.
If you’re looking for a basic guide for the process, then here’s what you need to know about it.
Who Will Sponsor?
The applicant must show the intention to live in Canada with their spouse. The IRCC will assess the case thoroughly and will see if the sponsor wishes to reside permanently in Canada or not.
The person sponsoring must be 18-years of age, a Canadian citizen, financially strong to support the grandchildren of the principal applicant, and not receiving social assistance. However, getting social assistance for disability does not impact your case.
Once you meet the whole criteria, you can become a sponsor. Quebec might have some additional requirements, so it’s best to check them all.
Difference b/w Inland & Outland Sponsorship
Inland and outland sponsorships are simple terms to describe the type of applications that you can fill for your spouse. If you’re sponsoring someone living outside of Canada, then the sponsorship is referred to as Outland sponsorship. On the other hand, if you’re sponsoring a person living in Canada, it’s called Inland sponsorship.
Regarding Inland sponsorship, the sponsored person might be on a temporary visa in Canada. If the case is rejected, you cannot appeal it as you can do for outland sponsorships.
Process for Sponsorship
Applying for spousal sponsorship is based on five general steps.
No. 1: Assess the eligibility of your spouse and yourself and check if they meet the IRCC requirements.
No. 2: Prepare a list of required documents to submit with your application form.
No. 3: Prepare necessary documents and forms
No. 4: Make sure there’s everything included in your application; otherwise, you can face a visa rejection for your spouse.
No. 5: Submit the application and wait for a decision.
Documents Required for the Process
Coming to another important part – which documents do you need to submit your spousal sponsorship application?
Here’s a list of them that you must include in your application.
- Immigration form by IRCC
- Identity proof
- Proof of Canadian citizenship
- Relationship proof in terms of joint utility bills, driver’s license with the same address, joint bank statements, or joint ownership of a property.
- Family information and documentation
- Certificates from police
- Medical examination
- Proof of any past relationships
Who is Common-Law Partner?
Canada offers spousal sponsorship for three kinds of relationships, including conjugal, marriage, or common-law.
According to Canada’s definition of common-law partners, they are people who have not legally registered their marriage and are cohabiting. Partners can live separately after cohabiting for one year but still maintain a common-law relationship.
For conjugal relationships, they are partners who have not lived together for a year and are not bound in a marriage due to special circumstances.
Apply for a Canadian Spouse Visa through an Expert
To avoid facing rejection, it’s best to let an expert handle the case for you. We’ve helped hundreds of clients in spousal sponsorship for Canada. We’re here to help you through the way, so get in touch with one of our best lawyers to start your case.
Disclaimer: This article is only intended for educational purposes and shouldn’t be used as a substitute for legal advice.
