Canada Marriage Sponsorship

Canada marriage sponsorship program is a great way to reunite families and help spouses build a life together in the country. However, understanding the application process can be complex. This guide will walk you through the steps to successfully apply for Canada marriage sponsorship.

Requirements for Sponsorship by Canada Spouse Family

In order to be eligible for marriage sponsorship in Canada, you have to fulfill certain standards.

To begin with, you must be at least eighteen years old and a citizen or permanent resident of Canada. It’s important to be financially stable since you need to prove that you can support your spouse.

In Canada, your marriage needs to be acknowledged by the law. It must be demonstrated by both parties that the relationship is sincere.

Paper records are essential. Put together the following: your marriage license, evidence of your ability to pay, and couple’s pictures. You could also need a police certificate and a medical exam.

You must also not receive social assistance unless it is necessary due to a handicap. Make sure your criminal history won’t affect your application.

A background check and perhaps an interview are things to prepare for. In order to prevent delays, ensure that your application is finished.

Regularly monitor your application status and respond promptly to any IRCC requests.

Meeting these conditions helps ensure a smooth process when applying for Canada marriage sponsorship.

Steps on How to Apply Canada Marriage Sponsorship Program

1. Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the application process, it’s essential to understand what marriage sponsorship involves. In Canada, a citizen or permanent resident can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to become a permanent resident. The sponsor must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act.
• Not be receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability.
• Be able to provide for the basic needs of the sponsored person.

2. Preparing Your Application

Preparation is key to a successful application. Here’s what you need to do:

Gather Required Documents:

For the Sponsor

• Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status.
• Financial documents to demonstrate the ability to support the spouse.

For the Sponsored Person

• Valid passport or travel document.
• Marriage certificate.
• Police certificates from every country where the sponsored person has lived for six months or more since the age of 18.
• Medical examination.

Complete the Forms:

• Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking (IMM 1344).
•  Spouse/Partner Questionnaire (IMM 5532).
• Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008).

3. Demonstrating the Genuine Nature of the Relationship

Immigration authorities scrutinize applications to ensure the marriage is genuine and not solely for immigration purposes. Here are some tips to prove the authenticity of your relationship:

Provide detailed relationship history:

Explain how you met, how your relationship developed, and your future plans together.

Include supporting evidence

Photos, travel itineraries, chat logs, emails, and social media interactions can demonstrate your relationship.

Affidavits from friends and family

Letters from people who know both of you and can vouch for the genuineness of your relationship.

4. Submitting the Application

Once you have all the necessary documents and forms completed, it’s time to submit your application. Ensure you:

• Double-check all forms for completeness and accuracy.
• Include all required supporting documents.
• Pay the application fee online and include the receipt with your application.

You can submit your application by mail or online, depending on the specific requirements and the current processing system.

5. After Submission

After you’ve submitted your application, the waiting process begins. Here’s what to expect:

Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR)

You will receive a confirmation that your application has been received.

Processing

Immigration officials will review your application. They may request additional information or documents.

Interview

In some cases, you and your spouse may be required to attend an interview.

Decision

You will receive a decision on your application. If approved, the sponsored person will be granted permanent resident status.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incomplete Application: Ensure all forms are filled out correctly and all necessary documents are included.

Insufficient Evidence: Provide ample proof of the genuineness of your relationship.

Not Meeting Financial Requirements: Ensure you meet the financial requirements to sponsor your spouse.

Misrepresentations: Be honest in your application. Any false information can lead to a refusal and potential ban from future applications.

7. Seeking Professional Help

If you find the process overwhelming, consider seeking help from a certified immigration consultant or lawyer. They can provide valuable guidance and ensure your application is completed accurately.

Canada Marriage Visa Holders’ Rights and Benefits

Holders of a Canada Marriage Visa, also known as a Spousal Sponsorship Visa, enjoy several rights and privileges designed to facilitate their integration into Canadian society and enable them to live with their sponsoring spouse. These include:

Residency and Mobility

Permanent Residency: Visa holders have the right to live anywhere in Canada as permanent residents.

Travel: They can travel freely in and out of Canada, but should meet residency obligations to maintain their status.

Employment and Education

Employment: Permanent residents can work for any employer in Canada without needing a separate work permit.

Education: They can attend educational institutions and may qualify for domestic tuition rates.

Health and Social Benefits

Health Care: Permanent residents are eligible for provincial or territorial health care coverage.

Social Benefits: They have access to social benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit, Old Age Security, and Employment Insurance.

Legal Rights

Protection Under the Law: They are protected by Canadian laws and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, ensuring equal treatment and protection against discrimination.

Right to Own Property: Permanent residents can own property in Canada.

Path to Citizenship

Citizenship: After meeting residency requirements, usually three years of living in Canada as a permanent resident, visa holders can apply for Canadian citizenship.

Family Sponsorship

Sponsorship Rights: They can sponsor eligible family members, such as children, parents, and grandparents, to come to Canada as permanent residents.

These rights and privileges support the goal of family reunification and help new residents build a stable and prosperous life in Canada.

It takes time, patience, and careful planning to apply for marriage sponsorship in Canada. You can improve the likelihood that your application will be accepted by following these guidelines and avoiding typical traps. I wish you success in finding your loved one again in Canada!

FILL CANADA MARRIAGE SPONSORSHIP FORM HERE

Frequently Asked Questions about Canada Marriage Sponsorship

1. Who is eligible to sponsor a spouse for Canadian permanent residency?

To be eligible to sponsor a spouse, the sponsor must:

Be at least 18 years old.

Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act.

Not be receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability.

Be able to provide for the basic needs of the sponsored person.

2. Can I sponsor my spouse if I live outside of Canada?

If you are a Canadian citizen, you can sponsor your spouse while living outside of Canada, but you must demonstrate that you will move to Canada when your spouse becomes a permanent resident. Permanent residents must be living in Canada to sponsor their spouse.

3. What is the difference between an inland and an outland sponsorship application?

Inland Sponsorship: The sponsored spouse is already in Canada and applies for permanent residency from within the country. This allows them to apply for an open work permit while their application is being processed.

Outland Sponsorship: The sponsored spouse applies from outside of Canada. This application is processed through the visa office that serves their country of residence. This route may be faster, but the sponsored person cannot work in Canada until they receive their permanent residency.

4. How long does the sponsorship process take?

Processing times vary based on several factors, including the type of application (inland or outland) and the specific visa office handling the case. On average, it can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months for the application to be processed.

5. What financial requirements must I meet to sponsor my spouse?

Unlike other types of sponsorship, there is no minimum income requirement for sponsoring a spouse. However, you must show that you can support your spouse financially and meet their basic needs without relying on social assistance.

6. Can my spouse work in Canada while the sponsorship application is being processed?

If you apply for inland sponsorship, your spouse can apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work in Canada while the application is being processed. This option is not available for outland sponsorship applicants.