Spousal Sponsorship Applications for Canada

Spousal Sponsorship and Family Applications

If you have a spouse or other family relatives interested in coming to Canada, you may be able to sponsor them under the Family Class.  Sponsorship Applications are the most popular way to reunite families in Canada. Whether you are sponsoring a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or child, you have options!

However, the sponsorship application procedure is not easy. The paperwork involved is extensive. the procedures are complicated and many cases are refused.

Our law firm has been processing Sponsorship applications for over 15 years. Let us review your case and provide you with the guidance needed for a successful application. Call us at 1 866-929-0991 or email us at [email protected] for a an assessment.

How to qualify for a Spousal Sponsorship Application

Spousal sponsorships are for  immigrants who are sponsored for Permanent Residence by a close relative in Canada who is either a Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada. Your relative in Canada is your Sponsor.

To qualify as a Sponsor your relative must be:

  • Your spouse or;
  • Your Mother or Father or; *
  • Your Grandmother or Grandfather or; *
  • Your dependent child or;
  • Your brother, sister, nephew, niece who is orphaned under the age of 19 years and who is unmarried or;
  • Any relative who has no relatives listed above whom they can sponsor.

The Sponsor must be able to financially support the immigrant (and dependents) and to provide for their essential needs. There also are strict income requirements that the Sponsor must meet to qualify. However, if the Sponsor is sponsoring a spouse or a dependent child under the age of 19 who is unmarried, then these strict income requirements do not apply. However the sponsor must still demonstrate his or her ability to financially support the immigrant.

The Sponsor must also sign a Sponsorship Agreement between the Sponsor and the Immigrant as well as enter into an agreement with the Government of Canada. The Sponsor in entering into the agreement with the Government of Canada agrees to provide for the essential needs of the immigrant and dependents for a prescribed period of time. Failure to meet any of the terms and conditions provided for in this agreement could result in legal action being taken against the Sponsor.

NOTE: New Changes for Spousal Sponsorship cases now in force 

Sponsoring your Parent and Grandparent? Consider the Supervisa

There is a hold on all Parental and Grandparent Sponsorship Applications for a two year period as of November 2011. CIC has initiated SuperVisas which allow for quick 10 year multiple entry Visas for up to 24 months. Supervisas are a relatively new Visa. The process for Supervisa is different than the Sponsorship Application Process.  Contact us for details on the Supervisa application.

Who can be a Sponsor?

A Sponsor can only be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 19 years old who is physically residing in Canada (or able to demonstrate an intention to reside in Canada by the time the sponsored family member lands in Canada) and who is not in prison; not bankrupt; and not under a removal (deportation) order if a permanent resident.

A Sponsor can also have a Co-Signer whose income can be included along with that of the Sponsor. The Co-signer can only be the Sponsor’s Spouse and must also be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident who is at least 19 years old and who is not in prison; not bankrupt and not a person under a removal (deportation) order if a permanent resident.

What if my Sponsorship Application is refused?

If your application for sponsorship is refused, you can appeal the case to the Immigration Adjudication Division (IAD) within 30 days of the refusal. IAD appeals are lengthy, costly and by no means guaranteed. If your case was refused, you should contact a lawyer immediately in order to ensure your appeal is filed on time.

 Need help with your Sponsorship Application?

Contact us for an assessment of your sponsorship application. Our immigration lawyers are here to help you bring your relative to Canada!