Spousal sponsorship is a Canadian immigration plan designed to keep family members and loved ones together. Spousal sponsorship Canada is when a Canadian or permanent resident sponsors their partner in hopes that they can stay in Canada. Spousal Sponsorship is not the only sponsorship process in Canada. You can sponsor your dependent childrens, parents and other relatives if they meet the requirements.
The Roles of the Sponsor
Spousal sponsorship is a great way to support your loved one’s immigration process to Canada. There are several requirements an individual needs to meet in order to be eligible to sponsor their dependent spouse or partner and their dependent children. Please review these requirements below to determine whether you may be eligible for a sponsorship application.
Under this program the sponsor:
The Sponsor’s Responsibilities
There are fees and responsibilities involved in family sponsorships. We recommend that you consider the responsibilities and determine whether you can uphold them if you want to sponsor your spouse, dependent children, parents or any other relative.
A sponsor must:
Sponsored Spouse or Common-Law Partner Requirements
In Canada, you may sponsor an individual and their visa application process if they are your partner or spouse. However, the Government of Canada has put limitations on who is eligible for the spousal sponsorship program. A conjugal partner or child must be sponsored under the Family Class whereas a spouse or common-law partner can be sponsored under the Family Class or the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class.
Before you begin your application to sponsor your spouse, see the following chart to determine your relationship with that individual.
- Spouse: Legally married in Canada or any other country
- Common-Law Partner: Cohabitating for at least one year
- Conjugal Partner/Relationship: Committed relationship for at least one year and the couple is unable to reside together due to circumstances out of their control such as immigration barriers, religious reasons, sexual orientation