Re-locate to Canada

Canada offers a welcoming and diverse community, world-class education and healthcare systems, a stable and thriving economy, and breathtaking natural beauty. Canada is a family-friendly nation that offers a high quality of life, supportive policies, and a safe and nurturing environment for children to grow up in. Individuals who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents and are at least 18 years old can apply for a Canadian spouse visa to sponsor their spouse, dependent children, parents, or grandparents to reside with them in Canada, as permitted by the Canadian government. Canada's immigration system includes various programs, such as the Express Entry Program etc, which offer opportunities to apply for permanent residency. Thereafter, as a permanent resident, you have the ability to live, work, or study anywhere within Canada for a period of five years. After residing in Canada for three years, you may be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.

Canadian Spouse Visa

The Canadian Spouse Visa, also known as the Family Sponsorship Program, is an immigration program offered by the Canadian government that allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are at least 18 years old to sponsor their spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, dependent children, parents, or grandparents to come and reside with them in Canada. The sponsor must meet certain eligibility requirements, and the sponsored individual must also meet certain criteria, including passing medical and security checks. The Canadian Spouse Visa is a popular option for those who wish to bring their family members to Canada and begin a new chapter in their lives together. It is a pathway to permanent residency and Canadian citizenship for the sponsored individual, provided they meet the requirements set by the Canadian government.

In Canada, you can sponsor certain family members for a dependent visa, including: 1. Spouse or common-law partner

2. Dependent children

3. Parents or grandparents, under certain conditions

4. Other eligible relatives, such as siblings, nephews or nieces, if they meet specific criteria.

Criteria for becoming a sponsor

In order to sponsor a spouse or partner to immigrate to Canada, the sponsor must fulfill certain essential criteria, which include:

1. Being a citizen or a permanent resident of Canada

2. Be at least 18 years of age

3. The sponsor must satisfy the income requirements to exhibit their capability to support their spouse or partner financially upon their arrival in Canada.

4. Not be getting social assistance (with a few exceptions)

5. Have never been found guilty of a crime against a family member, a violent or sexual offence, or both.

6. Not be in prison or facing charges

7. Not be bankrupt or in the process of filing for bankruptcy

8. Not have sponsored a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner within the past 5 years and failed to meet the sponsorship requirements or have failed to pay back any social assistance that their sponsored spouse or partner received during that time.

There are several circumstances in which a sponsor may not be eligible to sponsor their spouse or partner for immigration to Canada. These include:

1. The sponsor has not met their sponsorship obligations in the past. This includes failing to provide financial support to a previously sponsored spouse or partner or failing to repay any social assistance that the sponsored spouse or partner received.

2. The sponsor is in default of a court-ordered support order, such as child or spousal support.

3. The sponsor has been convicted of a violent or sexual offence, an offence against a relative, or an offence resulting in bodily harm to a relative. This includes offences committed outside of Canada.

4. The sponsor is in prison or facing charges.

5. The sponsor is under a removal order from Canada.

6. The sponsor has declared bankruptcy and has not been discharged from their bankruptcy.

7. The sponsor has sponsored a previous spouse or partner and that person has become a permanent resident of Canada within the last 5 years.

It is important to note that the above list is not exhaustive, and there may be other circumstances that could make a sponsor ineligible to sponsor their spouse or partner. It is advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer or licensed immigration consultant for guidance and assistance throughout the sponsorship process.

Paperwork required in applying for a Spouse Visa:

When applying for a spousal visa to Canada, there are several documents that are typically required. The exact requirements may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant and sponsor, as well as the visa category being applied for. However, some of the common documents that are typically required include:

1. Application forms: The application forms must be completed accurately and submitted along with the required fees.

2. Proof of relationship: This includes documents that show that the applicant and sponsor are legally married, or in a common-law or conjugal relationship. This can include marriage certificates, joint bank account statements, shared lease agreements, and other documents that show that the couple has been living together for a significant period of time.

3. Proof of identity and status: The applicant and sponsor must provide valid passports or other travel documents, as well as proof of legal status in their respective countries.

4. Police certificates: The applicant and sponsor must provide police certificates from all countries where they have lived for six months or more since the age of 18.

5. Medical examination: The applicant must undergo a medical examination by a designated medical practitioner to ensure that they meet Canadian health standards.

6. Proof of financial support: The sponsor must provide evidence of their financial ability to support the applicant and any dependent children, including tax returns, employment letters, and bank statements.

7. Other supporting documents: Depending on the circumstances, additional supporting documents may be required, such as proof of language proficiency or proof of employment. It is important to note that the above list is not exhaustive, and there may be other documents that are required depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant and sponsor. It is advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer or licensed immigration consultant for guidance and assistance throughout the application process.

Processing period for a spouse visa to Canada

The processing time for a spousal visa to Canada can vary depending on several factors, including the volume of applications received by the immigration authorities, the completeness and accuracy of the application, and the complexity of the case. As of April 2023, the estimated processing times for spousal sponsorship applications are as follows:

1. Spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner living outside Canada: 12 to 17 months

2. Spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner living in Canada: 26 to 32 months

It is important to note that these processing times are estimates and are subject to change. In some cases, the processing time may be longer or shorter than the estimated times. Applicants and sponsors are advised to monitor the processing times regularly and to ensure that their applications are complete and accurate to minimize delays. They can also check the status of their application online using the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) online portal.