One of the world’s most immigrant-friendly nations, Canada has strong policies to support family reunification. Spousal sponsorship may be available to you if you are married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. In the future, you and your spouse will be able to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
A step-by-step process is provided in this guide to help couples sponsor a Canadian marriage visa.
Step 1: Understand the Canadian spouse sponsorship program
Sponsorships for spouses and common-law partners are available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents through the Family Class Sponsorship Program. There are two kinds of sponsorship:
- Inland sponsorships are available if the spouse is already in Canada with temporary status.
- Outside Canada: If the spouse lives outside the country at the time of the sponsorship.
For permanent residency to be granted, both a genuine relationship and an approved application are required.
Step 2: Confirm your eligibility
Sponsor eligibility
In order to be a sponsor, you must:
- It is mandatory that you be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
- An age requirement of 18 years is required.
- It is essential that their spouse can provide them with financial support.
- Be in good standing and not bankrupt, in prison, or under removal orders.
Applicants’ eligibility
To apply (spouse), the applicant (spouse) must:
- You must be married to the sponsor or in a common-law relationship with him or her.
- Ensure that you are medically fit, secure, and background checked.
- Provide proof of the relationship’s authenticity.
Step 3: Gather the required documents
- Proof of marriage or common-law relationship.
- Passports and identification cards for both partners.
- Communication records (calls, chats, travel records) and photographs.
- Proof of income (letters of employment, bank statements).
- Clearance certificates from the police.
- The results of a medical examination conducted by a panel physician.
Step 4: Apply for permanent residency and sponsorship
- Sponsorship applications are submitted by sponsors.
- The permanent residency application is submitted at the same time as the permanent residency application.
- An application for citizenship or immigration is submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- A sponsorship fee, processing fee, and permanent residency fee must be paid.
Step 5: Wait for processing
- Processing a case can take between 12 and 24 months, depending on its location.
- The applicant may be asked to participate in an interview or submit additional documentation.
- While waiting, applicants in the inland may apply for an Open Work Permit.
Step 6: Get the PR decision and status
- Upon approval, the spouse becomes a permanent resident of Canada.
- A Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) will be required.
- Upon approval, the applicant and his or her partner may travel, reside, and work in Canada.
Benefits of sponsoring a Canadian marriage visa
- Living permanently in Canada with your spouse.
- The healthcare system, education system, and employment opportunities are all accessible.
- Citizenship can be obtained after meeting residency requirements.
- Unification and stability in one of the world’s safest countries.
As a conclusion
It is imperative that you prepare carefully and provide documentation in order to gain sponsorship for a marriage visa in Canada. A successful Canadian visa application depends on knowing how to apply, gathering the necessary paperwork, and submitting a strong application.