Did you get married recently and want to sponsor your spouse to Canada? Well, if that’s the case, you’ve come to the right place. Spousal sponsorships can be just as complicated as other immigration processes. Hence, it’s crucial to have the right legal help to ensure your sponsorship process goes smoothly. If you want to sponsor your spouse or are already in the process of sponsoring them, here is a guide that will help to navigate the process.

Types of Sponsorships

There are two different types of sponsorships: Inland and Outland. Before you start the immigration process, make sure you understand what the difference between the two is.

If your spouse resides in Canada, you need to apply for inland sponsorship. If they reside outside Canada or are currently living in Canada but won’t be residing in the country during the process of sponsorship, you need to apply for an outland sponsorship.

Eligibility Criteria

For you to be eligible to sponsor your spouse, you should be:

• 18 years of age or older
• Live in Canada or are planning to return to the country after your partner becomes a permanent resident.
• Financially able to support yourself and your spouse for the next three years.
• Not have any inadmissibility issues such as serious criminality.
• Not be taking any social welfare other than disability.

Requirements for the Process

To apply for spousal sponsorship, you need to submit the following documents and forms as evidence to prove that your marriage is legitimate.

• Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation form
• Marriage certificate
• Wedding pictures and invitations
• Proof of marriage registration
• Birth certificates or adoption documents of any kids you and your spouse have

Applying for Inland Spousal Sponsorship

If your spouse lives in Canada, you need to apply under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class. Applying in the wrong class is one of the major mistakes people make while applying for sponsorship. You’ll apply under this class only if your partner resides in Canada. If your partner is in Canada for a short time but won’t be present during the period of the process, make sure to apply under the Family Class (Outland) Sponsorship.

Applying for Outland Spousal Sponsorship

If your spouse lives outside the country, you will apply under the Family Class (Outland) Sponsorship option.

Money Required for Sponsoring Spouse

Unlike other immigration processes, there is no minimum amount of funds or income required to sponsor your spouse. However, whenever you sponsor a family member, you sign an undertaking to support them financially for a certain period. The period of undertaking for spousal sponsorships is three years.

Application Process

To apply for the process, you need to start by filling two different applications:

1. Application to become a sponsor
2. Permanent Residence application for your spouse

Both the applications have to be submitted together.

Steps for Applying

To apply for your spousal sponsorship, follow the following steps:

Step 1: Get Your Applications

The very first step is to get your application package. The application package has three things:

• A checklist of documents you need to submit
• All the application forms you and your partner need to fill
• A guide about the process

Make sure to submit all the documents mentioned on the checklist and fill out your forms properly. Lack of documents and incomplete forms can lead to your application being returned.

Step 2: Pay Your Application Fee

You will have to pay the application fee online. You will need to pay the following fees:

• The application fee for you and your spouse
• The right of permanent residence fee
• Biometric Fee

Step 3: Submit Your Application

The mailing instructions for your application are provided in the guide sent to you in your application package. You can also courier your application. This way you’ll be able to track it. Your application will be returned to you if you have anything missing or haven’t paid all the required fees.

Step 4: Send Other Documents

During the process of application, your spouse will be asked to submit the following documents:

• Medical Exams
• Police Certificates
• Biometrics

Period for Processing

Sponsorship applications take at least 12 months to process. It can take longer if you have a complicated case or if the proof of marriage provided isn’t strong enough. Make sure to hire legal help to review your sponsorship application and documents to ensure the process gets completed without any complications.

Interview for Spousal Sponsorship

Usually, spousal sponsorships processes don’t require an interview. An interview is only scheduled when there is a lack of documents or when the immigration officers have doubts about the legitimacy of your relationship. It can also take place if there has been very little to no cohabitation between the couple to make sure that the relationship is genuine.

Hiring a Canadian Immigration Lawyer

If you want a smooth and stress-free sponsorship, hire Canadian immigration lawyers to help you through the process. These professionals are experienced in handling sponsorship applications and can give you some really good tips and trick to make your application stand out. If you have a complicated case, make sure to get in contact with them now.

About the Author

The author is a Canadian immigration lawyer associated with Nanda and Associated Lawyers Professional Corporation. He has been working on complicated immigration and sponsorship cases for years and aims to help his clients to live, work and study in Canada.

For any immigration-related trouble, book a free consultation with Nanda and Associate Lawyers Professional Corporation.