SPOUSAL
SPONSORSHIP
Spousal sponsorship is a major part of Canada's immigration system. Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are in a relationship with a foreign national can sponsor that person to join them and become a permanent resident of Canada. You can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner. An important requirement is that the relationship is genuine and was not entered into primarily for the purpose of acquiring permanent residence.
Am I eligible to sponsor my spouse or partner?
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You can sponsor your spouse or partner if:
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You’re at least 18 years old
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You’re a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person registered under the Canadian Indian Act
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You live in Canada or are a Canadian citizen planning to return to the country
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You are not receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability
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You can provide for your basic needs, those of your spouse or partner and, if applicable, those of dependent children
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As a sponsor you must:
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Be able to support your partner financially
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Make sure they will not require social assistance from the government
Who can I sponsor?
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You can sponsor your spouse, common law partner or conjugal partner; and you will have to prove that you are in an authentic relationship.
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Your spouse can be of either sex and most be legally married to you
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Your common-law partner isn't legally married to you, can be of either sex and has been living or have lived with your partner for at least 12 consecutive months in a marriage-like relationship
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Your conjugal partner isn't legally married to you or in a common-law relationship with you, can be either of either sex and has been in a continuous and committed relationship with you for at least 12 months but have had significant obstacles that prevent residing with each other (such as legal, cultural, religious or immigration barriers)
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The person you are sponsoring must:
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Be at least 18 years old
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Pass all background, security and medical checks
Contact Lumen Immigration for more information about spousal sponsorship or assistance applying for spousal sponsorship.