Sponsoring your spouse or common-law partner

To be eligible for spousal sponsorship, the sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and be at least 18 years of age. They must also be able to prove that they can provide financial support to their spouse or partner during their time in Canada.

The sponsored spouse or partner must also meet certain eligibility criteria. They must be at least 18 years of age and must not be inadmissible to Canada for reasons such as criminality, security, or health.

In addition, the couple must be able to demonstrate that their relationship is genuine and that they have been in a genuine and continuous relationship for at least one year. This requirement can be waived in certain circumstances, such as if the couple is married or if they have children together.

The spousal sponsorship process involves two main steps: the sponsorship application and the permanent residence application.

The sponsorship application involves the sponsor submitting a sponsorship application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This application includes personal information about both the sponsor and the sponsored spouse or partner, as well as documentation to prove the genuineness of the relationship.

Once the sponsorship application is approved, the sponsored spouse or partner can then apply for permanent residence in Canada. This application includes additional documentation, such as police certificates and medical exams.

The processing times for spousal sponsorship applications can vary depending on a number of factors, including the volume of applications being processed and the complexity of the case. Generally, it can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months for a spousal sponsorship application to be processed.

Inland sponsorship is an option for Canadian citizens or permanent residents who wish to sponsor their spouse or partner for permanent residence while the spouse/partner is already in Canada with a valid temporary status. The sponsored spouse/partner can apply for an open work permit during the processing of their application for permanent residence, which allows them to work for any employer in Canada. However, not all inland sponsorship applications are eligible for an open work permit.

One of the main benefits of inland sponsorship is that the sponsored spouse/partner can remain in Canada with their sponsor while their application is being processed. This can be especially important for couples who wish to stay together during the lengthy application process. However, it is worth noting that the sponsored spouse/partner must maintain their valid temporary status throughout the application process, or else they risk being deemed “out of status” and potentially facing deportation.

To be eligible for Inland Sponsorship, both the sponsor and the sponsored spouse or partner must meet certain criteria. These eligibility requirements apply specifically to the Inland Sponsorship category of Canadian spousal sponsorship.

• Sponsor Eligibility
  
  The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years old and who is not inadmissible to Canada. This means that the sponsor cannot have a criminal record or be in violation of immigration laws. Additionally, the sponsor must be able to provide financial support to their spouse or partner for a period of three to ten years, depending on the circumstances.
  
• Sponsored Spouse or Partner
  
  Eligibility The sponsored spouse or partner must be living in Canada with a valid temporary status, such as a visitor visa, study permit, or work permit. They must also be married to or in a common-law or conjugal relationship with the sponsor. The sponsored spouse or partner must be at least 18 years old and must be admissible to Canada, which means that they must not have a criminal record or be in violation of immigration laws. In some cases, the sponsored spouse or partner may be required to undergo medical exams or provide police certificates as part of their application.
  
• Relationship Eligibility
  
  Both the sponsor and the sponsored spouse or partner must demonstrate that their relationship is genuine and ongoing. This can be done through the submission of various documents, such as photographs, letters, and other evidence of shared assets, activities, and experiences. The couple must also provide information on their shared living arrangements and any plans for the future.
  
• Other Eligibility Requirements
  
  The sponsored spouse or partner must have legal status in Canada as a visitor, student, or worker, and they must maintain that status throughout the application process. Additionally, the sponsored spouse or partner must not be inadmissible to Canada for any reason, such as a criminal record or a history of immigration violations.
  
  It is important to note that each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee approval. Additionally, the processing times and requirements may vary depending on the specifics of the application.

Outland sponsorship, on the other hand, is an option for Canadian citizens or permanent residents who wish to sponsor their spouse or partner for permanent residence while they are living outside of Canada. The sponsored spouse/partner must apply for permanent residence from their home country or another country where they currently reside. The processing times for outland sponsorship applications are generally faster than those for inland sponsorship applications, but the sponsored spouse/partner is not able to live and work in Canada during the application process unless they are eligible for a temporary resident visa or work permit.

In both types of spousal sponsorship, the eligibility requirements and application process are largely the same. The main differences relate to the sponsored spouse/partner’s location and their ability to remain in Canada during the application process. Additionally, both types of sponsorship require the sponsor to provide financial support to their spouse/partner during their time in Canada, and the couple must demonstrate that their relationship is genuine and ongoing.

The eligibility criteria for Outland Sponsorship are similar to those for Inland Sponsorship, but there are a few key differences. Outland Sponsorship is for couples who are living outside of Canada, where the Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsor resides. Here are the basic eligibility requirements for Outland Sponsorship:

• Sponsor Eligibility
  
  The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years old and not in prison or bankrupt. The sponsor must also be able to provide financial support to their spouse or partner for a period of three to ten years, depending on the circumstances.
  
• Sponsored Spouse or Partner Eligibility
  
  The sponsored spouse or partner must be outside of Canada at the time of the application and must not be inadmissible to Canada for any reason, such as a criminal record or a history of immigration violations. They must also be at least 18 years old and be married to or in a common-law or conjugal relationship with the sponsor.
  
• Relationship Eligibility
  
  Both the sponsor and the sponsored spouse or partner must provide evidence that they have a genuine and ongoing relationship. This can include documents such as photographs, joint bank statements, letters of support, and other evidence of shared assets, activities, and experiences.
  
• Other Eligibility Requirements
  
  The sponsored spouse or partner must undergo medical exams and provide police certificates as part of the application process. Additionally, the sponsored spouse or partner must not have violated the terms of their temporary status in Canada, and they must maintain their valid temporary status throughout the application process.