SPOUSAL/PARTNER SPONSORSHIP

01

In Canada Sponsorship Class

The In Canada Sponsorship Class is for spouses or common-law partners who are currently living together in Canada.

The sponsored spouse or common-law partner is already in Canada on a valid temporary resident status, such as a visitor or student visa.

This class allows the sponsored spouse or common-law partner to apply for an open work permit while their application is being processed, allowing them to work and support themselves in Canada. This also means that they can apply for health insurance and other government benefits.

02

Outland Sponsorship Class

Outland Sponsorship Class is for Canadian citizens or permanent residents living outside Canada, while the sponsored spouse or common-law partner resides in their home country. Hence, this class is also for those living in Canada who are willing to leave the country if necessary.

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This class offers potentially shorter processing times because the application is processed by a visa office outside Canada, which may have fewer applications to review compared to In Canada Sponsorship Class applications.

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This class is typically used when the sponsored spouse or common-law partner does not have a valid temporary resident status in Canada. They can continue working in their home country while waiting for their application to be processed.

03

Open Work Permit for your Spouse/Partner

Individuals who are being sponsored by their spouse or common-law partner can obtain a work permit while awaiting their permanent resident status.

The open work permit is not job-specific, meaning that the individual can work for any employer in Canada without having to undergo the process of obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This open work permit allows them to gain valuable work experience in Canada, which can also be beneficial when applying for permanent residency. 

The open work permit is typically issued at the same time as the sponsored person's temporary resident visa. This means that they can enter Canada with their spouse or common-law partner and immediately start working.

04

Express Entry vs Spousal Sponsorship

Express Entry allows skilled workers to immigrate to Canada and offers the opportunity for them to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner to join them in Canada.

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Spousal Sponsorship, on the other hand, is specifically designed for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who want to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner to come and live with them in Canada.

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With Express Entry, the focus is on the individual's skills and abilities. Meanwhile, Spousal Sponsorship focuses on the relationship between the sponsor and their spouse or common-law partner.

05

How long does it take to sponsor your spouse?

The processing time for Spousal Sponsorship applications in Canada can vary depending on the location and type of class application.

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In Canada Sponsorship Class

• Outside Quebec: The average processing time is 10 months

• In Quebec: The process may take longer at approximately 25 months

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Outland Sponsorship Class

• Outside Quebec: The average processing time is 13 months

• In Quebec: The process may take longer at approximately 24 months

06

Can you re-apply for a Spousal/Partner Sponsorship?

Yes, it is possible to reapply for spousal sponsorship after a refusal.

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It is important to understand why your application was refused in the first place by carefully considering the reasons for refusal. 

However, before making a decision to reapply, you may want to consider appealing the refusal instead. It gives you the opportunity to provide additional information or address any concerns raised by the immigration officer.

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Thus, seeking professional assistance from an immigration consultant can greatly improve your chances of a successful reapplication.