Spousal Sponsorship

Outland Sponsorship

An Outland application is pursued when the sponsored partner is not living in Canada.

However, Outland applicants can still apply through the outland program even if they are in Canada and may be permitted to travel throughout the application process.

For speeding up the process, the applicant should hand in all three forms together: sponsorship application, medical check and visa application.

• The applicant cannot choose the visa office;
• The processing time is around 6 months. Some cases are more complicated and may take up to 9 months or a year;
• Be able to prove the spousal or common-law relationship is genuine. If the immigration officer suspects this is not the case, your application will be dismissed;
• If the case has been dismissed, the sponsor can make an appeal.

Inland Sponsorship

The other option for Spousal or Common-Law Sponsorship is inland sponsorship. This is necessary when the couple is already together in Canada and the foreign spouse/ common-law partner has temporary status in Canada, either as a worker, student or visitor. The individual being sponsored may be eligible for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada while the sponsorship application is being processed.

• In the first 6 months, the officer will decide whether to allow the applicant to apply inland.
• The second stage is about 3-6 months, dealing with details regarding one's permanent resident status. For example, completion of a medical check or personal background check.
• The applicant and their spouse or common-law partner should prove that they have been living together for over one year. If the applicant and their spouse are married, they can apply for it right away.
• If there is a child over 22 years old, they will need to prove that they are still in school for permanent residency status.
• Be able to prove the spousal or common-law relationship is genuine. If the immigration officer suspects this is not the case, your application will be dismissed.
• If the case has been dismissed, the sponsor can make an appeal.

What Comes after Sponsorship?

The sponsor under the Spousal Sponsorship program carries certain conditions that must be met:

• The sponsors are financially responsible for the sponsored persons for three years following the sponsored persons become permanent residents, and
• People who come to Canada as spouses are themselves barred from sponsoring a spouse in turn for five years after receiving Canadian permanent residence.