Spousal Sponsorship Program
The Spousal Sponsorship Program in Canada is a program that allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their foreign spouse or common-law partner to become a permanent resident of Canada. This program is part of Canada's Family Class Immigration category, which aims to reunite families in Canada.
To be eligible for spousal sponsorship, both the sponsor and the sponsored spouse/partner need to meet certain requirements. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Sponsor's eligibility: The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and residing in Canada or planning to return to Canada once the sponsored spouse/partner becomes a permanent resident.
2. Relationship eligibility: The sponsor must be legally married to or in a common-law relationship with the sponsored spouse/partner. Same-sex marriages are recognized in Canada.
3. Genuine relationship: Both the sponsor and the sponsored spouse/partner must provide evidence of a genuine relationship, including documents such as marriage certificates, joint bank accounts, photographs together, shared assets, and communication history.
4. Financial responsibility: The sponsor must meet the income requirements to demonstrate that they can financially support the sponsored spouse/partner and prevent them from relying on social assistance.
5. Medical and security checks: Both the sponsor and the sponsored spouse/partner must undergo medical examinations and security/background checks.