Maple News reports that Canadian citizens don’t always need to be in Canada to begin the process of sponsoring their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residence. While it’s typically expected that sponsors reside in the country, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allows Canadian citizens to submit sponsorship applications from abroad—so long as they can prove genuine plans to return to Canada once their partner becomes a permanent resident.
Demonstrating future intent to return can vary based on individual circumstances. Applicants may present documentation such as job offers, proof of property purchases, school or daycare enrollment plans, and real estate correspondence to show their commitment to resettling in Canada. The decision ultimately lies with the visa officer reviewing the application.
It’s important to note that only Canadian citizens are permitted to sponsor their spouse from outside Canada. Permanent residents must be physically present in the country to initiate a spousal sponsorship, as their sponsorship rights are bound to residency in Canada.
Spouses and common-law partners may apply through either the Outland or Inland Sponsorship streams. Canadians living overseas are only eligible to apply via the Outland route. Once both partners are inside Canada, they can opt for Inland Sponsorship—which offers the added advantage of an open work permit for the spouse, allowing them to work while awaiting application results. To qualify for this permit, the sponsored partner must maintain valid temporary resident status in Canada.
During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Canada has prioritized family reunification. Immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents are currently exempt from travel restrictions, provided they quarantine for at least 15 days upon arrival. Depending on the foreign partner’s country of origin, they may require either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada.
IRCC continues to process spousal sponsorship applications, with a stated goal of handling approximately 49,000 such cases in 2020. Moving forward, Canada’s multi-year immigration plan calls for around 80,000 spouses, partners, and dependent children to be sponsored annually. IRCC aims to finalize new spousal sponsorship applications within a standard 12-month processing timeline.
Maple News continues to monitor updates in Canada’s family sponsorship and immigration policy to help global Canadians and their families stay informed.