Canadian Immigration: Ways to Sponsor Your Spouse

The unification of family is very important with regard to Canadian immigration and other connected rules. Thus, one must give special attention to that and keep in mind everything that is connected to Canadian immigration. One such way of unifying family is the sponsoring of a spouse, about which you will get to know in detail.

What has Occurred?

In 2024, the IRCC is expected to welcome around 114,000 new permanent residents through the given pathways. These include:

I. spousal sponsorship, 

ii. children and dependents, 

iii. parents, and 

iv. grandparents.

What does Sponsoring Your Spouse in Canadian Immigration mean?

With regards to Canadian Immigration, the act of sponsoring a spouse effectively allows foreign nationals to join their Canadian citizen or a permanent resident/spouse, common-law or conjugal partners in Canada, who merge into eventually becoming permanent residents themselves.

Canadian Immigration: What are the Pathways for Spousal Sponsorship?

According to the rules of spousal sponsorship with regard to Canadian immigration, there are two special pathways. These pathways are important if you want to explore the ways of fulfilling a spousal sponsorship. Thus, look at the given pathways thoroughly:

Inland Sponsorship 

Inland sponsorship allows Canadians and permanent residents to sponsor their loved one. However, it is only doable provided the couple is legally living together in Canada. 

To apply under Inland sponsorship, the foreign spouse or common-law partner must also have valid temporary status in Canada. He or she must have it either as a worker, student, or visitor. 

More…

During the processing of an Inland sponsorship application the sponsored person will be able to continue to live, work or study in Canada. To enable the sponsored person to receive a Canadian PR visa through Inland sponsorship, both the Canadian citizen or permanent resident and the foreign national is needed to be highly approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The newcomers pursuing an Inland sponsorship application may be eligible for an open work permit. This is important as it will allow them to work full-time in Canada while their application for permanent residence is being processed.

Having an Open Work Permit (OWP) can help to effectively reduce the economic and emotional burden of a potentially lengthy application process. It can also allow your spouse or partner to be professionally active and, thus, enter the Canadian labor market.

It is generally expected that Inland sponsorship applicants will remain in Canada while their designated application is being processed. If the spouse or common-law partner does not plan to stay in Canada or thoroughly needs to enable himself to travel outside the country while the application is being processed, then Outland sponsorship may be a better option.

Outland Sponsorship 

Outland sponsorship in the Canadian Immigration area allows foreign nationals residing abroad to be sponsored by their Canadian spouse or partner for permanent resident (PR) status in Canada. The Outland sponsorship process is known to differ from the Inland spousal sponsorship. This requires the couple to live together in Canada.

Outland sponsorship may be the best option for you if you are unable to apply for spousal sponsorship from the interiors of Canada. Applicants who are residing in Canada may also choose the Outland sponsorship process. 

More…

This is because it allows for travel to and from Canada while the application process is underway. This may be the best option for those whose work or personal situation requires them to be able to extensively enter and leave the country.

Thus, in order for the sponsored person to receive a Canadian PR visa through Outland sponsorship, both the Canadian citizen or permanent resident and the foreign national will need to be approved by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Canadian Immigration: Steps to Apply for an Inland Sponsorship

Below are the steps to apply for an inland sponsorship:

a. Obtain the application package found on the government website, which includes a guide with instructions and forms.

b. Pay all the required application fees online.

c. Complete and sign all required forms.

d. Send your application to the right visa office and mailing address in Canada.

Canadian Immigration: Steps to Apply for an Outland Sponsorship

Below are the steps to apply for an outland sponsorship in the Canadian immigration category:

a. Obtain the application from the government website.

b. Pay all the required application fees online.

c. Complete and sign all required forms.

d. Send your application to the right visa office and mailing address in Canada.

Conclusion

Thus, this is all you should know about Canadian immigration. Therefore, get ready to explore the journey of Canadian immigration by sponsoring your spouse.

FAQ’S

FAQ’S

What is spousal sponsorship in Canadian immigration?

Ans: Spousal sponsorship allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their foreign spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to come to Canada and become a permanent resident.

How many types of spousal sponsorship pathways are there?

Ans: There are two main pathways for spousal sponsorship in Canada:

1. Inland Sponsorship: This is for couples living together in Canada.
2. Outland Sponsorship: This is for couples with a foreign spouse or partner outside Canada.

What is the Inland Sponsorship pathway?

Ans: Inland sponsorship is for couples living together in Canada. The foreign spouse must have valid temporary status (as a worker, student, or visitor) in Canada. The sponsored person can stay, work, or study in Canada during the application process and may also be eligible for an open work permit.

What is the Outland Sponsorship pathway?

Ans: Outland sponsorship is for foreign nationals living outside Canada, but it can also be used by couples where the foreign spouse is temporarily residing in Canada. This pathway allows the sponsored person to travel in and out of Canada during the application process.

What are the steps to apply for Inland Sponsorship?

Ans:

1. Obtain the application package from the government website.
2. Pay the required application fees online.
3. Complete and sign the forms.
4. Apply to the appropriate visa office in Canada.

More FAQs…

What are the steps to apply for Outland Sponsorship?

Ans:

1. Obtain the application package from the government website.
2. Pay the required application fees online.
3. Complete and sign the forms.
4. Apply to the appropriate visa office.

Can I travel outside Canada while my application is processed under Inland Sponsorship?

Ans: If you apply for Inland sponsorship, you must remain in Canada. If you need to travel, Outland sponsorship might be a better option.

How long does the spousal sponsorship process take?

Ans: Processing times vary depending on the type of sponsorship and the visa office. Inland applications may take longer, but the applicant may work during the process if they receive an open work permit.

Can my spouse work while the application is being processed?

Ans: If you apply through Inland sponsorship and your spouse receives an open work permit, they can work full-time in Canada while the application is being processed.