Below is a general guide on how to apply for a spousal sponsorship visa (also known as Family Class Sponsorship):
1. Determine Eligibility
Before applying, ensure both the sponsor and the sponsored person meet the eligibility requirements.
Sponsor Eligibility:
- You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must not be receiving social assistance (unless due to disability).
- You must be able to financially support your spouse/partner.
- You must not have a criminal record or be in prison.
- You must not have been sponsored yourself as a spouse within the last 5 years (if applicable).
Sponsored Person Eligibility:
- Your spouse or common-law partner must be at least 18 years old.
- Your relationship must be genuine and not primarily for immigration purposes.
- If married, the marriage must be legally recognized in Canada and the country where it took place.
- If in a common-law relationship, you must have lived together for at least 12 consecutive months.
2. Gather Required Documents
You will need to prepare a variety of documents for both the sponsor and the sponsored person. These include:
For the Sponsor:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency (e.g., passport, PR card).
- Proof of income (e.g., employment letter, tax returns).
- Completed sponsorship forms (see below).
For the Sponsored Person:
- Passport or travel document.
- Birth certificate.
- Police clearance certificates from all countries lived in for more than 6 months since age 18.
- Medical exam results from an IRCC-approved physician.
- Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, photos, communication records, joint bank accounts, etc.).
3. Complete the Application Forms
The application package includes several forms that must be completed. These forms are available on the IRCC website. Key forms include:
- Sponsorship Forms:
- IMM 1344 (Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and Undertaking).
- IMM 5532 (Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation).
- IMM 5481 (Sponsorship Evaluation).
- Sponsored Person Forms:
- IMM 0008 (Generic Application Form for Canada).
- IMM 5669 (Schedule A – Background/Declaration).
- IMM 5406 (Additional Family Information).
- Other Supporting Documents:
- Proof of relationship, photos, and other evidence.
4. Pay the Application Fees
The fees for spousal sponsorship include:
- Sponsorship fee: $75 CAD.
- Principal applicant processing fee: $490 CAD.
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): $515 CAD (can be paid later if needed).
- Biometrics fee: $85 CAD per person (if applicable).
Total: $1,165 CAD (including biometrics).
5. Submit the Application
Once all forms are completed and documents are gathered, submit the application package to IRCC. You can either:
- Mail the application to the address provided in the application guide.
- Submit online through the IRCC portal (if available for your situation).
6. Wait for Processing
Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the case and the country of origin of the sponsored person. As of 2023, processing times for spousal sponsorship applications are approximately 12 months.
During this time:
- IRCC may request additional documents or an interview.
- The sponsored person may need to provide biometrics and attend a medical exam.
7. Receive a Decision
If the application is approved:
- The sponsored person will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
- They must land in Canada before the COPR expires to become a permanent resident.
If the application is refused, you may have the option to appeal the decision or reapply.
8. After Arrival in Canada
Once the sponsored person arrives in Canada:
- They will receive their permanent resident card in the mail.
- They can work, study, and access healthcare (depending on the province).
Additional Notes:
- If you are a Canadian citizen living abroad, you can sponsor your spouse, but you must prove your intent to return to Canada.
- Common-law partners and conjugal partners are also eligible for sponsorship, but additional proof of the relationship is required.
For the most up-to-date information and forms, visit the official IRCC website:
Good luck with your application!
TO APPLY FOR FREE SEND EMAIL TO support@cic.gc.ca
