Sponsor Your Spouse Or Conjugal Partner To Canada

On average, a good-to-go spousal sponsorship application takes 12 months to get processed from start to finish. In some cases, it may take a little less time and in other cases, it may take even more than 12 months. It depends on the nature of your case and the number off applications Canada Immigration receives every year. Generally Immigration of Canada posts the approximate time taken for applications on their website.

In case of complicated cases, you may also require to provide additional proof of your relationship, which may further delay the processing of your application.

What’s the difference between inland and outland spousal sponsorship?

The primary difference between inland and outland spousal sponsorships is where the sponsored person currently lives. 

With an inland spousal sponsorship, the sponsored individual already resides in Canada and lives with their spouse or common-law partner, a relationship that must be maintained throughout the application process. It’s not recommended that the individual travel outside the country while the application is being processed, but they’re eligible for a work permit during this time.

When applying for an outland spousal sponsorship, the sponsored person may live outside Canada; however, this is not a requirement. They can travel to Canada, but entry isn’t guaranteed. Outland applicants are also allowed to apply for a visitor visa and, eventually, once they are in Canada, a work permit.

For both types of applications, the sponsor must be a Canadian citizen, a registered Indian, or a permanent resident of Canada. The processing time for an outland spousal sponsorship application is typically shorter than for an inland application, although there are no guarantees with timeframes. 

What could cause spousal sponsorship in Canada to be denied or refused?

There are many eligibility requirements you and your spouse or partner must meet, or your inland or outland application could be denied. For example, you can’t have a conviction for a violent criminal offense on your record or be currently in prison. Additionally, both parties must be at least 18 years of age. 

It’s also crucial that you don’t misrepresent your relationship. For example, you can’t say you’re happily married and in love when you barely know each other, and it’s simply a marriage of convenience. If you’re married, you must provide a marriage certificate. Whether you’re in a common-law relationship or married, you need to demonstrate that you genuinely share a life together. Documentation you may need to provide includes photos of the two of you together, joint bank statements, birth certificates for your child(ren), and bills in both of your names.

There’s also the financial aspect. In addition to paying the application fee, you must provide documentation demonstrating your financial stability.

Missing information is a major reason your application may be rejected. Make sure every question is answered fully and that you provide all necessary supporting documentation. Don’t rush with completing your application. Review it thoroughly multiple times to ensure it’s complete.

If you apply for an inland spousal sponsorship and get denied, you can’t appeal the decision. However, you’re allowed to appeal if your outland spousal sponsorship application gets rejected.