Step-by-step guide to sponsor your spouse or partner to Canada

Applying to sponsor your spouse, conjugal partner, or common-law partner is a significant step towards bringing your loved one to live with you in Canada. Here’s an overview of the process:

1. Eligibility: To be eligible as a sponsor, you must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act. You must also be at least 18 years old and not be inadmissible due to criminal or immigration-related reasons.

2. Relationship Status: You can sponsor your spouse (legally married), conjugal partner (in a relationship similar to marriage but unable to live together due to circumstances beyond your control), or common-law partner (living together in a marriage-like relationship for at least one year).

3. Application Process: The process consists of two main steps: sponsorship and permanent residence application.

   a. Sponsorship: As a sponsor, you need to submit an application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to sponsor your partner. This application includes various forms, supporting documents, and a commitment to financially support your partner for a specific period.

   b. Permanent Residence Application: After the sponsorship application is approved, your partner will be required to apply for permanent residence in Canada. This application involves additional forms and supporting documents, including medical exams and police certificates.

4. Financial Responsibility: As a sponsor, you must sign an undertaking to financially support your spouse or partner for a specific period. The undertaking period varies based on the type of relationship and the partner’s circumstances.

5. Inadmissibility: If you or your partner is found inadmissible due to criminal history, health issues, or misrepresentation, the sponsorship application may be refused.

6. Processing Time: Processing times for spousal or partner sponsorship applications can vary depending on various factors, including the country of origin and the complexity of the case.

7. Conditional Permanent Residence (CPR): If your relationship is less than two years old and you do not have children together, your partner may be subject to CPR. This means they must live with you in a genuine relationship for two years to maintain their permanent resident status.

8. Supporting Documents: Ensure you gather all necessary documents and evidence to support your application, such as marriage certificates, joint bank accounts, photos together, and communication records.

9. Fees: There are processing fees associated with sponsoring your spouse, conjugal partner, or common-law partner, including the sponsorship fee and the permanent residence application fee.

10. Seek Professional Advice: The sponsorship process can be complex, and it’s essential to seek professional advice from a reputable immigration consultant or lawyer to ensure you are following all the correct procedures and submitting a complete and accurate application.

Always check the official IRCC website for the most up-to-date information and guidelines before starting the sponsorship process for your spouse, conjugal partner, or common-law partner.