Spousal Sponsorship Journey: Key Milestones

Embark on reuniting with loved ones through Canada's Spousal Sponsorship program, known for prioritized processing. Benefit from reduced timelines, eligibility for spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners sponsored by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Experience a swift transition from temporary to permanent status, ensuring a quick pathway to life in Canada.

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Family Sponsorships

Reuniting Loved Ones

  • Moving away from loved ones is challenging, but Canada prioritizes family reunification through spousal sponsorship.

 

  • Spousal sponsorship, a key family class immigration stream, now processes 80% of applications in 12 months, down from 26.

 

  • To immigrate under spousal sponsorship, the spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner must be sponsored by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

 

  • For those applying outside Canada, an approved sponsorship results in a Canada Spouse Visa, granting confirmation of permanent residence.

 

  • Upon landing in Canada, the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident, entering before the expiry date on the temporary visa.

 

  • Applying for spousal sponsorship within Canada transitions the applicant’s status from temporary to permanent upon approval.

 

  • Spousal sponsorship within Canada also allows the sponsored person to apply for an Open-Work Permit, enhancing flexibility.

 

  • If spousal sponsorship isn’t viable, exploring temporary residence options like a visitor visa is an alternative.

What to Expect in the Process

  1. Application Preparation:
    • Compile forms and required documents tailored to your residence and foreign documentation.
    • In-Canada applicants under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner class may seek an Open Work Permit.
  2. Acknowledgement Phase:
    • Processing initiation with an acknowledgment sent upon confirming application completeness.
    • Anticipate requests for extra documents; monitor online channels for updates.
  3. Medical Assessment:
    • IRCC stipulates a deadline and issues guidelines for the medical examination.
    • Ensure completion within 30 days; non-compliance may result in application refusal.
    • IRCC communicates in case of any medical exam-related issues.
  4. Decision Outcome:
    • IRCC concludes processing after obtaining all necessary information.
    • Upon approval, receive confirmation of permanent residence.
    • Entry to Canada as a permanent resident is granted if all stipulated requirements are met.

The Requirements for Sponsoring a Spouse

  1. Qualifiers for Spousal Sponsorship:
    1. Canadian citizen, registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act, or permanent resident.
    2. At least 18 years old.
    3. Living in Canada with plans to continue residing if sponsoring a relative.
    4. Able to provide basic needs for yourself, your spouse or partner, and dependent children.

    Minimum Income Requirements:

    • No low-income-cut-off (LICO) for most cases.
    • If sponsoring a spouse/partner with dependent children or a dependent child with their own dependents, must meet annual LICO score.

    Non-Qualifiers for Spousal Sponsorship:

    1. Signed undertaking for a previous spouse/partner within the last three years.
    2. Receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability.
    3. Failed to pay back social assistance from a previous sponsorship.
    4. Defaulted on an immigration loan or performance bond.
    5. Unpaid court-ordered alimony or child support.
    6. Undischarged bankruptcy.
    7. Convicted of sexual or violent offenses, or offenses against a relative causing bodily harm.
    8. Previously sponsored as a spouse/partner and became a permanent resident less than five years ago.
    9. Under a removal order.
    10. Incarcerated.
    11. Already applied to sponsor a current spouse/partner without a decision.
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