Spouse Sponsorship
What is Spousal Sponsorship?
It is a process where a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residence in Canada. If the partner is outside Canada during the application, it is known as spousal sponsorship outside Canada. The processing time varies but generally takes several months.
To be eligible, the sponsor must meet income requirements based on their family size to ensure financial support for their partner in Canada. Additionally, the sponsor must demonstrate a genuine relationship and meet other eligibility criteria.
Sponsorship Eligibility: Requirements
To be eligible as a sponsor, the following requirements must typically be met:
1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
2. Citizenship or Permanent Residence: You must be a Canadian citizen, a registered Indian, or a permanent resident living in Canada.
3. Financial Responsibility: You must demonstrate the ability to provide financial support to the sponsored person and meet the income requirements. This ensures you can meet their essential needs without relying on social assistance.
4. No Default: You must not be in default of any previous sponsorship undertaking, court-ordered support payments, or certain immigration loans.
5. Criminal Record: You must not have been convicted of certain offenses, such as a violent or sexual crime, causing bodily harm to a family member, or an offense against a minor.
6. Relationship: For spousal or common-law partner sponsorship, you must have a genuine relationship and meet the legal requirements of being married or in a common-law partnership.
7. Legal Obligations: You must agree to fulfill specific obligations as a sponsor, including providing financial support and ensuring the sponsored person does not require social assistance from the government.
It’s important to note that the eligibility requirements may vary based on the specific sponsorship program and individual circumstances. It is recommended to consult the official government website or seek professional advice for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Sponsorship Eligibility: Requirements
The five and three years’ bar is a provision in the Canadian immigration system for individuals sponsored as a spouse or partner who later become permanent residents.
For those who became permanent residents within the last five years, the five years’ bar prevents them from sponsoring another spouse or partner for five years from their permanent residency date.
For those who became permanent residents over five years ago, the three years’ bar restricts sponsorship for three years from their permanent residency date.This provision aims to prevent repeated sponsorships and ensure sponsors can financially support their spouse or partner.