Sponsor Your Spouse
Sponsor Your Spouse
The hardest thing about being abroad is being separated from your loved ones. Thankfully, the Canadian government offers spousal sponsorship. If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may be able to bring your spouse or partner to Canada.
The application fee for spousal sponsorship (1,040 CAD) is quite expensive compared to other applications such as study permit (150 CAD), but it is definitely worth it in the long run! In addition to paying the application fee, you will also have to provide some financial documents that show you have enough savings to support your spouse or partner.
Although the Government of Canada is very trusting, they still would like to have solid evidence that shows your relationship is genuine and true. In order to do this, it is time to ask for some favors from your best friends and family members. Now, what can they do to help you?
The most important aspect they can assist you with is by providing proof of your relationship. Both you and your friends or relatives must provide a detailed letter describing your relationship. This can be a sweet moment for you to go down memory lane and reminisce on how you met your partner, the first date, proposal, wedding, etc. In addition to this, your marriage certificate is also mandatory if you are sponsoring your spouse. Since we are looking at serious long-term relationships, I will assume you are at least 18 years of age (you must be!) and you have been in this relationship for more than 12 months. The more detailed your letter is, the better. Remember, the CIC immigration officer assessing your application will make a decision based on the documents you’ve provided.
Sponsor Your Spouse
Once you submit your application, you must be patient. As we all know, there are countless applications for immigration, study permit, visa extension, sponsorship, etc. being submitted to CIC on a daily basis. Even though the estimated processing time for your spousal sponsorship is 12 months, don’t be surprised if it takes a little longer than that. It is easy for people to become anxious while waiting, but whatever you do, please do not send in multiple applications! Only one application is required, and CIC will update you as soon as they can.
While you are waiting, it may be a good idea to help your partner/spouse prepare for their new life in Canada. It is easy for us to forget how daunting a new environment can be when we’ve already adapted. Take the time to help her practice English if English isn’t her first language. It may also be a good idea to write some useful English phrases for her as well as a letter to explain her situation to the immigration officer when she enters Canada (if needed). Another thing to be aware of is the possibility of culture shock. Of course, your partner/spouse will be very happy to be reunited with you, but the surroundings will be different. She will be away from her friends and not knowing the language will be very stressful for the first few months.
Also, hope for the best and embrace yourselves for the worst. Not everyone who applies for spousal sponsorship gets approved. This will be a very heartbreaking situation to deal with, but it is important to have a discussion with your spouse/partner about what to do if your application were to be refused. We understand the frustrations and stress this type of application process can give you and that is why we are here to help. Do not hesitate to contact one of our skilled IRCC licensed immigration consultants to help you with your application or simply receive a consultation.
Sincerely,
SmartImmigrant ( Sponsor Your Spouse)
