Spousal sponsorship

Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada in most situations can sponsor their

• spouses (wives or husbands) or common-law partners who live with them in Canada, and their dependent children

• spouses (wives or husbands), common-law partners or conjugal partners who live overseas, and their dependent children

(They can also sponsor their own children using the same set of forms).

There are several rules establishing who can be a sponsor and who can be sponsored person. 

Not everyone can be a sponsor and not everyone can be sponsored.

Canadian citizen living outside Canada can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent child who has no children of his or her own however they must show that they plan to live in Canada when their sponsored relative(s) becomes permanent residents.

Permanent residents living outside of Canada can’t sponsor relatives.

When Canadian citizens or permanent residents sponsor their spouses, common-law partners or conjugal partners they have to sign a document called an undertaking, promising to give financial support to the person(s) they sponsor for 3 years following the date they become permanent residents of Canada.

Those basic needs are:

• food, shelter, clothing and other needs for everyday living,

• dental care, eye care and other health needs that aren’t covered by public health services.

Length of undertaking for dependant children (or the dependent child of their spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner) under 22 is 10 years or until the child becomes 22 years old, whichever comes first.

Spousal or common-law partner sponsorship applications can be done in the Family Class or under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class depending where spouse or common-law partner physically reside when sponsorship application is prepared and sent to CIC.

When Canadian citizens or permanent residents apply under the Spouse or Common-law partner in Canada class, their spouse or partner may be able to apply for an Open Work Permit at the same time when they send other sponsorship documents to CIC. 

Work permit usually arrives in 3-4 months.

If spousal or common-law partner or conjugal partner sponsorship applications which is done in the Family Class get refused by CIC that decision can be appealed in most situations.

If spousal or common-law partner sponsorship applications which is done in the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class get refused by CIC it is not possible to appeal that decision (new application can be sent to CIC instead).

Spousal sponsorship application go through two phases: first CIC must determine if sponsor can be allowed to sponsor his or her spouse and in the second phase CIC will decide if the sponsored person can be granted permanent resident status in this immigration class.

Processing of this type of applications should not take more than 12 months since recent changes were introduced by CIC.

WHAT WE CAN DO

We can help you prepare all application forms and instruct you what supporting documents to send to CIC to prove that your relationship/marriage is a genuine one.

We will prepare you for your interview with CIC representatives (if such interview is requested). You will be informed what is it that CIC officer wants to establish and what questions they might ask you.

We can also represent you in your dealings with CIC officers who will be working on your application.

SERVICE FEE

We charge $2500 for spousal sponsorship applications. $2000 is paid at the time Retainer Agreement is signed and the remaining $500 is paid when CIC makes their decision regarding your application (usually one year later).