In this blog, we’ll provide an overview of the process and requirements for spousal sponsorship in Canada, including the documents you need to provide, what constitutes a genuine relationship, and the different types of relationships that can be sponsored.
What is spousal sponsorship in Canada?
Spousal sponsorship is a program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner to become a permanent resident of Canada. This means that the sponsored spouse or partner can live and work in Canada indefinitely, with the same rights and privileges as any other permanent resident.
In order to be eligible to sponsor your spouse or partner, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, over the age of 18, and be able to demonstrate that you can provide for the basic needs of the sponsored person. You must also be able to prove that your relationship is genuine and that you are not sponsoring your spouse or partner solely for immigration purposes.
What documents do you need to provide for spousal sponsorship?
When you apply to sponsor your spouse or partner for permanent residency in Canada, you will need to provide a number of documents to support your application. These may include:
- Proof of your Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status
- Proof of your relationship with your spouse or partner, such as photos, emails, text messages, and letters
- Proof of your spouse or partner’s identity and status, such as a passport or birth certificate
- Proof that you and your spouse or partner meet the eligibility requirements for spousal sponsorship.
- Proof that you can provide for the basic needs of the sponsored person, such as financial statements and tax returns.
- Other documents as requested by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
What constitutes a genuine relationship?
When you apply for spousal sponsorship, one of the key requirements is to demonstrate that your relationship with your spouse or partner is genuine. In other words, you must be able to prove that you are in a real, committed relationship and that you are not simply trying to gain immigration status in Canada.
To demonstrate a genuine relationship, you may be asked to provide evidence of the following:
- Shared finances, such as joint bank accounts or bills in both your names.
- Shared living arrangements, such as a lease or mortgage in both your names.
- Communication and contact with each other, such as emails, text messages, or phone records.
- Shared activities and interests, such as photos of you together or social media posts.
- Declarations from family and friends attesting to the genuineness of your relationship.
It’s important to note that each case is different, and the evidence required to demonstrate a genuine relationship may vary depending on your specific situation. Your immigration lawyer or consultant can advise you on what evidence is necessary for your application.
Types of relationships that can be sponsored.
Sure, here are the types of relationships that can be sponsored for permanent residency in Canada, explained in more detail:
Spouse
A spouse is a person to whom you are legally married. In Canada, same-sex marriages are legal, and a spouse can be of the same or opposite sex.
Common-law Partner
A common-law partner is a person of the same or opposite sex who you have been living with in a conjugal relationship for at least one year. To be considered common-law partners, you must have lived together continuously for one year without any long periods of separation.
Conjugal Partner
A conjugal partner is a person who you have had a long-term and committed relationship with, but are unable to live together due to circumstances beyond your control, such as immigration barriers or religious reasons. To qualify as conjugal partners, you must have been in a relationship for at least one year, have a commitment to one another, and have tried to live together but cannot be due to circumstances beyond your control.
It’s important to note that sponsorship applications for conjugal partners are subject to additional scrutiny to ensure that the relationship is genuine and not merely for immigration purposes.
In all cases, the sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and the sponsored person must meet the eligibility criteria for permanent residency in Canada. The requirements for sponsorship and the application process can vary depending on the type of relationship, so it’s important to consult with an immigration lawyer or consultant to determine the best option for your specific situation.
In addition to spousal sponsorship, it’s also possible to sponsor other family members for permanent residency in Canada. These include parents, grandparents, dependent children, and other relatives. The eligibility requirements and application process for family sponsorship may differ from spousal sponsorship, so it’s important to consult with an immigration professional to determine the best option for your situation. You can also bring your parents and grandparents on visitor visa or supervisa.
We hope this guide has provided you with a clear understanding of spousal sponsorship for permanent residency in Canada. By working together and following the steps outlined in this guide, you and your partner can begin a new chapter in your lives in this welcoming and inclusive country. Remember, the process may seem overwhelming, but with dedication and a little bit of guidance, you can make your Canadian dream a reality. Good luck, and we wish you all the best on your journey!
