Canada knows how important it is for a family to stay together, and thus, the government have strong family reunification policies and fast-track family sponsorship programs.
Among family sponsorship programs, Canada Spouse Visa is one of the essential components of Canada s immigration system. The Immigration, Refugee, Citizenship Canada (IRCC) considers spousal sponsorship applications a top priority and processes the complete applications as quickly as possible.
What is a Canada Spouse Visa?
Under the spousal sponsorship program, Canadian Citizens and permanent residents may qualify as a sponsor for their spouse, conjugal partner, or common-law partner to apply for a Canada PR visa.
The IRCC approves Canada s citizen or permanent resident as an eligible "sponsor" and the spouse, i.e., "sponsored person". To qualify and submit an application, the sponsor and person to be sponsored must prove the genuineness of their relationship to the IRCC.
To be eligible, you both must fall under any one of the following categories:
- Spouse- Both must be legally married and age minimum of 18 years
- Common-law partner- Both must be living with each other for a minimum of 12 consecutive months
- Conjugal partner- Both are in a relationship for a minimum of one year, and a sponsored person must live outside of Canada.
How to apply for Canada Spouse Visa?
To apply for sponsoring a spouse or common-law, there are two applications:
- An eligible Canadian citizen or PR holder must submit an interest to sponsor form and apply to become a sponsor.
- The spouse or partner of the sponsor must apply for a permanent residence visa in Canada.
Please note that both the applications, i.e., sponsorship and PR applications, must be sent together simultaneously.
What are the eligibility criteria to sponsor spouse, partner?
To become a sponsor, a person must:
- Age at least 18 years or above
- Be Canada s citizen or a permanent resident, or registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
- Be capable of providing for the basic needs of the sponsored spouse
- Prove that they are not getting any social assistance from the government for any other reason except a disability
- Have a plan to live in Canada once the sponsored spouse becomes a permanent resident (if residing outside Canada)
Who is not eligible to sponsor a spouse or partner?
- The following person can t sponsor a spouse or partner:
- Below 18 years of age
- Temporary resident in Canada (on a visitor visa, study or work permit)
- PR application is still under processing
- Doesn t have enough funds to support the sponsored spouse or partner
- Sponsored by a spouse or partner and obtained a PR status less than five years ago
- Taking care of a previous spouse or partner Financially that they have sponsored earlier
What are the documentation requirements for Canada Spouse Visa?
If you are legally married and applying for sponsorship, the immigration officer will expect the following documents:
- Questionnaire- Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation
- Marriage certificate
- Wedding photographs and invitation
- Birth or adoption certificates for children (if any) you both have together
- Marriage registration proof from a government authority
You must submit any two of the following documents along with the application:
- Proof that you both own property together
- Utility bills that have both of your names
- Government-issued identity proofs
- Shared bank account details
- Car insurance
- Tax forms or Pay stubs to prove that you both live at the same address
If you are in a common-law relationship, you must submit the following evidence:
- Questionnaire- Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation
- Photographs to prove that you both are in a conjugal relationship
- Proof of living together for a minimum of one year
Also, you must submit any two of the following documents:
- Employment or insurance benefits to indicate that you both are recognized as common-law partners
- Financial support proof or shared expenses proof between you both
- Proof of being recognized as a common-law partner by your family and friends, like emails, letters, photos, social media, etc.
What is the stepwise process to apply for Canada Spouse Visa?
You may follow the stepwise process mentioned below:
- Gather the supporting documents and fill the forms
- Pay application fees, including:
- Canada spouse visa processing fees in Indian rupees for you and the person you are sponsoring
- Right of permanent residence fee
- Biometrics fee
- Submit visa application, either via regular mail or courier service
- Wait until your application is under process
- Send any additional information (if asked) during processing, including medical and police certificates, biometrics, etc.
If you are interested in moving to Canada via the sponsorhip program, you may complete our free profile assessment form and discover your eligibility.
