Are you a foreigner looking to move to Canada? You can do so through the Canada Visa Spousal Sponsorship program.
This program allows you to marry a Canadian, study, work, and live in the country. To be eligible, you must meet a Canadian willing to sponsor you.
Canada Spousal Visa Sponsorship Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must:
- Be in a genuine relationship with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Be at least 18 years old
- Not have a criminal record or health issues that make you inadmissible to Canada
- Demonstrate financial stability to support your spouse
Types of Canada Spousal Visa Sponsorship
There are two options:
- Outland Sponsorship: If you’re outside Canada
- Inland Sponsorship: If you’re already in Canada on a valid visa
Canada Spousal Visa Sponsorship Required Documents
You’ll need:
- A valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce or separation documents (if applicable)
- Police certificates (if required)
- Medical certificate (if needed)
- Proof of relationship (joint bank statements, photos, etc.)
- Proof of language proficiency (English or French language test results, if required)
How to apply for Canada Spousal Visa Sponsorship
You can apply:
- Online: Create an account on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website
- Paper Application: If unable to apply online, submit a paper application
- Pay fees: Sponsorship fee ($75), principal applicant processing fee ($475), and right of permanent residence fee ($500)
Canada Spousal Visa Sponsorship Timeline
- Processing time varies depending on the program and application completeness.
- You may be required to undergo a medical exam or attend an interview
- You’ll receive a Permanent Resident Card upon arrival
- Attend a landing interview with a border services officer
Additional information for Foreigners
- Ensure accurate and complete applications
- Provide detailed documentation
- Demonstrate strong proof of relationship
- Seek professional help if needed
- Understand the difference between temporary and permanent residency
- Be prepared for potential delays or additional requirements
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete applications
- Insufficient documentation
- Inadequate proof of relationship
- Failure to meet eligibility criteria
By following these steps and meeting the requirements, you can successfully obtain Canadian visa spousal sponsorship and join your Canadian spouse in Canada. Stay patient, persistent, and informed throughout the process.
Here are some issues you may face or ask yourself,
How Long Does Spousal Sponsorship Take in Canada?
The processing time for spousal sponsorship in Canada can vary depending on several factors, including the application’s complexity and the processing office’s workload. On average, the application can take around 12-18 months (1-2 years) to be processed. However, some applications may take longer, typically up to 24 months (2 years).
It’s essential to note that the processing time starts when Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) receives the application and ends when a decision is made. During this time, the sponsor and applicant may be required to provide additional information or documentation to support their application.
Can I Take My Wife to Canada on a Spouse Visa?
Yes, you can take your wife to Canada on a spouse visa. The Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residence in Canada. To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old, be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and demonstrate that you can provide for your spouse’s basic needs.
Your wife must meet the eligibility requirements, which include being at least 18 years old, undergoing medical and background checks, and demonstrating that she is not inadmissible to Canada.
What is Eligibility in Spousal Sponsorship Canada?
The sponsor and applicant must meet specific requirements to be eligible for spousal sponsorship in Canada. The sponsor must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Not be in prison or under a removal order
- Not sponsored another spouse in the past five years
- Demonstrate that they can provide for their spouse’s primary needs
The applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Undergo medical and background checks
- Not be inadmissible to Canada
- Provide police certificates and clearances
What are the New Rules for a Canada Spouse Visa?
The new rules for Canada spouse visas, introduced in 2024, aim to streamline the application process and reduce processing times. Some fundamental changes include:
- Electronic applications will become mandatory
- Improved communication channels between applicants and IRCC
- Enhanced processing efficiency
- Reduced documentation requirements
What are the New Spouse Rules for Canada 2024?
The new spouse rules for Canada, effective 2024, include:
- Increased transparency throughout the application process
- Enhanced fraud detection measures
- Improved processing times
- Simplified documentation requirements
How Much Money is Required for a Spouse Visa in Canada?
The sponsor must demonstrate that they can provide for their spouse’s basic needs, which includes meeting the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement. For 2024, the MNI is:
- CAD 32,945 for a sponsor with no dependents
- CAD 41,054 for a sponsor with one dependent
- CAD 49,168 for a sponsor with two dependents
How Much Income Do I Need to Sponsor My Spouse in Canada?
To sponsor your spouse to Canada, you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement, which varies depending on the number of dependents. For 2024, the MNI is:
- CAD 32,945 for a sponsor with no dependents
- CAD 41,054 for a sponsor with one dependent
- CAD 49,168 for a sponsor with two dependents
Is an Interview Required for a Canada Spouse Visa?
Sometimes, an interview may be required as part of the application process for a Canada spouse visa. This is typically done to verify information or clarify documentation. The applicant and sponsor will be notified and provided with instructions if an interview is required.
How Long Can You Stay in Canada with a Spouse Visa?
A spouse visa allows the applicant to live in Canada permanently. Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa, which allows them to enter Canada and live there permanently.
Does a Spouse Visa Allow You to Work in Canada?
Yes, a spouse visa allows the applicant to work in Canada. Once the applicant becomes a permanent resident, they can apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and work in Canada.
Can I Work While Waiting for a Spouse Visa in Canada?
You cannot work in Canada while waiting for a spouse visa. However, if you have a valid work permit or are eligible for an open one, you may be able to work in Canada while your application is being processed.
What is the First Stage of Approval of Spousal Sponsorship?
The first stage of spousal sponsorship approval is when the sponsor’s application is approved, and the file is sent to the applicant’s home country for further processing. At this stage, the applicant is required to submit additional documentation.