After submitting a spousal sponsorship application, the applicant, and sometimes the sponsor, may be called for an interview with a visa officer. Such interviews are conducted when the reviewing visa officer has some concerns about the application, usually to do with the genuineness of the relationship. During the interview, an officer may ask the applicant details about their relationship with the sponsor, for example:
- how they met the sponsor
- how the relationship with
- the sponsor developed
- what kind of marriage ceremony was conducted
- who attended the marriage ceremony
- the applicant’s reasons for immigrating to Canada
- plans and preparations for moving to Canada
- level and nature of communication between the couple
- details of the sponsor’s family
- financial situation of the couple
- sponsor’s daily life and routine
What is the purpose of the spousal sponsorship interview?
Spousal sponsorship interviews are usually conducted to assess the genuineness of the couple’s relationship. A spouse or partner relationship must be genuine in nature and not entered into primarily for the purposes of immigration. Interviews are a useful tool for reviewing officers to determine whether the application is fraudulent attempt to enter Canada by the applicant or to address other concerns related to the admissibility of the applicant.
How should I prepare for the spousal sponsorship interview?
If you have been called for an interview, your biggest concern may be regarding the types of questions you will be asked. However, it is important to keep in mind a few other key points to when preparing for your interview.
First, it is extremely important to be honest and clear when answering interview questions. A common mistake that individuals make during interviews is guessing or making up an answer to a question they genuinely do not know the answer to. If faced with a question that you do not know the answer to or do not understand, communicate that clearly to the interviewing officer.
Second, it is helpful to review your application before the interview to refresh your memory on specific key dates or events and to ensure that your answers match what you initially provided on your sponsorship application. It is also helpful to seek professional help when preparing your spousal sponsorship application and preparing for an interview, as your representative will be able to guide you through the process and minimize chances of making mistakes leading to a refusal.
See If You Qualify For Spousal or Partner Sponsorship
Fill out our FREE Family Sponsorship Assessment form to see if you qualify to sponsor your spouse or partner to Canada.
What common questions should I expect during the interview?
It is impossible to predict all the questions that an interviewing officer will ask you or your spouse during an interview. Interviewing officers may ask further questions depending on the answers you provide them so that they can obtain and confirm all the details you give them.
The following section provides a non-exhaustive list of the categories that could potentially be discussed at an interview along with a list of frequently asked questions. The purpose of this list is to provide interviewees with a general idea on what might come up during the interview process. However, it should not be used as a strict guideline.
History of The Relationship
- When, where and how did you meet your spouse?
- How often do you communicate with or see each other?
- If applicable, how and why did your spouse’s previous relationship break down?
- What future plans do you have?
- Are you currently expecting a child?
- Do you plan to have children?
- Where would you live as a couple in Canada?
- If this application is refused, what would you do?
Compatibility of The Relationship
- Why didn’t you marry someone in your own country?
- Why did you decide to marry your spouse?
- What is your educational background?
- What is your partner’s educational background?
- What is the age difference between you and your partner?
- What activities do you enjoy doing together?
Ceremonies and Milestones of The Relationship
- Who proposed?
- When did you get married?
- Was there a wedding or a ceremony?
- Who performed the ceremony?
- Did you celebrate all traditional and religious ceremonies of your culture or background? If not, why didn’t you?
- Did your family members and friends attend your engagement or wedding ceremonies?
- Did you receive wedding gifts?
- Did you go on a honeymoon?
- Where did you spend your honeymoon?
- Do you go on trips together?
- Have you lived together?
Where do you stay when your spouse is visiting you?
Daily Life of The Couple
- What are your personal interests?
- What hobbies does your spouse enjoy doing?
- What is your spouse’s daily routine?
- What does your spouse do for a living?
- Where does your spouse work, the name of the company, the position held and how long has he or she worked there?
- What is your spouse’s salary?
- Does your spouse support you financially?
- What kinds of gifts do you and your spouse exchange?
Relationship with Respective Families
- When, where, and how did you meet each other’s family members?
- What are their names? Where do they live?
- If applicable, when, where, and how did you meet your spouse’s children from a previous relationship?
- What are the names and ages of your spouse’s children?
- How often do you communicate with your spouse’s children?
- Do you have relatives in Canada?
- Where do your relatives in Canada live?
Those being interviewed by a visa officer have a right to an interpreter at their own expense, and if you think your English is less than perfect then it would be a good idea to bring one. You don’t want to misunderstand the question and give a wrong answer, or be unable to adequately express yourself in response to the questions.
Again, it is important to remember key dates when speaking with an immigration officer, as they will expect you to remember these. Always be honest with the officer and treat them with respect. Remember, they have the power to approve or refuse your application, so it does not assist your case to be dishonest, rude, or impatient. Being well prepared, properly attired, and ready to speak freely and honestly with the officer is your best way to be prepared for such interviews.
How Can We Help
The Law Office of Matthew Jeffery, has over 20 years of experience in guiding individuals through the entire sponsorship process from start to finish to ensure success. Fill out our free Family Sponsorship Assessment form to see if we can help you sponsor your spouse or partner to Canada.
