15/09/2023
Canada is a popular destination for immigrants who want to live in a country that offers a high quality of life, a multicultural society, and a strong economy. One of the ways to immigrate to Canada is through marriage to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
However, marrying a Canadian does not automatically grant you citizenship or permanent residence. You have to follow a specific process and meet certain requirements to be eligible for sponsorship by your spouse.
Spousal sponsorship is a program that allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners to become permanent residents of Canada.
The sponsor and the sponsored person must prove that their relationship is genuine and not entered into for immigration purposes. They must also meet certain eligibility criteria, such as age, income, criminality, and medical conditions.
Who can sponsor their spouse?
To sponsor your spouse, you must be at least 18 years old and either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident. You must also be able to support your spouse financially and make sure they do not need social assistance from the government.
You must sign an undertaking agreement that states that you will provide for your spouse’s basic needs for three years after they become a permanent resident.
Who can be sponsored as a spouse?
To be sponsored as a spouse, you must be legally married to your sponsor and at least 18 years old. You must also pass a medical exam and a background check. You can be sponsored from inside or outside Canada.
If you are inside Canada, you must have valid temporary status as a visitor, student, or worker. If you are outside Canada, you must apply through the visa office responsible for your country of residence.
How to apply for spousal sponsorship?
The application process for spousal sponsorship involves two steps: the sponsor’s application and the sponsored person’s application. The sponsor must first submi