Process to Sponsor your Spouse into Canadian Citizenship

What is the Process to Sponsor Your Spouse into Canadian Citizenship

If you’re a Canadian citizen and are interested in spousal sponsorship in order to have your non-Canadian spouse become a permanent resident, there is some important information you’ll need and a particular process to be followed.

First, let’s look at who is eligible to apply.

Who Can Apply for Spousal Sponsorship in Canada?

You are able to apply to be a sponsor if you meet these requirements:

  • You must be a Canadian citizen, registered under the Canadian Indian Act, or a permanent resident.
  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • You must be residing in Canada.
  • You have to prove that you have the financial means to provide for a spouse and any dependent children.

These factors will prohibit you from being a sponsor:

  • You were sponsored and became a permanent resident less than five years ago.
  • You have already sponsored a spouse less than three years ago.
  • You are in a default status in regards to a previous spousal sponsorship, an immigration loan, a performance bond, or payments for family support.
  • You are currently in a bankruptcy proceeding.
  • You are a recipient of social assistance for anything other than a disability.
  • You have been convicted of a violent or sexual offense, an act that caused bodily harm to a relative, or threatening any of these offenses.
  • You are in jail, prison, or a reformatory.
  • You are subject to a removal order.

Who Can You Sponsor?

There are three types of relationships that fall under the jurisdiction of spousal sponsorship. They are:

  • Your spouse.
  • Your common-law partner.
  • Your conjugal partner.

Application Process

The application for spousal sponsorship is a two-step procedure:

  • The spouse who is already a Canadian citizen applies to become a sponsor.
  • After the sponsorship approval is obtained, the non-Canadian spouse applies for permanent residence based on this sponsorship.

Most of the communication with the immigration authorities will be written, though, at times, a face-to-face interview with the sponsor is required.

The process of spousal sponsorship in Canada can be difficult and confusing.

Obtaining the help of a qualified lawyer may be your best bet to make sure that you don’t make a mistake that could cost you time and money.

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See If You Qualify For Spousal or Partner Sponsorship

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