When it comes to bringing families closer together or family reunification, Canadian immigration is a pathway that stands out.
If you’re thinking about sponsoring your spouse or partner to join you in Canada, one of the most important things you need to prove is the authenticity of your relationship to IRCC.
We’ve put together an easy-to-follow guide that will help you understand the process and make the journey of spousal sponsorship smoother for you.
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Why Real Relationships Matter:
Canadian immigration policies prioritize the unity of families. This means that real, genuine relationships are at the core of the spousal sponsorship process.
The reason for this is to prevent individuals from trying to manipulate the system by pretending to be in a relationship just to gain immigration benefits.
So, whether you’re married or in a common-law relationship, proving the reality of your connection is a must for successful spousal sponsorship.
Your Commitment: Both Financial and Emotional
Being a sponsor goes beyond just a legal obligation – it’s a commitment that involves both your financial resources and emotional strength. If your partner obtains permanent resident status through spousal sponsorship then,
- You need to give financial support for three years after your partner gets permanent resident status.
- This isn’t just about money – it can be tough emotionally and financially.
It’s essential to be prepared for the responsibilities that come with spousal sponsorship, both in terms of providing financial assistance and offering emotional support.
What Documents You Need For Spousal Sponsorship:
The papers that show your love story is real.
For Married Couples:
- You’ll need to fill out a Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation questionnaire.
- Have your marriage certificate and proof that your marriage is officially registered.
- If either of you was married before, show the proof of divorce.
- If you have kids together, bring their birth certificates.
- Keep wedding invitations and photos.
For Common-law Couples:
For couples in a common-law relationship, the process is slightly different:
- One Year of Living Together: If you’re in a common-law relationship, you need to show that you’ve lived together for at least one year.
- Similar Documents to Married Couples: You’ll need to gather documents similar to those required for married couples. The focus, however, should be on demonstrating your shared life rather than a wedding.
Additionally, whether married or common-law, you need to gather evidence that showcases your financial support for each other. This could include joint bank accounts, shared credit cards, or proof of jointly owning property or renting a home.
Bills that are in both your names, records of shared expenses (like groceries or furniture), and official documents arriving at the same address all help solidify your case.
Living Together: Show it on Paper:
Prove you’ve been living as a couple.
- Show joint bank accounts, credit cards, or even owning a home together.
- If you rent, keep copies of your lease and receipts.
- Have shared bills like electricity or gas in both your names.
- Show you’re spending money together on things like groceries or furniture.
- Keep letters or official papers that come to both of you at the same address.
Love Knows No Distance: When You’re Apart:
In some cases, couples might have been apart due to circumstances such as work or education. While physical separation doesn’t have to harm your spousal sponsorship application, it does require you to demonstrate that your relationship remained strong despite the distance.
What to do if you haven’t lived together in Canada.
- Keep records of how you’ve been in touch, like letters, texts, or emails.
- If the Canadian partner visits the other, keep flight tickets or passport copies.
The Final Step: Making Sure It’s Real:
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documents and evidence, the immigration authorities will review your application to assess the authenticity of your relationship.
What happens when your relationship is checked?
- An officer from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will decide if your relationship is real.
- If they’re not convinced, your partner might not be allowed to come to Canada.
Conclusion:
Bringing your partner to Canada is a big step. By following these simple steps and having the right papers, you can show that your love is real and make the spousal sponsorship process easier.
Just remember, honesty and true love are what really matters when you’re bringing families together through Canadian immigration.
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