Sponsor Your Spouse for Canadian Immigration | All you need to know

December 27, 2024

Ishita Soni

Sponsoring Your Spouse for Canadian Immigration

If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence in Canada. However, the process of spousal sponsorship can be more complex than it seems, with potential delays or refusals. Let’s break down the steps and requirements to make things clearer.

Step 1: Understanding Eligibility to Sponsor

To sponsor your spouse or partner, you must meet the following criteria:

• Age and Status: You need to be at least 18 years old, and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a registered Indian.
• Location: You should either live in Canada or be a Canadian citizen living abroad with plans to move back once your spouse becomes a permanent resident.
• Financial Support: You must agree to financially support your spouse for three years after they receive permanent residency.
• Other Considerations: Make sure you’re not ineligible due to issues like financial problems, criminal convictions, or previous sponsorship obligations.

Note for Quebec Residents: If you’re in Quebec, you must meet additional requirements set by the province.

Step 2: Who Is NOT Eligible to Sponsor?

Some individuals are ineligible to sponsor their spouse or partner. For example, if:

• You were sponsored by a spouse or partner and became a permanent resident less than five years ago.
• You’ve defaulted on immigration loans or failed to support a previous sponsor.
• You’ve been convicted of serious crimes.
• You are in jail or under a removal order from Canada.

These restrictions ensure that the sponsor can truly provide the necessary support to their spouse.

Step 3: The Person Being Sponsored: Eligibility Criteria

For the person being sponsored, they must meet these conditions:

• Age: They must be at least 18 years old.
• Relationship Type: The relationship must meet certain criteria:
  • Spouse: Legally married to the sponsor.
  • Common-Law Partner: Living together in a committed relationship for at least one year.
  • Conjugal Partner: In a relationship for at least a year, but facing barriers that prevent them from living together or marrying.

Additionally, the relationship must be genuine and supported by evidence like shared finances, living arrangements, and public commitment.

Step 4: Understanding What Permanent Residence Offers

Once your spouse becomes a permanent resident, they will enjoy several benefits, including:

• Access to health care, education, and social benefits similar to Canadian citizens.
• The freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada.
• The ability to apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting certain requirements.

However, they will not have the right to vote in elections or access certain high-security jobs unless they become Canadian citizens.

Step 5: The Road to Canadian Citizenship

After gaining permanent residence, your spouse can eventually apply for Canadian citizenship. To do this, they must:

• Live in Canada for three of the last five years.
• File their taxes and pass a language and knowledge test.
• Take an oath of citizenship, which grants them full rights and privileges as a Canadian citizen.

Conclusion: 

While sponsoring your spouse for Canadian immigration may seem like a simple process, there are several important steps and requirements to navigate. It’s essential to fully understand eligibility criteria, both for the sponsor and the one being sponsored. By preparing properly, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smoother immigration journey for you and your partner.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

Get In Touch