Question 1

What are the minimum income requirements to sponsor spouse in Canada?

Accepted Answer

There isn't an income requirement to sponsor your spouse or partner or dependent child.  So, when do I need to show proof that I meet the minimum necessary income requirements to sponsor my spouse or partner for a Canadian permanent residence?   You only need to show that you have enough money to meet the income requirements if:  you’re sponsoring a dependent child that has 1 or more dependent children of their own, or  you’re sponsoring a spouse or partner that has a dependent child, and their dependent child has 1 or more children of their own.  Having said that, since you as the sponsor are financially responsible towards your spouse/common-law or conjugal partner, you should always demonstrate that you have the capability to support their basic needs for at least the initial 6 months of them becoming a Canadian permanent resident.

Question 2

What are the basic needs that a sponsor needs to support while submitting a spousal sponsorship application?

Accepted Answer

Basic needs are:  1. food, clothing, shelter, and other needs for everyday living, 2. dental care, eye care and other health needs that aren’t covered by public health services.

Question 3

Can i sponsor my spouse if i was previously married?

Accepted Answer

If you are legally divorced, then you can apply for a spousal sponsorship. However, if you were an applicant for spousal sponsorship in the last 5 years preceding the application, then you are not eligible for a spousal sponsorship.

Question 4

Can my spouse work in Canada while their application is being processed?

Accepted Answer

Canada allows spouses and common-law partners of Canadians or permanent residents to obtain an Open Work Permit while their Inland spousal sponsorship application for permanent residence (PR) is being processed.  In order to be issued an open work permit, you must: 1. Have submitted an application under the Spousal/Common-Law Partner Sponsorship Immigration Program; 2. Reside at the same address as the sponsor (spouse/common-law partner); 3. Have a valid temporary resident status (as a visitor, student, or worker); and  4. Meet all eligibility requirements under spousal or common-law partner sponsorship, your spouse must meet all the eligibility requirements.

Question 5

I got divorced after being sponsored by a spouse, can i sponsor my new spouse?

Accepted Answer

There is a five-year sponsorship restriction for anyone who has been sponsored as a spouse/common-law partner himself or herself. This means that you cannot sponsor a new spouse or common-law partner within the first five years after you become a permanent resident, even if you have left your sponsor and you have now remarried.

Question 6

I married a Canadian citizen, do i automatically become a permanent resident or Citizen of Canada?

Accepted Answer

No. To obtain permanent residence (PR) or Canadian Citizenship you have to go through a formal immigration process and follow the same steps and meet the same eligibility requirement as everyone else.

Question 7

What happens if I do not want to sponsor someone anymore?

Accepted Answer

You may be able to withdraw your application as long as the person you are sponsoring has not received their Permanent Resident status in Canada. You may even be eligible for a refund if IRCC hasn’t actually started processing your application.

Question 8

Can i appeal a refusal of my spousal sponsorship application?

Accepted Answer

Not all spouse visa refusals are eligible for sponsorship appeal. Only spouses or partners who submitted outland sponsorship can be appealed to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). You have 30 days after receiving the refusal letter to appeal to the IAD.

Question 9

Can i leave Canada while my Spousal Sponsorship application is being processed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. You can leave at your own free will. However, in order to return to Canada, you will need to have proper documentation or visa (as applicable).

Question 10

Can i sponsor someone while i am living outside Canada?

Accepted Answer

Only Canadian citizens have the option to apply for Spousal sponsorship while not being in Canada themselves. They, however, need to prove that they will move back to Canada once the sponsorship application has been approved.  Permanent residents of Canada can only be a sponsor while they are living inside Canada.

Canada Immigration - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)