Canada is a country that welcomes immigrants from all over the world, and the Canadian government provides various pathways for family sponsorship. If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with a spouse living in China, you may be interested in bringing your spouse to live with you in Canada. This blog will provide a comprehensive guide to help you bring your spouse from China to Canada.
Understanding the Sponsorship Process
The first step in bringing your spouse to Canada is to understand the sponsorship process. In Canada, a spouse is defined as a legally married partner or a common-law partner. A common-law partner is someone who has been living with you in a conjugal relationship for at least one year. You must be at least 18 years of age to sponsor your spouse and must be able to provide financial support to your spouse for a period of three years.
To sponsor your spouse, you must first submit an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The application will include forms and supporting documents to prove your relationship and eligibility to sponsor. The processing time for spousal sponsorship applications can vary, but it usually takes around 12 months.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsorship
To sponsor your spouse, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements include:
- You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be able to prove that you are not receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability.
- You must be able to provide financial support to your spouse for three years after they become a permanent resident.
- You must not be in prison, bankrupt, or under a removal order.
- You must not have sponsored a previous spouse to Canada within the past five years.
- You must not have been convicted of a sexual offence or an offence that resulted in bodily harm to a relative.
If you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you can proceed with the sponsorship process.
Gathering Required Documents
Once you have determined that you and your spouse are eligible for spousal sponsorship, the next step is to gather the required documents. You will need to provide documents to prove that you and your spouse meet the eligibility requirements. Here are the documents you will need to gather:
For the sponsor:
- Copy of Canadian citizenship or permanent resident card
- Proof of income such as tax returns or employment documents
- Proof of relationship such as marriage certificate or proof of common-law partnership
- Police certificate to prove that you have no criminal record
- Medical examination to prove that you are healthy
For the sponsored spouse:
- Copy of passport
- Police certificate to prove that you have no criminal record
- Medical examination to prove that you are healthy
- Proof of relationship such as marriage certificate or proof of common-law partnership
Completing the Application
Once you have gathered all of the required documents, you can begin filling out the application. The application includes various forms that you must complete, including:
- Sponsorship Application
- Immigration Application
- Schedule A – Background/Declaration
- Additional Family Information Form
- Relationship Questionnaire
- Use of a Representative Form (if applicable)
It is essential to complete all forms accurately and provide all required information. If any information is missing or inaccurate, your application may be delayed or rejected.
Paying Fees
There are various fees associated with spousal sponsorship applications. The fees include:
- Sponsorship fee: CAD $75
- Immigration fee: CAD $475
- Right of Permanent Residence fee: CAD $500
These fees are subject to change, so it is essential to check the IRCC website for the most up-to-date information.
Submitting the Application
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, it is time to submit the application. You can submit the application online or in person at a visa application centre (VAC) in China. The application includes several forms that you need to fill out, including the sponsorship application, the permanent residence application for your spouse, and a family information form. You will need to pay the application fees at the time of submission.
Attend an Interview
If the Canadian government requires further information, you and your spouse may be invited to attend an interview. The interview may be conducted in person or over the phone, and it is an opportunity for the Canadian government to ask you and your spouse questions about your relationship and your plans for living in Canada.
Wait for Processing
After you submit the application, you will need to wait for the processing time. The processing time varies depending on the case, but it can take several months. During this time, the Canadian government will review your application and verify the information you provided. If there are any issues or concerns, they may contact you or your spouse for further information.
Final Steps and Arrival in Canada
If your applications are approved, your spouse will receive a visa to travel to Canada. Once they arrive in Canada, they will need to obtain their permanent resident card. It is important to note that your spouse will need to meet certain residency requirements to maintain their permanent resident status.
Additional Considerations
Bringing your spouse to Canada from China can be a complex process, and there are some additional considerations you should keep in mind.
- Language Barriers: If your spouse does not speak English or French, they may have difficulty adjusting to life in Canada. Consider enrolling them in language classes to help them integrate into Canadian society.
- Cultural Differences: Canada and China have different cultural norms and practices. Your spouse may need time to adjust to Canadian customs and practices.
- Support System: Moving to a new country can be challenging. Ensure that your spouse has a support system in place to help them adjust to their new life in Canada.
Conclusion
Bringing your spouse to Canada from China can be a lengthy and complicated process, but it is worth the effort to reunite with your loved one in Canada. It is important to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements, gather the necessary documents, and complete the application process in a timely and accurate manner. Additionally, it is important to consider the additional challenges of cultural differences and language barriers, and to provide support to your spouse as they adjust to their new life in Canada.
If you’re ready to start the immigration process to bring your spouse to Canada, the immigration lawyers at Titan Law can guide you through the process and provide you with personalized advice and support. Book a free consultation with a Titan Law lawyer today! Don’t wait any longer to be reunited with your spouse in Canada!
To sponsor your spouse, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years of age, not receiving social assistance (with the exception of disability), and able to demonstrate that you can support your spouse financially.
You will need to provide proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence, a marriage certificate, evidence that your relationship is genuine and not solely for immigration purposes, and proof of financial support. Additional documents may be required depending on your specific situation.
The processing time for these applications can vary, but it typically takes between 12 and 18 months.
If you have questions about the immigration process, it is recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer who can provide personalized advice and guidance. You can book a free consultation with Titan Law Lawyers to start the immigration process.
If the Canadian government requires further information, you and your spouse may be invited to attend an interview. The interview may be conducted in person or over the phone.
