Maple News reports that Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or registered First Nations individuals looking to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner from Lebanon can do so through Canada’s family sponsorship immigration stream—provided they meet certain eligibility criteria.
To qualify as a sponsor, you’re required to be at least 18 years old and commit to financially supporting your partner and any dependents. This includes signing a formal undertaking with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If your sponsored partner uses social assistance during the undertaking period, you may be legally responsible for repaying those costs.
Certain conditions may disqualify a prospective sponsor. These include prior convictions involving violence, failure to repay immigration loans, undischarged bankruptcy, or sponsoring another spouse within the past three years. It’s vital to confirm eligibility prior to starting the process.
The sponsored partner must also meet eligibility requirements. They must be at least 18 and pass background, security, and medical checks. IRCC evaluates the authenticity of the relationship, meaning you must prove the partnership is genuine and not solely for immigration purposes.
Spousal sponsorship applications fall into two categories: outland and inland. If your spouse is currently living in Lebanon, the application is processed as an outland case. While they can visit you in Canada during the process, IRCC requires proof that both of you intend to settle in Canada once permanent residency is granted.
If your spouse is already living with you in Canada, the application is generally processed inland. One added advantage of inland sponsorship is the possibility for your partner to obtain an Open Work Permit, allowing them to work while their application is being processed.
Document requirements can vary depending on your spouse’s location and travel history. For Lebanese citizens, recent IRCC guidance includes listing international travel made over the past 10 years (or since the applicant turned 18), and disclosing any military or high-level government roles held. Additional documents may be needed if you or your partner have spent time living outside Lebanon.
Once you’ve submitted a complete application, IRCC begins the review process. If the application is incomplete, it will be returned. IRCC aims to process most spousal sponsorship applications within 12 months, including upfront checks and document verification.
During processing, your spouse may be asked to provide biometrics, attend a medical exam, or complete a personal interview. These requests typically come with a 30-day response window. You can track your application status online at any time. Once approved, your spouse will need to attend a landing interview with an immigration officer to finalize their status as a Canadian permanent resident.