Spousal Sponsorship
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Reunite with Your Loved Ones in Canada Through Spousal Sponsorship
At Globelink Management & Consultancy Services Ltd, we understand the importance of family. That’s why we specialize in assisting Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners to live with them in Canada. Our dedicated team helps simplify the spousal sponsorship process, ensuring that your loved ones can join you as permanent residents as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
What is Spousal Sponsorship?
Spousal Sponsorship is a family reunification program offered by the Government of Canada. It allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to become a permanent resident of Canada. Through this program, you can bring your loved one to live, work, or study anywhere in Canada while they await their permanent residency.
Types of Sponsorship
There are two main categories under the spousal sponsorship program:
1. Inland Sponsorship
- This option is for individuals whose spouse or partner is already living in Canada on a valid temporary status, such as a work or study permit.
- Applicants under inland sponsorship can also apply for an Open Work Permit, allowing them to work in Canada while their permanent residency application is processed.
2. Outland Sponsorship
- Outland sponsorship is for those whose spouse or partner lives outside of Canada.
- This option allows applicants to stay in their home country while their sponsorship application is processed. However, they can visit Canada during the application process if they have a valid visa.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
As a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor the following individuals for permanent residency under the spousal sponsorship program:
- Spouse: A legally married partner.
- Common-law Partner: A partner with whom you have lived in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months.
- Conjugal Partner: A partner who is unable to live with you or marry you due to legal or immigration barriers (this is typically used in exceptional cases).
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsorship
To sponsor your spouse or partner, both the sponsor and the applicant must meet certain eligibility criteria:
Eligibility for Sponsors:
- You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You cannot be in prison, bankrupt, or under a removal order.
- You must not have been sponsored as a spouse yourself within the last five years.
- You must prove that you can meet your partner’s basic needs (food, clothing, and shelter) and are not receiving social assistance (unless due to disability).
Eligibility for Sponsored Person:
- The person being sponsored must be at least 18 years old.
- They must pass medical, criminal, and security checks.
- The relationship between the sponsor and the applicant must be genuine and not entered into for the purpose of gaining immigration benefits.
Spousal Sponsorship Application Process
The spousal sponsorship process consists of several steps:
- Determine Eligibility: Our experts will assess both the sponsor’s and the applicant’s eligibility for the program.
- Prepare and Submit the Application: We help gather all required documentation, including proof of relationship, legal forms, and identity documents, to submit a complete application.
- Medical and Background Checks: The sponsored individual must complete medical exams and background checks as part of the process.
- Processing Time: The typical processing time for spousal sponsorship applications can take between 12 to 18 months, depending on the case and the location of the sponsored person.
- Approval and Permanent Residency: Once approved, your spouse or partner will receive their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can begin their life in Canada as a permanent resident.
Frequently Asked Question
Yes, if you are a Canadian citizen, you can sponsor your spouse or partner even if you live outside Canada, as long as you intend to move back to Canada once your spouse’s permanent residency is approved. However, permanent residents must reside in Canada while sponsoring their spouse or partner.
To demonstrate that your relationship is genuine, you will need to provide documents such as:
- Marriage certificate (for spouses).
- Joint financial documents (bank accounts, leases).
- Photos together.
- Travel records, communication logs (emails, chats), and affidavits from friends or family.
The processing time for spousal sponsorship applications typically ranges from 12 to 18 months. The exact time depends on factors such as the location of the sponsored person, completeness of the application, and the current backlog with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
