Spousal Sponsorship Outside Canada

Overview of Spousal Sponsorship Outside Canada

Bringing your spouse to Canada is a great way to reunite your family and start a new life together. Canada offers a spousal sponsorship program that allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their foreign spouse for permanent residency. If your spouse is living outside of Canada, the process may seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can successfully navigate through the process.

Eligibility for Sponsoring Your Spouse

To sponsor your spouse from outside Canada, you need to be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada. You also need to meet certain eligibility requirements to ensure that you are financially capable of supporting your spouse and fulfilling the responsibilities of being a sponsor.

As the sponsor, you will need to demonstrate that you can provide for your spouse’s financial needs once they arrive in Canada. This means that you need to meet the minimum necessary income requirements for your family size and the number of people you are sponsoring.

Additionally, you must show that you have no criminal convictions and that you are not receiving social assistance, except for reasons of disability.

The Sponsorship Process

The spousal sponsorship process involves several steps, including submitting an application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You will need to fill out the sponsorship application forms and provide supporting documents that prove your relationship with your spouse, such as marriage certificates, photographs, and communication records. Your spouse will also need to submit forms, including background and medical checks.

If your spouse is living outside Canada, you will need to provide a variety of documents, such as proof of your relationship, financial documents, and other evidence that proves your eligibility to sponsor them. This could include proof of income for the past three years, your employment details, or tax returns. Additionally, your spouse will need to undergo medical exams and a police background check.

Financial Requirements

When sponsoring a spouse from outside Canada, you need to meet certain financial requirements. The Canadian government requires sponsors to show that they have the financial means to support their spouse once they are in Canada. This is to ensure that the sponsored spouse will not need to rely on social assistance after arriving in Canada.

The income requirements are based on the size of your family and the number of people you are sponsoring. These requirements can be checked using the Canadian government’s Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) chart, which outlines the financial thresholds depending on the number of family members.

Processing Time

The spousal sponsorship process can take a significant amount of time. Once the application is submitted, the processing time can range from 12 months to over 24 months, depending on the specific circumstances of the case, such as the country your spouse is applying from and the complexity of the application.

Throughout this period, you may be required to provide additional documentation or attend interviews. You will be informed by the IRCC if any further action is needed.

What Happens After Approval?

Once your spouse’s application is approved, they will receive instructions on how to finalize their permanent residency process. If your spouse is outside Canada, they will need to attend an interview at the Canadian embassy or consulate in their country of residence. After that, your spouse will receive their permanent residency status, allowing them to move to Canada and start their new life with you.

Once your spouse arrives in Canada, they will have the right to live, work, and access healthcare benefits. After meeting the residency requirements, they will be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.

Important Considerations for Spouses Outside Canada

While spousal sponsorship offers a wonderful opportunity for family reunification, it is important to keep in mind that the application process can be long and complicated. Ensuring that your application is complete and includes all the necessary documents is key to a successful application.

You must also understand that immigration officers may assess the legitimacy of the relationship to ensure that the marriage is genuine and not one of convenience. Therefore, it’s essential to provide as much proof as possible to demonstrate the authenticity of your relationship.

We Can Help with Your Spousal Sponsorship

Navigating the spousal sponsorship process can be complex, especially when your spouse is living outside Canada. At I Can Help Immigration Services, we have the expertise to guide you through the process with ease. Whether you need help gathering documents, completing forms, or ensuring that your application meets all the requirements, we are here to assist you.

Contact us today for personalized assistance with your spousal sponsorship outside Canada application and take the first step towards reuniting with your loved one in Canada. Let us help make the process easier for you!