Sponsoring your spouse to Canada: Process, requirements, and more

When it comes to reconciling with loved ones, Canada provides a welcome immigration pathway for spouses through its spousal visa program. This tutorial explains all you need to know about applying for a spouse visa in Canada or bringing your partner to live with you.

In this blog, we will cover everything from how to sponsor spouse to Canada, and eligibility to the step-by-step process and the necessary documentation.

What is a spouse’s visa?

Under Canada's Family Class immigration programme, a spouse visa, often called a sponsorship visa, enables Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner to immigrate to Canada and live with them. By giving spouses a legal means of getting back together, the intention is to keep families together.

Two main forms of sponsorships under this initiative are:

●      Inland Sponsorship: In such a case, the spouse stays in Canada while applying for permanent residency, which is already here.

●        Outland Sponsorship: Where the partner applies via a Visa office overseas from outside of Canada.

Knowing these kinds of things will enable you to choose the best course of action for your circumstances and help solve your question of how to apply for spouse visa in Canada.

Who can apply for a spouse visa in Canada?

Before beginning the process, one must first know who can apply for a spouse visa in Canada. The following defines the qualifying requirements for the sponsor as well as the sponsored spouse:

For the sponsors:

●        The sponsor must be a permanent resident or a citizen of Canada.

●        The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.

●        Either live in Canada or intend to go back there when the partner shows up.

●        Only a handicap prevents them from receiving social assistance.

●        The partner must be able to provide financial support for a specified period, typically three years.

For the spouse:

●        The partner must be in a true common-law partnership or lawfully married to the sponsor.

●        The spouse must successfully complete background, criminal, and medical investigations.

●        You must demonstrate that your partnership is sincere and was not formed solely for immigration reasons.

If you fulfil these requirements, you can proceed with sponsoring your spouse in Canada.

What is the process for applying for a spouse's visa in Canada?

Here is a detailed guide on how to apply for spouse visa in Canada

Check your eligibility: The spouse as well as the sponsor should go over the eligibility criteria. This step keeps any later refusals or delays away.

Gather required documents: To demonstrate that the relationship is authentic and satisfies the IRCC's standards, both parties must gather all required documentation. This includes identification, proof of kinship, financial records, police certifications, and the results of medical exams.

Complete the application process: Download and properly complete the official IRCC application package from their website. The bundle calls for:

●        Application forms for sponsorship (filled out by the sponsor).

●        Permanent residency application forms (filled by the spouse).

●        The spouse also fills out additional forms to provide background and medical information.

Pay the application fees: Make the necessary online payments, which consist of:

●        Sponsorship charge.

●        The principal applicant will incur a processing charge.

●        Right to Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF).

You must provide the payment receipts with your application, so keep them.

Submit application package: Send the entire application package to the address indicated in the application guide for your sponsorship category, inland or outland. Make sure every form and document is included; incomplete applications could be delayed or returned.

Application acknowledgement: An acknowledgement letter from IRCC verifying they got your application will be sent. You can check your case status online using the unique application number this letter contains.

Medical and background checks: The sponsored spouse might be required to submit background checks and medical examinations.

Attend an interview (if required): To confirm the legitimacy of the relationship, the IRCC occasionally asks for an interview.

Decision on the application: After the assessment is over, IRCC will update you on their choice:

●        If granted, the partner gains permanent resident status. For outland applicants, IRCC provides a visa and Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), enabling admission into Canada. Confirmation of Permanent Residence allows inland candidates to remain in Canada.

●        If denied, IRCC will offer explanations for the denial; if qualified, you could be able to appeal or reapply.

Documents required to apply for a spouse visa in Canada

Getting ready for your paperwork is one of the most important phases of the procedure. The following is a thorough list of the documents required if you are wondering how to sponsor your spouse in Canada and help them apply for a visa in Canada.

For sponsors

●        Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence (passport, PR card, citizenship certificate)

●        Proof of income or work (pay stubs, tax returns, job letters).

●        Completed applications form

●        You must provide evidence of your plans to return to Canada or your current residency status.

●        A marriage certificate or evidence of a common-law partnership is also required.

For the sponsored spouse:

●        Identity documents and a passport.

●        A certificate of birth should also be provided.

●        A marriage licence or evidence of a common-law partnership, such as a shared bank account, a lease, or pictures of the couple together, is required.

●        Certificates of police clearance from the spouse's home nations.

●        Findings of a medical examination performed by a physician approved by the IRCC.

●        The application forms for permanent residence have been duly completed.

●        Evidence of the genuineness of the relationship (emails, chats, call logs, and trip records).

Final thoughts

Couples wishing to start their lives together in Canada must first learn how to apply spouse visa for Canada. Knowing who can apply for a spouse visa in Canada, knowing the thorough process, and compiling all the required paperwork can help you speed and ease the sponsorship process.

If you intend to sponsor your spouse in Canada, give your application much thought. While preparing for this important journey, don’t overlook the importance of securing a travel insurance policy if your spouse is travelling before getting permanent residency—it provides essential protection during the interim phase.

This blog offers the groundwork you need to boldly begin your application process, whether your questions are about how to sponsor a spouse to Canada or, more precisely, how to apply for a spousal visa.