Maple News reports that Canadian citizens and permanent residents wishing to reunite with their loved ones from Nigeria through family sponsorship must follow a series of eligibility and documentation steps. Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to sponsor your spouse or common-law partner from Nigeria.
To begin, the sponsor must be over 18 years old and either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident. Canadian citizens can sponsor from abroad, including while living in Nigeria, provided they plan to return to Canada with their partner once the application is approved. Permanent residents, however, must reside in Canada to sponsor a spouse.
The sponsor must also demonstrate the financial ability to support their spouse and any dependent children. While there’s typically no minimum income requirement to sponsor a spouse, exceptions apply—particularly if the sponsored partner has a dependent child of their own. Individuals receiving disability-related social assistance are still eligible, but other forms of social aid like employment insurance are not considered valid income sources for sponsorship.
Sponsorship eligibility can be revoked under certain conditions. These include unresolved bankruptcy, unpaid immigration loans, or recent previous spousal sponsorship within three years. Additionally, newly landed permanent residents who themselves were sponsored by a spouse cannot sponsor a new partner until five years have passed.
Once sponsor eligibility is confirmed, the sponsored individual must meet admissibility requirements. Spouses must be 18 or older and pass detailed background checks, security screenings, and a medical exam conducted by designated panel physicians. Prior criminal issues might bar entry, though avenues exist to overcome inadmissibility in some cases.
The genuineness of the relationship is also evaluated. Immigration officers assess whether the marriage or partnership is legitimate and not solely intended for immigration benefits. Providing thorough documentation, such as photos, communication records, or joint financial information, can support your case.
When it comes to the application route, couples may be classified as ‘outland’ or ‘inland’ applicants. Nigerian partners residing outside of Canada (as is common) will generally apply through the outland stream. This offers the benefit of being able to appeal a refusal but typically requires waiting outside Canada through processing. Partners living together in Canada may apply under the inland stream, which could make them eligible for an Open Work Permit.
Specific documentation is required for Nigerian applicants. This includes a completed travel history (IMM 5562) covering the past 10 years and a military service form (IMM 5546) for any applicant with past military, police, or defense service. Supporting identification, such as military booklets (including blank pages), may also be required. The IRCC has particular conditions for Nigerian birth certificates: if not issued at birth, a supplementary judgment must be submitted alongside school records, official documents listing parents, and household registries.
It’s crucial to stay updated on government requirements as forms and processes frequently change. The IRCC regularly updates its country-specific documentation checklists and application guides. Consulting these resources before submission ensures a smoother and more compliant application process. For individuals looking to begin the process, preparing now and ensuring proper documentation can be key to a successful family reunification through the Canadian immigration system.