Spousal Sponsorship

Spousal sponsorship is when a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada and their foreign spouse choose to start a life in Canada. The Canadian citizen or permanent resident would sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to come live in Canada with them. The undertaking to sponsor a spouse is three years. There are two ways to sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner. It is also important to note that there is an extra step if the sponsorship process is being done in the province of Quebec.

Out of Canada Sponsorship

Out of Canada sponsorship pertains to a sponsorship for a foreign spouse living outside of Canada. There is a two-part process. The first part of the process is where the sponsor (the person residing in Canada) is approved as a sponsor and the second part of the process is when the foreign spouse is granted their permanent residency. Unless they are from a visa exempt country, they would need a temporary resident visa to enter Canada until a decision is made on their permanent residency status. Unlike the In Canada sponsorship process, if the Out of Canada sponsorship is denied, there is a right to appeal.

In Canada Sponsorship + Open Work Permit

The In Canada Sponsorship process is where the foreign spouse is already in Canada and they sponsor from within Canada. This application goes to a different processing centre and since they are already inside Canada, they are eligible to apply for an open work permit while they wait for the decision on their permanent residency. An open work permit allows the applicant to work for any employer for a set period of time. It is important to note though, that there is no right to appeal if the In Canada sponsorship is denied.