Maple News reports that Canadians who wish to sponsor a spouse or partner from South Africa for permanent residency (PR) must first ensure both parties are eligible under Canada’s family reunification program. Sponsorship is open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents aged 18 or older who can demonstrate the financial means to support their family and meet other program requirements.
Canadian citizens may sponsor their partner from abroad, while permanent residents must reside in Canada during the process. Sponsors typically don’t need to meet a specific income threshold unless they are also sponsoring a dependent child with a child of their own. Receiving income assistance for reasons other than disability may disqualify an applicant.
Eligibility to sponsor can also be affected by factors such as criminal history, unpaid immigration loans, or sponsorship of a previous spouse within the past three years. Individuals who became permanent residents through spousal sponsorship must wait at least five years before they can sponsor a new spouse.
The sponsored partner must be at least 18 years old and must undergo IRCC-administered medical, background, and security checks. The relationship must be proven genuine to prevent misuse of the immigration system. Marriages conducted virtually are not recognized, and common-law partners must have lived together for at least 12 consecutive months. Conjugal partners, who live outside Canada and cannot legally marry or cohabit due to circumstances beyond their control, may also qualify.
Applicants can pursue sponsorship either through the inland route if both spouses are in Canada, or through the outland route if the foreign partner resides abroad. Inland applicants may also be eligible for an open work permit during processing.
For applicants in South Africa, the documentation requirements are generally consistent with those of other countries, though it’s crucial to follow the latest IRCC instructions as these change regularly. A checklist of required forms and documents, available through the IRCC, should be reviewed carefully before submission.
Once IRCC receives a complete application, the processing window typically takes up to 12 months, although actual timelines may vary. Applicants will be required to provide biometrics and undergo a medical exam within 30 days of request. IRCC may also request an interview or additional documentation.
After approval, the final step is the landing process, which officially grants the sponsored spouse Canadian permanent resident status.
Maple News encourages applicants to double-check the latest government guidance to ensure a smooth and successful sponsorship process.