Eligibility Requirements

Sponsor

1. Status: Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
2. Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
3. Residence: Must reside in Canada or plan to live in Canada once the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident.
4. Financial Ability: Must demonstrate the ability to financially support the sponsored person, ensuring they will not need social assistance from the government.
5. No Defaults: Must not have defaulted on previous sponsorship undertakings, immigration loans, or court-ordered support payments.
6. No Convictions: Must not have certain criminal convictions or be under a removal order.

Sponsored Person

1. Relationship: Must be legally married to the sponsor, in a common-law relationship for at least one year, or in a conjugal relationship.
2. Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
3. Admissibility: Must meet admissibility requirements, including health, security, and criminal checks.
   
   

Types of Relationships

1. Spouse: Legally married to the sponsor.
2. Common-law Partner: Lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least one year.
3. Conjugal Partner: In an ongoing and committed relationship for at least one year but unable to live together due to reasons beyond their control (e.g., immigration barriers).
   
   

Application Process

1. Obtain Application Package: Download the spousal sponsorship application package from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
2. Complete the Forms: Both the sponsor and the sponsored person must complete the necessary forms.
3. Gather Supporting Documents: Provide proof of the relationship, identity documents, police certificates, and other required documents.
4. Medical Examination: The sponsored person must undergo a medical examination by a panel physician approved by IRCC.
5. Pay Fees: Pay the applicable processing fees, including the sponsorship fee, processing fee for the sponsored person, and the right of permanent residence fee.
6. Submit the Application: Send the completed application package to the appropriate IRCC office. Ensure all forms are signed and documents are included to avoid delays.
   
   

Processing Time

Processing times vary depending on the specifics of each case and whether the application is processed inland (within Canada) or outland (outside Canada). Inland applications typically take longer due to additional steps, such as an open work permit application.

After Submission

1. Acknowledgment of Receipt: IRCC will send an acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) and a unique client identifier (UCI) number.
2. Background Checks: IRCC conducts background checks, including security, criminality, and medical assessments.
3. Decision: IRCC makes a decision on the application. If approved, the sponsored person will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
   
   

Landing and Permanent Residence

If the application is approved, the sponsored person can officially become a permanent resident of Canada. They must land in Canada if they are outside the country or, if already in Canada, complete the landing process with IRCC.

Additional Information

For more detailed information and the latest updates, refer to the IRCC official website.

Conclusion

Spousal sponsorship is a way for Canadians to bring their loved ones to Canada, provided they meet the necessary requirements and complete the application process diligently. Ensuring that all forms and supporting documents are properly completed and submitted is crucial for a smooth and successful sponsorship experience.

A Canadian citizen or permanent resident may sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to become a permanent resident of Canada through the spousal sponsorship process, which falls under the Family Class immigration category. The following are the main elements and procedures of the spousal sponsorship procedure:
Qualifiability Standards
Sponsor

1. Status: Must be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of Canada.
2. Age: You have to be at least eighteen.
3. Residency: The sponsored individual must either currently reside in Canada or intend to do so after they are granted permanent residency.
4. Financial Ability: The sponsored individual must be able to support themselves financially and not require government social assistance.
5. No Defaults: The applicant cannot have a history of defaulting on sponsorship agreements.