Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations for people around the world, offering a high standard of living, beautiful landscapes, and a diverse, welcoming culture. If you’re considering immigrating to Canada and you have a Canadian spouse or partner, you may be able to apply for permanent residency through marriage.Marrying a Canadian is one of the easiest ways to move to Canada. This is true because obtaining a visa to enter Canada through another route will require several years of relevant professional experience.
Even though your employment history, academic achievements, and many other aspects may need to be compared, being married to a Canadian woman will make it possible for you to immigrate to Canada without any issues.
To obtain citizenship and residence in Canada, the non-Canadian party must submit an application for permanent residency as the spouse of a Canadian and with the assistance of the Canadian party. The Canadian authorities will evaluate this application in six to twelve months.
The union must be voluntary and without any ulterior motives or purpose of obtaining citizenship, the sincerity and credibility of the union will be confirmed by Canada’s Ministry of Immigration.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of immigrating to Canada by marrying a Canadian citizen. While marriage to a Canadian citizen can offer a path to permanent residency, it’s important to understand the requirements and steps involved to ensure a smooth process.
Understanding Spousal Sponsorship
The most common route for immigrants who are married to Canadian citizens is the Spousal Sponsorship Program. This program allows a Canadian citizen (or permanent resident) to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residence in Canada.
This process is overseen by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and the goal is to reunite couples and families while ensuring that the marriage is genuine and not solely for the purpose of immigration.
Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, both the sponsor (the Canadian citizen) and the applicant (the spouse or partner seeking to immigrate) must meet certain eligibility criteria:
For the Sponsor:
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must prove they can support their spouse financially. While there is no minimum income requirement for a spouse or common-law partner, the sponsor must be able to demonstrate that they can meet basic living expenses without relying on social assistance.
- Must not be receiving social assistance (unless it’s for a disability).
- Must not be in default of a previous sponsorship agreement (if applicable).
For the Applicant (Spouse):
- Must be legally married to the sponsor or in a common-law relationship (living together in a committed relationship for at least 12 consecutive months).
- Must be admissible to Canada. This includes passing criminal background checks and medical exams.
The Sponsorship Process
There are two main steps involved in the sponsorship process: the application for sponsorship and the permanent residence application.
Step 1: The Sponsorship Application
The first step is for the Canadian citizen to submit a sponsorship application to IRCC. This includes providing information about both the sponsor and the spouse, as well as supporting documents that prove the authenticity of the relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, proof of communication, joint financial documents, etc.).
Step 2: The Permanent Residence Application
After the sponsorship application is approved, the spouse must then apply for permanent residence. This involves providing more detailed documentation, such as police certificates, medical exams, and evidence of the relationship’s genuineness. The spouse must demonstrate that their relationship is legitimate and not one entered into solely for immigration purposes.
Processing Times and Costs
Processing times can vary depending on where the applicant is located and whether the application is being processed within Canada or through a visa office abroad. Typically, spousal sponsorship applications can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months.
The cost of applying for spousal sponsorship includes application fees, bio metric fees, and the right of permanent residence fee. As of 2024, the total cost for the applicant and sponsor is approximately CAD $1,050 (this may vary depending on specific circumstances).
Proving the Genuineness of the Relationship
One of the most important aspects of the spousal sponsorship process is proving that the marriage or relationship is genuine. IRCC may ask for documents such as:
- Photos of you and your spouse together (during vacations, family events, etc.)
- Joint financial documents (bank accounts, insurance, bills, etc.)
- Affidavits from friends and family who can attest to your relationship.
- Correspondence (letters, emails, text messages, etc.) between you and your spouse.
Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your relationship and how you met. It’s crucial to be honest and transparent during this process.
Conditional Permanent Residency
In some cases, if your marriage is less than two years old at the time of your application, you may be granted conditional permanent residency. This means you must live together with your spouse for a specified period (usually two years) in Canada, or else your permanent residency status may be revoked. However, if the relationship breaks down due to abuse or other legitimate reasons, you may still retain your permanent residency status.
What Happens After Approval?
Once your application is approved, you will receive your Permanent Resident (PR) status. This allows you to live, work, and study in Canada indefinitely. After living in Canada as a permanent resident for a certain number of years (usually three out of five), you may be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
- Be thorough and honest: Provide accurate and complete information in all parts of the application. Inaccuracies or omissions can delay your process or even result in a denial.
- Keep good records: Maintain copies of all correspondence and documents related to your relationship and your application.
- Seek professional help if needed: Immigration processes can be complicated. If you’re unsure about any part of the application, consider consulting an immigration lawyer or consultant.
You can find Canadian residents who are prepared for marriage via:
- online community groupings
- dating apps
- dating sites
- as well as other social media channels
Conclusion
Marrying a Canadian citizen can be a pathway to immigrating to Canada, but it requires careful attention to detail and adherence to the rules set by IRCC. The spousal sponsorship process is designed to help reunite families while ensuring that relationships are legitimate. By following the steps outlined above and providing the necessary documentation, you can increase your chances of a successful application.
If you’re considering applying for permanent residency through marriage, make sure to do your research and ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements. With patience and preparation, you’ll be one step closer to starting your new life in Canada.
