Relocating to Canada through a Spouse Sponsorship Visa is an exciting and life-changing journey for many couples. This immigration pathway is designed to reunite spouses who are living apart, allowing them to live together in Canada. It offers a wonderful opportunity to not only enjoy a higher quality of life but also explore professional growth in one of the world’s most welcoming countries.
In this article, we will walk you through the essential steps, eligibility criteria, and important documents needed to apply for a Spouse Sponsorship Visa to Canada.
What is a Spouse Sponsorship Visa?
A Spouse Sponsorship Visa is an immigration document that allows foreign nationals who are married to Canadian citizens or permanent residents to live and work in Canada. It serves as a bridge for couples separated by distance, enabling them to reunite under one roof in Canada.
This visa is part of Canada’s commitment to family reunification, one of the pillars of its immigration policies. Once the application is approved, the sponsored spouse can enjoy the same benefits as a Canadian resident, including access to healthcare, work opportunities, and social services.
Steps to Migrate to Canada Through the Spouse Sponsorship Visa
The process of immigrating to Canada through the Spouse Sponsorship Visa involves a series of important steps. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of what to do:
1. Select the Right Sponsorship Program
There are two primary sponsorship programs for spouse sponsorship: Inland Sponsorship and Outland Sponsorship. Understanding the differences between these two options is essential:
- Inland Sponsorship: This program is designed for couples already living together in Canada. If the foreign spouse is already in Canada on a valid temporary visa (such as a student, worker, or visitor), they can apply through the Inland Sponsorship program. The foreign spouse can also apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work while their sponsorship application is being processed.
- Outland Sponsorship: This program is for couples where one partner is living outside of Canada. The Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor their spouse while they remain abroad. This process allows the foreign spouse to apply for permanent residency while outside of Canada. However, they may still visit Canada temporarily during the process if they obtain a visitor visa.
2. Fill Out and Sign All Forms
After deciding on the sponsorship program, the next step is filling out the required forms. Visit the official Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website at canada.ca to access the correct forms for your application. Be sure to provide accurate information, as incomplete or incorrect forms can result in delays or rejection.
Key forms include:
- Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and Undertaking (IMM 1344)
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
- Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
Ensure that all forms are properly signed and submitted with the required supporting documents.
3. Pay Your Application Fees
The application fee generally covers two components: the biometric fee (fingerprints and photographs) and the right of permanent residence fee. Fees can vary depending on whether you are applying through Inland or Outland sponsorship, and your specific situation. Make sure to adhere to the payment instructions provided by IRCC.
- Biometric Fee: Includes the cost of collecting and processing your fingerprints and photographs.
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: This is the fee required for the foreign spouse to obtain permanent residence status.
Submission and Follow-Up Process
1. Submit Your Application
Before submitting your application, make sure you have:
- Answered all questions truthfully and completely.
- Signed the application forms where required.
- Uploaded or attached all supporting documents, including identification, proof of marriage, and job offers (if applicable).
Incomplete applications will likely be rejected, causing significant delays.
2. Provide Additional Information (If Required)
After submission, you may be asked to provide additional information such as:
- Medical Examination Report: This ensures that the sponsored spouse meets Canadian health standards.
- Police Certificate: A criminal background check to ensure that neither party has been involved in any criminal activity.
- Additional Supporting Documents: These might include joint bank statements, shared property documents, or proof of cohabitation to verify the authenticity of your relationship.
3. Attend an Interview (If Required)
Though interviews are rare for spouse sponsorship visas, they may be required if IRCC has questions about the authenticity of your relationship. In the interview, you may be asked to provide additional evidence or answer questions about your relationship.
Situations that may prompt an interview include a lack of supporting documents such as joint accounts, shared property, or photographs of the couple together. If selected for an interview, make sure to be well-prepared and provide any additional requested information promptly.
4. Get Updates About Your Application
Once your application has been submitted and processed, IRCC will notify you via email or regular mail to link your application to an online account. This account will allow you to track your application and provide additional documents if needed.
Once both the sponsor and sponsored spouse meet all eligibility requirements, you will receive confirmation of the visa, and the sponsored spouse can officially become a Canadian permanent resident.
Eligibility Criteria for Spouse Sponsorship Visa
Before applying for a Spouse Sponsorship Visa, both the sponsor and the foreign spouse must meet certain eligibility criteria. Below are the key requirements:
1. Legal Marriage or Common-Law Relationship
You must be legally married to your Canadian spouse, or in a recognized common-law relationship. Common-law partners must have lived together for at least one year in a conjugal relationship to be eligible.
Both partners must intend to live together permanently in Canada once the visa is granted.
2. Age Requirement
Both the Canadian sponsor and the foreign spouse must be at least 18 years old at the time of application. There is no upper age limit for spousal sponsorship.
3. Financial Support
The Canadian sponsor must sign an undertaking agreeing to financially support the foreign spouse for a specific period. This ensures that the sponsored spouse will not need to rely on social assistance.
- Length of Undertaking: The length varies depending on the province and the relationship but is generally three years for spouse sponsorship.
4. Clean Criminal Record
Both the sponsor and the sponsored spouse must provide police certificates to demonstrate they have no criminal convictions. Those with criminal records may be deemed inadmissible to Canada unless they are pardoned or meet specific rehabilitation criteria.
5. No Prior Sponsorship Defaults
The sponsor must not have defaulted on previous sponsorship agreements. For instance, if a sponsor has failed to financially support a previously sponsored spouse, they may be ineligible to sponsor another individual.
Documents Required for Spouse Sponsorship Visa
When applying for a spouse sponsorship visa, you’ll need to submit several documents, including:
- Identification Documents: Such as passports and birth certificates.
- Marriage Certificate: Proof of your legal marriage.
- Proof of Previous Marriages (if applicable): Divorce decrees or death certificates for previous spouses.
- Proof of Financial Stability: Bank statements, employment letters, and tax returns.
- Photos and Communications: Photographs of the couple together and copies of correspondence.
Ensure that all documents are certified copies where necessary.
Conclusion
Immigrating to Canada through the Spouse Sponsorship Visa is an enriching experience that can reunite loved ones and offer a path to a brighter future. By following the steps outlined in this article, preparing the necessary documents, and meeting the eligibility requirements, you can significantly increase your chances of success.
Be sure to carefully check if you are eligible before starting the process and ensure all paperwork is completed accurately. Canada welcomes families and strives to keep them together, making the Spouse Sponsorship Visa a valuable option for those looking to relocate with their partner.
