If you are in a Relationship and wish to bring your Partner to Canada, There are many steps and procedures you need to go through. Bringing your spouse can be complex but once you follow the due process, then it can be done at easy.
Please note that immigration policies and procedures may change, so it’s essential to verify the latest information on the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or consult with a qualified immigration consultant or lawyer for personalized advice.
Bringing Your Spouse or Partner to Canada
To bring your spouse or partner to Canada, you can sponsor them as long as you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The process involves several steps:
1. Determine Eligibility:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You and your spouse/partner must intend to live together in Canada.
2. Choose the Appropriate Sponsorship Category:
- Spouse: You are legally married to your partner.
- Common-law Partner: You have lived together continuously for at least one year in a conjugal relationship.
- Conjugal Partner: This category is for couples who cannot live together due to exceptional circumstances beyond their control, like immigration barriers or sexual orientation laws in their home country.
3. Gather Required Documents:
You and your partner will need to provide various documents such as passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), and proof of the genuineness of your relationship.
4. Complete the Sponsorship Application:
As the sponsor, you will need to submit a sponsorship application to IRCC. Your spouse or partner will need to submit an application for permanent residence.
5. Pay the Fees:
There are fees associated with the sponsorship application and permanent residence application. Make sure to pay these fees as required.
6. Wait for Processing:
Processing times can vary depending on the type of sponsorship and the country from which your spouse or partner is applying.
7. Attend Interviews and Provide Biometrics:
Depending on the situation, you or your spouse/partner may be required to attend an interview or provide biometrics (fingerprints and photographs).
8. Complete Medical Exams and Police Certificates:
Your spouse or partner will need to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician and obtain police certificates from all countries where they have lived for six or more months since the age of 18.
9. Finalize the Application:
Once the application is approved, your spouse or partner will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can then move to Canada.
10. Post-Arrival Obligations:
After your spouse or partner arrives in Canada, you will be financially responsible for them for a specified period. Ensure you meet these obligations.
Please note that the sponsorship process can be complex and time-consuming. It’s essential to review the latest requirements and guidelines on the official IRCC website and consider seeking assistance from a qualified immigration professional if needed. The Canadian government is committed to family reunification, so the spousal and partner sponsorship program is designed to help you bring your loved ones to Canada.
