Maple News reports that Canadian citizens and permanent residents looking to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner residing in the United States must first meet several eligibility criteria under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) guidelines.
To qualify as a sponsor, you must be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act. Additionally, you must demonstrate the financial ability to support your partner and any dependent children. Certain limitations may apply: individuals with recent bankruptcy, a history of violent crime, or those still bound by previous sponsorship undertakings may be ineligible.
Your partner must also meet IRCC’s requirements. They need to be over 18 years old and pass background, security, and medical checks. If they are currently in the U.S., your application will typically fall under the ‘outland’ spousal sponsorship category. These applications are often processed through a visa office in the U.S., although the specific office can vary depending on each case.
Couples may reside in the U.S. during the application process but must prove their intention to live together in Canada once the permanent residence application is approved. Alternatively, if both partners are already living in Canada, they may pursue the ‘Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada’ route. This pathway allows the foreign national partner to apply for an open work permit while their PR application is being processed.
Applicants must carefully follow IRCC’s official application guide and document checklist, which outlines the required forms and supporting documentation. These requirements frequently change based on the applicant’s status in the U.S. For example, U.S. citizens often face fewer supplemental requirements, but additional documentation may be necessary if foreign-issued documents are involved.
A successful application must prove the genuineness of the relationship. If the application is found to be incomplete or lacking essential information, IRCC will return it, and processing will not begin until a complete submission is received.
Spousal sponsorship applications typically take around 12 months to process. This timeline includes a preliminary review period—usually two to three months—during which IRCC verifies the completeness and eligibility of the application.
For couples with one partner residing in the U.S., planning ahead, understanding the appropriate sponsorship stream, and ensuring all documents are accurate and complete are key steps for a smooth and successful Canadian immigration process.