As a country, Canada is fully committed to family reunions and keeping the loved ones in togetherness. For this reason, Canada provides several immigration family sponsorship programs. These programs offer citizens the possibility to sponsor their family members to immigrate to Canada most appropriately. There are three types of family sponsorship programs:

• Spousal and common-law partner sponsorship;
• Parent and grandparent sponsorship;
• Dependent child sponsorship.

Therefore, here are some things written below you need to know about Canadian spousal sponsorships in general and some of the detailed information on the matter. So, continue reading to understand the process better and be prepared accordingly when you and your loved one decide to apply. 

Spousal Sponsorships In Canada

So, because Canada understands how crucial it is for loved ones to be together, this is why applications for spousal sponsorship are considered to be of the highest priority. Spousal sponsorship is how a Canadian permanent resident can sponsor their partner to arrive in Canada and live permanently.   

However, this process is anything but simple. Many people think that if they apply for Canadian spousal sponsorship, they will need to sign a few forms, provide several papers, and will be accepted just like that. 

Although the process of spousal sponsorship application does not require any language tests or reviewing of career and education history, there is still evaluation of the relationship, whether it is real, regardless if you are a married, common-law, or conjugal couple. According to the visa office, a real relationship should follow logical progress for how the couple meets and enters into a union.

For this reason, it is significant to have in mind that the visa officer who reviews your application is not looking to get you. They try to do their best to evaluate your case and consider your cultural practices.

Relationships Validation

As you know, in Canada, three types of relationships validate for a spousal sponsorship. Those three types are married, common-law, and conjugal relationships. Married partners are married by law, so if the marriage took place outside of Canada, it must be first validated under Canadian laws. 

On the other hand, common-law partners are the ones who have been living together for at least 12 months. Finally, the third type is the conjugal partners. Conjugal partners are two people who have been in a romantic relationship at a minimum for one year but are not living together because of substantial obstacles. 

However, according to Canadian immigration laws, a boyfriend or a girlfriend is not a good relationship for spousal sponsorship until the relationship becomes defined as common-law or conjugal according to Canadian laws. 

Keep in mind that the officers serve one valuable purpose to defend the Canadian immigration system. Every day the immigration system is being protected against dishonest and immoral individuals whose only reason for being in their relationship is immigration benefits. That’s a big no for the Canadian immigration system. 

How Long Does The Process Take 

Usually, the sponsorship application procedure takes roughly 12 months from start to finish. In most cases, they are often not processed earlier than 12 months, but they can sometimes take even longer than that. In general, it all depends on the type of your case.

For instance, if you have a complicated case or say if the visa officer demands further evidence of your relationship, this can postpone your case and make it longer.

So, to make sure your sponsorship application process is as quick as possible, you need to make sure it is appropriately done in the first place. Many law offices are helping thousands of applicants each day, so it is a good idea to consult with a lawyer before you decide to apply.

What Are The Terms And Conditions For Sponsoring

You are categorized as qualified for spousal sponsorship if you are a Canadian citizen, or your residence is officially permanent in Canada. Once you have Canadian citizenship or you are a permanent resident there, you must fulfill the following conditions:

• You are at a minimum of 18 years of age;
• You are living in Canada or have a plan to return there after your partner acquires permanent residency as well;
• You are willing and can provide for your partner’s fundamental financial needs for three years.

At the same time, if you and your partner are legally married and you are looking to sponsor your wife or husband, the immigration officers will need to see the following info:

• Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation questionnaire;
• Certificate of marriage (for legally married couples);
• Birth certificates for your children (if you have any);
• Evidence of marriage registration authorized by the government;

And also, you will need at least two of the following papers:

• Evidence that you and your partner are mutually owning a property;
• Have one or multiple shared accounts;
• Make copies of your IDs (issued by the government);
• Service bills that show both your names on them;
• Payment receipts or tax declarations that indicate you have the same living address.

Possible Causes For A Refusal

As we mentioned before, for a relationship to be entitled to any spousal sponsorship, you need to prove its legitimacy. Therefore, according to the nature of your relationship, several factors are taken into account by the immigration officers. 

Some of the things they will consider have a more traditional background, such as wedding photos with other members from your family on them. Other things that immigration officers might consider can lean towards, for example, the cultural patterns of the region where you come from. 

However, if you are not legally married to your partner, you may have a more challenging time proving the relationship’s legitimacy. For instance, letters of clarification can help the visa officers to understand why your relationship is not as traditional as the others from your cultural background.

In contrast to this, you should have in mind that marriage rituals performed through the Internet are not approved for immigration purposes in Canada.