Thinking of sponsoring your spouse but unaware of how to start? We understand that the process of sponsoring your loved one to gain permanent residency in Canada can be long and tough. Many things have to be considered before you can even begin the application.
What Is Spousal Sponsorship?
Love is blind, one is unable to help who they fall in love with. Your significant other can be from a different country but you reside in Canada. The process of spousal sponsorship allows you to sponsor your loved one to immigrate to Canada to obtain permanent residency. By sponsoring your loved one to Canada, you are able to start your life together rather than living your lives countries apart.
Important Documents Required For Spousal Sponsorship Application
- Proof of permanent residency, or Canadian citizenship
- Passports
- Marriage certificate
- Photographs of genuine relationship
- Proof of conjugal relationship, or common-law relationship
- Documents showing financial status
What You Need to Know?
- Immigration Canada receives thousands of applications each year from individuals who are trying to sponsor their spouse
- You have to be able to financially support your loved one if they are to immigrate to Canada
- Application received by Immigration Canada can be denied if the requirements are not met or there is a problem with your application
- The terms of sponsorship agreement have to be met
- Need to determine if you are making an Inland application or an Overseas application
There are different ways to start your application process such as through Inland or Overseas application. Both these options have their own pros and cons depending on what you choose. Thus it is considered best practice to know the full details of both of these options before starting your application.
What Is An Inland Application?
- You and your spouse are both in Canada and you can start the sponsorship process
- If the application is started, your spouse is able to remain in Canada throughout the process of the application
- Another benefit of inland application is that your are able to obtain an Open Work Permit
- Remain in Canada until a decision is made with regards to your application
- With regards to inland application, it is recommended that you remain in Canada and not travel outside of Canada
- If travelled outside of Canada, the application can be considered abandoned
- The downside to Inland application is that you do not have the right to appeal if a negative decision is given and the processing times are much longer
What is an Overseas Application?
- Able to apply using the overseas option regardless of whether you are in Canada or not
- This option gives you the ability to travel while your application is being processed
- The processing times are much less and faster as compared to the inland application
- The overseas option gives you the right to appeal when you are given a negative decision
- Allows your spouse to be with their families while the applications is being processed by Immigration Canada
- The downside to Overseas application is that your spouse has to wait outside of Canada for the decision
Which One is Better?
Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages with regards to the sponsoring your spouse. If your spouse is able to come to Canada through other means and is able to stay in Canada while the inland application is processed then the option works best. If they are unable to come to Canada, then overseas application works best, especially since the processing time is less and gives you the right to appeal your case.
We Can Help!
Going through this process can be tough, especially when you have little knowledge of the law. Immigration law can be very complicated as there are many things that can be overlooked.
At Akrami & Associates, we have experienced immigration representatives that will guide you through the whole process and help you attain the result you desire.
