Sponsor Your Spouse or Common-Law Partner

Who can become a sponsor?

To be able to sponsor friends and family, you must meet certain criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or a person registered under the Indian Act of Canada.
  • Not receive social assistance, except for reasons of disability.
  • Demonstrate that you have sufficient income to meet the basic needs of the person you are sponsoring.

Questions to consider :

You can sponsor even if you live abroad, as long as you're a Canadian citizen and plan to return to Canada when your loved ones immigrate.

You cannot become a sponsor if, for example, you have unpaid debts, a serious criminal conviction or if you have previously sponsored someone without fulfilling your financial obligations.

Announcement of June 26, 2024: Capping family sponsorship in Quebec

Ln June 26, 2024, the Quebec government announced the introduction of a cap on family sponsorships. This measure will limit the number of sponsorship applications accepted between June 26, 2024 and June 25, 2026.

Maximum

A maximum of 10,400 applications will be accepted for the sponsorship of a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependent child aged 18 or over. However, this ceiling does not apply to dependent children under the age of 18, or to those who are physically or mentally dependent on their parents (according to the official definition).

This means that Quebec residents will have to be particularly vigilant when submitting their sponsorship applications to avoid exceeding this quota.

Sponsor's obligations

As a sponsor, you sign a legal undertaking with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or the Ministère de l'Immigration du Québec. This undertaking consists of providing financial support to ensure that the sponsored person will not need to rely on social assistance for a certain period of time.

The engagement includes :

  • Basic needs such as food, accommodation, clothing and healthcare not covered by the public system.
  • The length of the commitment varies according to the relationship and age of the sponsored person.

Questions to consider :

This depends on the age of the person you are sponsoring and their family situation. For example, the commitment lasts 3 years for a spouse, but up to 10 years for a dependent child under 22.

The commitment remains valid even if your financial situation deteriorates or your personal circumstances change (divorce, moving house, etc.).

You can sponsor :

  • Your spouse: A valid civil marriage, regardless of gender, is required. If the marriage took place outside Canada, it must be legal in the country of origin and in Canada.

  • Your common-law spouse: You must be living or have lived with him or her for at least 12 consecutive months.

  • Your conjugal partner: A serious, interdependent relationship must have existed for at least 12 months, even if cohabitation was not possible for reasons such as cultural or religious barriers.

  • Your dependent children: Children under the age of 22 who are unmarried and financially dependent on you. Children over 22 can also be sponsored if they are unable to support themselves for health reasons.

Questions to consider :

What happens if the sponsored person's children are not included in the initial application?

If you are not sponsoring the person's dependent children, you are still responsible for their financial support. These must be listed, and you can sponsor them later if their status remains that of dependent children.

Income requirements

There is no income requirement to sponsor a spouse or dependent child, unless :

  • You are sponsoring a dependent child who has dependent children.
  • You are sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner with a dependent child.

In this case, you need to prove that your income reaches the Minimum Vital Income (RVM).

Questions to consider :

What income requirements must I meet?

The minimum income depends on the size of your family, including sponsored persons. If you live in Quebec, similar criteria apply.

What happens if my income is insufficient?

If you don't meet the income criteria, you can still apply, but you'll have to prove that you can support the sponsored person otherwise.

Application process

The process involves two separate requests:

  1. A sponsorship request: To become a sponsor.
  2. Application for permanent residence : For the sponsored person.

Questions to consider :

Do I have to apply online?

Yes, submission is usually done online, but if you live in Quebec, an additional process is required with the Quebec Immigration Department.

Do I have to fill out any forms for the person I'm sponsoring?

If the person you are sponsoring is under 18, you (or a guardian) must sign and complete the forms on his or her behalf.

Medical examination and biometrics

Sponsored persons must undergo a medical examination by an IRCC-approved physician. In addition, biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) may be required.

Questions to consider :

When is the medical examination due?

The medical examination must be taken before the application for permanent residence is finalized.

Processing fees

Fees vary according to the type of sponsorship:

  • Spouse, de facto spouse, conjugal partner: $1,165
  • Dependent children under 22: $170
  • Dependent children over 22: $175

If you live in Quebec, additional fees apply for the Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ).

Questions to consider :

Are there additional fees for Quebec residents?

Yes, a fee of $319 for the principal sponsor and $128 for each additional member of the same application.

Processing times

The average processing time for sponsorship applications is 12 months. However, processing times vary from case to case.

Questions to consider :

How long will it take to process my request?

IRCC strives to process 80% of requests within 12 months, but it may take longer depending on the specific situation.

Can I check the status of my request?

Yes, you can view current processing times and check the status of your application online.

Working Process

Follow these steps to get your solution easily

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1

Contact us

Complete our assessment form, we will assess your case and contact you for an initial consultation.

Analysis of the file

We work with you to develop a personalized strategy to ensure the success of your immigration procedure.

2

3

Assistance and representation

We will carefully review your supporting documents and get to work to build a solid case.

Decision

Once the decision has been made, our team will assist you to advise you on the steps to follow for your installation in Canada.

4

Contact us

Make an appointment today