Process to Sponsor your Spouse into Canadian Citizenship

If you’re a Canadian citizen and are interested in spousal sponsorship in order to have your non-Canadian spouse become a permanent resident, there is some important information you’ll need and a particular process to be followed.

First, let’s look at who is eligible to apply.

Who Can Apply for Spousal Sponsorship in Canada?

You are able to apply to be a sponsor if you meet these requirements:

• You must be a Canadian citizen, registered under the Canadian Indian Act, or a permanent resident.
• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must be residing in Canada.
• You have to prove that you have the financial means to provide for a spouse and any dependent children.

These factors will prohibit you from being a sponsor:

• You were sponsored and became a permanent resident less than five years ago.
• You have already sponsored a spouse less than three years ago.
• You are in a default status in regards to a previous spousal sponsorship, an immigration loan, a performance bond, or payments for family support.
• You are currently in a bankruptcy proceeding.
• You are a recipient of social assistance for anything other than a disability.
• You have been convicted of a violent or sexual offense, an act that caused bodily harm to a relative, or threatening any of these offenses.
• You are in jail, prison, or a reformatory.
• You are subject to a removal order.

Who Can You Sponsor?

There are three types of relationships that fall under the jurisdiction of spousal sponsorship. They are:

• Your spouse.
• Your common-law partner.
• Your conjugal partner.

Application Process

The application for spousal sponsorship is a two-step procedure:

• The spouse who is already a Canadian citizen applies to become a sponsor.

• After the sponsorship approval is obtained, the non-Canadian spouse applies for permanent residence based on this sponsorship.

Most of the communication with the immigration authorities will be written, though, at times, a face-to-face interview with the sponsor is required.

The process of spousal sponsorship in Canada can be difficult and confusing.

Obtaining the help of a qualified lawyer may be your best bet to make sure that you don’t make a mistake that could cost you time and money.