Canada is a popular destination for immigrants who want to live in a country that offers a high quality of life, a multicultural society, and a strong economy. One of the ways to immigrate to Canada is through marriage to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
However, marrying a Canadian does not automatically grant you citizenship or permanent residence. You have to follow a specific process and meet certain requirements to be eligible for sponsorship by your spouse.
What is spousal sponsorship?
Spousal sponsorship is a program that allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners to become permanent residents of Canada.
The sponsor and the sponsored person must prove that their relationship is genuine and not entered into for immigration purposes. They must also meet certain eligibility criteria, such as age, income, criminality, and medical conditions.
Who can sponsor their spouse?
To sponsor your spouse, you must be at least 18 years old and either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident. You must also be able to support your spouse financially and make sure they do not need social assistance from the government.
You must sign an undertaking agreement that states that you will provide for your spouse’s basic needs for three years after they become a permanent resident.
Who can be sponsored as a spouse?
To be sponsored as a spouse, you must be legally married to your sponsor and at least 18 years old. You must also pass a medical exam and a background check. You can be sponsored from inside or outside Canada.
If you are inside Canada, you must have valid temporary status as a visitor, student, or worker. If you are outside Canada, you must apply through the visa office responsible for your country of residence.
How to apply for spousal sponsorship?
The application process for spousal sponsorship involves two steps: the sponsor’s application and the sponsored person’s application. The sponsor must first submit an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to assess their eligibility and suitability as a sponsor.
The sponsored person must then submit an application for permanent residence, along with supporting documents such as proof of marriage, identity documents, police certificates, and photos.
The applications can be submitted online or by mail. The processing time varies depending on the type of relationship, the country of origin, and the completeness of the application. The average processing time for spousal sponsorship applications is 12 months.
What are the benefits of spousal sponsorship?
Spousal sponsorship is one of the fastest and easiest ways to obtain permanent residence in Canada through marriage. Once you become a permanent resident, you can enjoy many benefits such as:
- The right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada
- Access to health care and social services
- Protection under Canadian law and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- The opportunity to apply for Canadian citizenship after three years of physical presence in Canada
Spousal sponsorship is also a flexible program that allows you to include your dependent children in your application or sponsor them later.
Conclusion
Marrying a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can open the door to immigration to Canada. However, you have to follow the spousal sponsorship program and meet certain requirements to be eligible for permanent residence.
If you need help with your spousal sponsorship application, you can consult an immigration lawyer or an authorized representative who can guide you through the process and increase your chances of success.
