Relocating to Canada through a Spouse Sponsorship Visa can be a transformative experience, provided you adhere to the established procedures. This guide will explain what a Spousal Visa is and how you can use it to migrate to Canada with your spouse.
What is a Spousal Visa?
A Spousal Visa is an immigration document that allows an individual to live and work in Canada with their spouse. This visa is designed to reunite couples who are living apart, enabling them to build a life together in Canada. It effectively functions as a green card, granting the holder the right to reside and work in Canada regardless of their spouse's citizenship status.
The Canadian Spouse Sponsorship Program
Canada’s Spouse Sponsorship Program is designed to facilitate the immigration of spouses to Canada. There are two primary types of sponsorship programs: Inland Sponsorship and Outland Sponsorship. Each has specific criteria and procedures.
1. Inland Sponsorship
Inland Sponsorship is for couples who are already living together in Canada. To qualify for this program:
- The Canadian citizen or permanent resident must be living with their spouse in Canada.
- The foreign spouse must have valid temporary status in Canada (as a worker, student, or visitor).
The Canadian partner will need to apply to become a sponsor, while the foreign spouse will apply for permanent residence. Both parties must be approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
2. Outland Sponsorship
Outland Sponsorship is for couples where one partner is living outside Canada. This program allows the Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their spouse for permanent residency. Both the Canadian sponsor and the foreign spouse must be approved by the IRCC.
Steps to Apply for a Spouse Sponsorship Visa
Select the Right Sponsorship Program
- Determine whether Inland or Outland Sponsorship is appropriate for your situation.
Complete and Sign Forms
- Visit the official Canadian immigration website to access and complete the required forms. Ensure that you fill out all forms accurately and attach necessary photographs.
Pay Application Fees
- Application fees typically include biometric fees and the right of permanent residence fee. The biometric fee covers fingerprinting and digital photos.
Submit Your Application
- Provide complete and accurate answers to all application questions.
- Sign the application form and write your name as it appears on your passport.
- Upload all required supporting documents to avoid rejection.
Provide Additional Information
- You may need to submit additional documents such as a medical report and a police certificate to verify your health status and criminal background, if applicable.
Attend an Interview
- Although rare, interviews may be required if there are discrepancies or missing information in your application. This is to verify the authenticity of the relationship.
Receive Updates on Your Application
- If your application meets the eligibility requirements, you will receive instructions to link your application to an online account for tracking.
Eligibility Criteria for Spouse Sponsorship
Marital Status
- You must be legally married to your spouse. Both partners must intend to live together permanently in Canada.
Age Requirement
- Both the sponsor and the foreign spouse must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit for sponsorship.
Financial Responsibility
- The sponsor must sign an undertaking to provide financial support to the spouse without relying on public funds.
Criminal Background
- Both partners must have clean criminal records. Neither should be imprisoned or facing criminal charges at the time of application.
Sponsorship Status
- The sponsor must not be subject to a removal order or be found inadmissible. A police statement may be required to confirm this status.
Documents Required for Spouse Sponsorship Visa
To support your application, you will need to provide several key documents:
- Personal identification details, including date of birth and residential address.
- Marriage certificate.
- Documents related to previous marriages, if applicable (e.g., divorce decree, death certificate).
- Proof of sufficient income, such as bank statements.
- Valid identification and passport.
Conclusion
Following the outlined procedure will enhance your chances of successfully migrating to Canada through a Spouse Sponsorship Visa. Ensure that you and your spouse have all necessary documents ready and verify your eligibility before submitting your application. By adhering to these guidelines, you can navigate the sponsorship process effectively and take the next step in your journey to Canada.