Withdraw Spousal Sponsorship Canada Application

Spousal sponsorship is a common method for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to help their foreign spouse or common-law partner obtain permanent residency in Canada. However, circumstances may change, and sponsors might need to withdraw their application before it is finalized. We will outline the steps to withdraw the application and address common concerns in the form of FAQs.

Table of Contents

1. What is Spousal Sponsorship?

2. Reasons for Withdrawal

3. How to Withdraw

4. FAQs

What is Spousal Sponsorship?

Spousal sponsorship is a process through which Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residency in Canada. This allows the foreign spouse or partner to live, work, and study in Canada without restrictions, eventually leading to Canadian citizenship if desired.

Reasons for Withdrawal

There are various reasons why a sponsor might want to withdraw their spousal sponsorship application, including:

1. Change in relationship status (e.g., divorce, separation, or reconciliation with a previously separated spouse)

2. Change in financial circumstances (e.g., loss of employment, making the sponsor unable to meet the financial requirements) 3. The sponsored spouse or common-law partner decides to stay in their home country or move to a different country

3. The sponsored spouse or common-law partner becomes ineligible for sponsorship due to criminal or medical reasons

4. Personal reasons or change of plans

How to Withdraw

If you wish to withdraw your spousal sponsorship application, follow these steps:

1. Determine your application's status: Before attempting to withdraw your application, ensure that it is still in process and has not been finalized. If the application has already been approved and permanent residency granted, you may not be able to withdraw it.

2. Prepare a withdrawal request: Write a letter or email to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requesting the withdrawal of your spousal sponsorship application. Include the following information:

• Your full name, date of birth, and contact information

• Your spouse or common-law partner's full name and date of birth

• The application number or file number (if available)

• A clear statement that you wish to withdraw your spousal sponsorship application

• The reason(s) for the withdrawal

• Your signature and date

1. Submit the withdrawal request: Send your withdrawal request to the appropriate IRCC office handling your application. If you are unsure where to send your request, consult the IRCC website or the correspondence you have received from them.

2. Wait for a response: After submitting your withdrawal request, wait for a response from IRCC. The processing time for withdrawal requests may vary depending on the workload of the office handling your application. You will receive a confirmation once your request has been processed and the application has been officially withdrawn.

3. Keep a record: Make sure to keep a copy of your withdrawal request and any correspondence with IRCC for your records. This may be useful if you need to provide proof of the withdrawal in the future.

Withdraw your sponsorship application

You can submit a request to withdraw your spousal sponsorship application at any point before your spouse or common-law partner's permanent residency is granted. Here are a few examples of the timeline and appropriate actions needed:

Example 1: If your application is still being processed and no decision has been made, you can submit a withdrawal request to the appropriate Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) office. Make sure to provide your full name, date of birth, contact information, your spouse or common-law partner's full name and date of birth, the application or file number, a clear statement indicating your desire to withdraw the application, the reason(s) for withdrawal, and your signature and date.

Example 2: If your spouse has already submitted their application for permanent residency, but it has not yet been approved, you can still withdraw your sponsorship. To do so, follow the same steps as outlined in Example 1 and submit your withdrawal request to the appropriate IRCC office.

Example 3: If your spouse's permanent residency application is nearing completion and approval, but has not yet been granted, you can still submit a withdrawal request. However, it is essential to act quickly in this situation, as once permanent residency is granted, you cannot withdraw the sponsorship.

In all these examples, the key factor is the approval status of your spouse or common-law partner's permanent residency application. As long as permanent residency has not been granted, you have the opportunity to submit a withdrawal request.

When submitting a withdrawal request, be aware that it may take some time for IRCC to process the request and confirm the withdrawal. Processing times can vary depending on the workload of the office handling your application. It is essential to closely monitor the status of your application and act promptly if you decide to withdraw your sponsorship.

Remember that application fees for spousal sponsorship are generally non-refundable, even if you decide to withdraw the application. However, in some cases, IRCC may issue a refund for the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) if it has not yet been processed.

Once you have successfully withdrawn your spousal sponsorship application, it is crucial to consider the potential impact on your spouse's immigration status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I withdraw my spousal sponsorship application if my spouse has already received permanent residency?

A: No, once your spouse has been granted permanent residency, you cannot withdraw the sponsorship application. However, you can request the revocation of their permanent resident status in cases of fraud or misrepresentation.

Q: What happens to the application fees if I withdraw my sponsorship application?

A: Application fees for spousal sponsorship are generally non-refundable, even if you decide to withdraw the application. However, in some cases, IRCC may issue a refund for the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) if it has not yet been processed.

Q: Can I reapply for spousal sponsorship after withdrawing an application?

A: Yes, you can reapply for spousal sponsorship after withdrawing a previous application. However, you will need to submit a new application, along with all the required documentation and fees. Make sure to address any issues or concerns that led to the withdrawal of the initial application before reapplying.

Q: Will withdrawing my spousal sponsorship application affect my spouse's temporary resident status in Canada?

A: Withdrawing a spousal sponsorship application may not affect your spouse's temporary resident status in Canada. It is essential to ensure that your spouse maintains a valid status in Canada if they are already residing in the country.

Q: Can I withdraw my sponsorship application if I suspect my spouse is committing fraud or misrepresentation?

A: Yes, if you suspect that your spouse is committing fraud or misrepresentation in their application, it is crucial to inform IRCC immediately and request the withdrawal of your sponsorship application. If you can provide evidence of fraud or misrepresentation, it may lead to the revocation of your spouse's permanent resident status (if already granted) and possible legal consequences.

Q: What happens if my spouse's application is refused after I withdraw my sponsorship?

A: If you withdraw your sponsorship application and your spouse's application is subsequently refused, your spouse will not be granted permanent residency in Canada. Depending on their current status, they may need to leave the country or apply for a different type of visa or permit to maintain their legal status in Canada.

Have more questions or doubts? Book an appointment to discuss specific situations.