To sponsor a spouse in Canada in 2023, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- While there is no income requirement of the sponsor, the officer must be satisfied that the spouse being sponsored will not go on social assistance.
- Provide proof of genuine relationship (this must be carefully done)
- Meet the eligibility criteria set by the Canadian government.
- Submit a complete sponsorship application to the government.
- Pay the processing fees.
- Attend an interview, if required (our clients generally do not receive interview requests)
- Wait for the government’s decision on your application. Note: The process can take several months to a year.
What Is a Spousal Sponsorship Program?
Spousal sponsorship is a program in which a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner to come to Canada as a permanent resident. The sponsor must demonstrate that they meet certain eligibility requirements set by the Canadian government. The sponsored spouse must undergo medical, security and criminal background checks. The goal of the program is to reunite families and support the integration of sponsored individuals into Canadian society.
Eligibility to Sponsor Spouse in Canada or who can Sponsor their Spouse
To sponsor a spouse under the spousal sponsorship program in Canada, the sponsor must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Prove that they are 18 years of age or older.
- Meet the minimum necessary income requirements.
- Sign an undertaking promising to provide financial support for the sponsored spouse for three years.
- Pass security and criminal background checks.
- Not have a criminality against a family member.
Outland Sponsorship
Outland sponsorship refers to the process of sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner with the case being processed at a visa office outside of Canada (or within Canada but designated as outside). This type of application carries with it a right to appeal to the Immigration and Refugee Board.
Inland Sponsorship
An inland sponsorship refers to the process of sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner who is already living in Canada with temporary status (e.g. as a visitor, student or worker). In this type of sponsorship, the application is processed at an ‘inland’ office from within Canada. There is no right of appeal to the Immigration and Refugee Board for these cases.
Spousal Sponsorship Application Documents Requirements
When submitting a spousal sponsorship application, the following documents are typically required:
- Completed sponsorship application form.
- Proof of the sponsor’s Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
- Proof of the sponsor’s age (e.g. birth certificate).
- Proof of the sponsor’s relationship with the sponsored spouse (e.g. marriage certificate).
- Proof of financial support for the sponsored spouse (e.g. pay stubs, T4 slips, bank statements).
- Undertaking of support form, signed by the sponsor.
- Proof of the sponsored spouse’s identity (e.g. passport, birth certificate).
- Police certificates for both the sponsor and the sponsored spouse.
- Medical examination results for the sponsored spouse.
- Sponsored spouse’s signed consent to release personal information to the government.
- Application fee payment receipt.
Do I Need a Job to Sponsor My Spouse in Canada?
No, having a job is not a requirement to sponsor a spouse in Canada. However, the sponsor must prove that they have enough income to support their spouse and any dependents without relying on government financial assistance. This can be demonstrated through a variety of means, such as pay stubs, T4 slips, bank statements, or a letter from an employer indicating the sponsor’s annual income.
What Is the Cost to Sponsor Your Spouse to Canada?
The cost (Government fees for spousal sponsorship) could include the application fees ($75 for the sponsorship application and $475 for the permanent residence application), medical exam fees, language test fees, Biometrics $85 and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee ($500).
Does My Spouse Need to Demonstrate Language Proficiency?
No, your spouse does not need to demonstrate English or French language proficiency.
Processing time for Spouse sponsorship in Canada
How long does it take to sponsor your spouse or partner to Canada? The average processing time for a spousal sponsorship application is approximately 12 months. However, processing times can vary widely, and some applications may be processed more quickly, while others may take longer.
How do I submit a spousal sponsorship application?
A spousal sponsorship application can be submitted through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) online or by mail (in exceptional cases). You will need to provide documents and other information that verify the relationship between you and your spouse, as well as proof of income and other information.
Are you looking to sponsor a spouse? Contact us to book a consultation.