by Canada is a popular place for people who want to live in a nice country with many different cultures and a strong economy. Some people come to Canada by getting married to a Canadian person or someone who lives here permanently.
But, just marrying a Canadian doesn’t mean you automatically become a Canadian too. You have to follow some rules and meet certain requirements to be able to live in Canada through your spouse.
What Is Spousal Sponsorship?
Spousal sponsorship is like a program that allows Canadian citizens or people who already live in Canada as permanent residents to help their husband, wife, or partner become a permanent resident too.
The person sponsoring and the person being sponsored must show that their relationship is real and not just for immigration purposes. They also have to meet certain rules, like age, money, and health checks.
Who Can Sponsor Their Spouse?
To sponsor your spouse, you have to be at least 18 years old, and you should either be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident. You also need to prove that you can financially support your spouse, so they don’t need help from the government. You’ll need to sign a paper saying you’ll take care of your spouse’s basic needs for three years after they become a permanent resident.
Who Can Be Sponsored as a Spouse?
To be sponsored as a spouse, you need to be legally married to your sponsor and at least 18 years old. You also have to pass a medical check and a background check. You can apply from inside Canada or from your home country.
If you’re in Canada already, you should have a valid visa, like a visitor, student, or worker visa. If you’re outside Canada, you should apply through the Canadian visa office where you live.
How to Apply for Spousal Sponsorship
Getting through the process involves two steps: first, the sponsor applies, and then the person being sponsored applies.
The sponsor starts by sending an application to the Canadian government. This shows that they’re eligible and suitable to be a sponsor.
After that, the person being sponsored sends an application for permanent residence. This application includes proof of your marriage, your identity papers, background checks, and photos.
You can send these applications online or by mail. How long it takes to process them depends on your relationship type, where you’re from, and how complete your application is. On average, it takes about 12 months for these applications to get processed.
Why Spousal Sponsorship Is Good
Spousal sponsorship is one of the quickest and easiest ways to become a permanent resident in Canada through marriage. Once you’re a permanent resident, you get some cool benefits:
- You can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada.
- You can use Canada’s healthcare and social services.
- You’re protected by Canadian laws and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
- After you’ve lived in Canada for three years, you can apply to become a Canadian citizen.
Spousal sponsorship is flexible too. You can include your kids in your application or sponsor them later.
In Conclusion
Getting married to a Canadian or a permanent resident can help you become a resident of Canada too. But remember, you need to follow the rules for spousal sponsorship and meet the requirements for permanent residency.
If you need help with your spousal sponsorship application, it’s a good idea to talk to an immigration lawyer or someone who’s allowed to help with immigration applications. They can guide you through the process and make it more likely for you to succeed.