Spousal and Common Law Partner Sponsorships
Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada can sponsor their spouses and common law partners for immigration to Canada.
SPOUSAL SPONSORSHIP
- Requires valid marriage and proof of genuine (true) relationship between Sponsor and Immigrant.
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6 to 12 Months
(longer in India, China and other visa offices)
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COMMON-LAW PARTNER SPONSORSHIP
- Requires 12 months of continuous cohabitation in a conjugal relationship and establishing of genuine relationship.
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6 to 12 Months
(longer in India, China and other visa offices)
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CONJUGAL PARTNER SPONSORSHIPS
- Requires evidence of conjugal relationship for at least 12 months and evidence of genuine conjugal partner relationship. Recommended that explanation as to why cohabitation for 12 months (as in the common-law partner category) was not possible.
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6 to 12 Months
(longer in India, China and other visa offices)
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The following information applies to all categories of spousal sponsorships.
SPONSOR REQUIREMENTS
- If Sponsor is a Permanent Resident of Canada, Sponsor must reside in Canada at the time of sponsorship.
- If Sponsor is a Canadian Citizen, Sponsor can reside outside of Canada at beginning of sponsorship, but must prove they will return to Canada once sponsorship is approved.
- Sponsor is not required to have a minimum level of income, however, must not be on welfare (social assistance) or otherwise unable to support their spouse.
- Sponsor cannot have sponsored another spouse in the previous three years.
- Sponsor cannot have recent serious criminal convictions in Canada.
- Sponsor cannot be an undischarged bankrupt or be in default of immigration loans or child support or spousal maintenance orders.
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IMMIGRANT REQUIREMENTS
- Immigrant cannot have criminal convictions for which rehabilitation has not been obtained.
- Immigrant cannot have medical problems which would make them a danger to the Canadian public (example: contagious diseases).
- Immigrant must obtain Authorization to Return if they were previously deported from Canada.
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GOVERNMENT APPLICATION FEES
- Initial Application Fees: CDN$550 per adult immigrant and CDN$150 per child under 18.
- Landing Fees (due if application is approved): CDN$490 per adult immigrant 18 and over.
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