Spousal Sponsorship in Canada
Spousal Sponsorship in Canada allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, partner, or dependent child for permanent residence. Canada strongly values family reunification. Therefore, immigration authorities treat spousal sponsorship applications as a top priority.
To be eligible for Spousal Sponsorship, the sponsor must meet specific requirements. In addition, the sponsored family member must also qualify under Canadian immigration rules.
Who Can Sponsor a Spouse in Canada?
To qualify as a sponsor for a Spouse in Canada, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Live in Canada, or if you are a citizen abroad, prove your intent to return.
- Follow Quebec-specific sponsorship rules if you live in Quebec.
- Show that you can meet the basic financial needs of the sponsored person.
Who Is Not Eligible to Sponsor?
You cannot sponsor a spouse or partner if you:
- Became a permanent resident through spousal sponsorship within the last five years.
- Sponsored a previous spouse or partner less than three years ago.
- Defaulted on a previous sponsorship undertaking.
- Are going through bankruptcy proceedings.
- Receive social assistance (except for disability reasons).
- Have a conviction for a violent or sexual offence.
- Are under a removal order.
- Have an ongoing sponsorship application under review.
Eligibility of the Sponsored Person
Under Spousal Sponsorship in Canada, the sponsored spouse or partner must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with the sponsor.
If you sponsor a child, the child must:
- Be under 22 years old and unmarried, or
- Be financially dependent due to a mental or physical condition.
Once the application is in process, family members aged 18 or older must submit police certificates. In addition, all sponsored family members must complete a medical examination.
Inland vs Overseas Spousal Sponsorship in Canada
Canada offers two sponsorship streams:
Overseas Sponsorship
- For spouses or partners living outside Canada.
Inland Sponsorship
- For spouses or partners living in Canada.
- Applicants may also apply for an open work permit while the application is in process.
Documents Required for Spousal Sponsorship in Canada
If you sponsor your husband or wife, immigration officers typically expect:
- Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation Questionnaire
- Marriage certificate (or proof of common-law relationship)
- Wedding invitations and photographs
- Birth or adoption certificates of children
- Proof of marriage registration
You must also provide at least two of the following:
- Joint property ownership documents
- Shared bank account statements
- Utility bills with both names
- Government-issued ID copies
- Vehicle insurance documents
- Pay stubs or tax documents showing the same address
Cost of Spousal Sponsorship in Canada
The government fees for Spousal Sponsorship include:
- Sponsorship fee: $75
- Principal applicant processing fee: $475
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $500
- Biometrics fee: $85
Total: $1,135 CAD
If the sponsor lives in Quebec or plans to settle there, an additional $289 CAD fee applies.
Income Requirements for Spousal Sponsorship in Canada
Unlike many other sponsorship programs, Spousal Sponsorship does not require a minimum income. However, sponsors must sign an undertaking promising financial support for basic needs.
The undertaking period for spousal sponsorship lasts three years from the day the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident.
Processing Time for Spousal Sponsorship in Canada
Most Spousal Sponsorship in Canada applications take around 12 months to process. However, complex cases or requests for additional proof may increase processing time.
To avoid delays, applicants should submit a complete and accurate application from the start.
Get Expert Help with Spousal Sponsorship in Canada
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