How Canada is modernizing the submission system for spousal and common-law partner sponsorship programs
To improve customer service, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is completely digitizing the application submission process for Canada’s domestic and overseas partner sponsorship programs.
Until September 23, 2022, IRCC had previously allowed online applications to be submitted for permanent immigration programs such as spousal sponsorships, but also made other methods available for applicants to apply to these programs. Now sponsorship applications for spouses and life partners in Germany and abroad are only accepted online.
Sponsor your family for Canadian immigration
According to IRCC, moving to a fully online system “gives customers more flexibility to apply from their devices and allows them to receive instant confirmation that they have successfully submitted their application”. This is facilitated by the already active Permanent Residence Portal, which is already allowing some hopeful immigrant candidates to submit their applications for other programs online since March 31, 2021.
Note: Applicants who require accommodation and are unable to use the online system can contact IRCC to request an alternative submission format. If no such request is made, all applications not submitted online after the transition dates (more on this below) will be returned to applicants.
Eligibility for spousal and domestic partner sponsorship programs
To be eligible as a sponsor under the Outland or Inland Spousing and Common Law Partner Sponsorship Program, you must:
- be 18 years or older
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada, or a person of record under the Canadian Indian Act
- Do you live in Canada or plan to return to the country
- are not receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability
- Be able to provide for your basic needs, those of your spouse or partner, and dependent children, if applicable
- Be able to support your spouse/partner financially
- Make sure your spouse/partner does not require government welfare
In addition, the person coming to Canada through the sponsor must be at least 18 years of age and pass all necessary background, medical and security checks.
The application process for sponsorship programs for spouses and domestic partners
Before applying for spousal or domestic partner sponsorship, ensure that both parties involved in the application (the sponsor and the dependent applicant) meet all eligibility criteria.
Also, remember that to apply for spousal/domestic sponsorship, two applications must be submitted at the same time: one by the Canadian sponsor to actually sponsor his/her spouse/partner, and the permanent resident application by the dependent.
Now you can start the four-step application process. There are four steps to applying for sponsorship for a spouse:
1. Go online to the Government of Canada website to locate the application pack which contains detailed instructions on how to properly complete the application
2. Pay the online application fees which include:
- A processing fee for everyone included in the application
- A fee for the “right of permanent residence”.
- Biometric Fees
- Other Third Party Fees, if applicable
3. Submit your application through Canada’s Permanent Residence Portal by following the submission instructions provided in the guide you downloaded
4. Submit the required supporting documents when prompted
So that covers spousal and common law partner sponsorships. Now what about the other permanent resident immigration programs?
IRCC has provided the following timeline for when each Canadian permanent immigration program/category will follow the spousal sponsorship example by transitioning to an online-only application system.
09/23/2022: Provincial Nominee Program (Non-Express Entry); Quebec-selected skilled workers; sponsorship of a spouse or partner; sponsorship of a dependent child; sponsorship of an eligible relative; Sponsorship for an orphaned sibling, niece or nephew or grandchild; adoption of a child through the immigration process; Immigration pilot for rural and northern areas
October 7, 2022: Quebec Selected Investors; entrepreneurs selected by Quebec; Self Employed (Quebec)
October 14, 2022: Agricultural and Nutrition Pilot; starting visa; Temporary residence permit holders applying for permanent residence
October 21, 2022: Home Support Force Pilot; Pilot Program for Child Care Home Providers (open to new applications on January 1, 2023); Humanitarian and Compassionate Reasons; self-employed (federal)
October 28, 2022: Atlantic Immigration Program
Sponsor your family for Canadian immigration
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