Canada, known for its breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality, also attracts many individuals looking for love and partnership. Marrying a Canadian citizen or permanent resident offers not only emotional fulfillment but also practical benefits, including eligibility for a marriage visa.
If you are a foreigner who has found love in Canada, the Spousal Sponsorship Program allows you to become a permanent resident, enabling you to live and work in Canada alongside your partner.
While this process comes with clear benefits, it also involves specific eligibility criteria and a series of steps that cannot be overlooked. This guide covers everything you need to know about Canada marriage visas, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, and associated costs.
Canada Marriage Visas
As an immigrant planning to relocate to Canada, you typically need a visa that reflects your purpose of travel whether it’s for work, study, or tourism. These visas, however, are temporary and expire after a set duration.
A marriage visa, on the other hand, offers permanent residency and the freedom to live and travel in Canada without restrictions. To qualify, you must marry a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, as this relationship forms the foundation of your sponsorship application.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsorship
Obtaining a Canada marriage visa requires meeting eligibility criteria for both the sponsor and the sponsored individual. These criteria are in place to ensure that the program is not misused and that relationships are genuine.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors
To sponsor a spouse or partner, the sponsor must meet the following requirements:
1. Citizenship Status in Canada:
- As a sponsor, you need to be a certified citizen or a permanent residence (green card holder) before you can sponsor a marriage visa
- If living abroad, the sponsor must demonstrate plans to return to Canada and live with the sponsored partner after visa approval.
2. Age Limit And Restrictions:
- A Canadian citizen or a permanent residence below the age of 18 years can’t sponsor a marriage visa.
3. Sponsor Financial Stability:
- Sponsors must prove they can provide basic needs (housing, food, and healthcare) for the sponsored individual for a minimum of three years. Unable to demonstrate the financial capability to cater for the above need will render a sponsor ineligible.
4. Good Standing:
- The sponsor must not have defaulted on previous sponsorships.
- They must not have criminal convictions, including those related to violence, crimes against family members, or fraud.
Please note that if you are planning on sponsoring your spouse or partner marriage visas, you need to meet up with the above stated criteria as failure to meet these criteria may result in the sponsorship application being denied.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsored Partners
For the sponsored individual to qualify for the visa, they must:
1. Prove a Genuine Relationship:
Evidence such as photos, shared finances, or correspondence must demonstrate that the relationship is not solely for immigration purposes.
2. Age Requirement:
- The sponsored partner must be at least 18 years old.
3. Medical Examinations:
- The sponsored individual must undergo medical examinations to confirm they are in good health.
4. No Criminal Records:
- The sponsored partner must have a clean criminal record, free from convictions or involvement in illegal activities.
Types of Relationships Eligible for Canada Marriage Visa Sponsorship
In Canada, there are three types relationship recognised to be qualified for spousal sponsorship, they include :
1. Spouse:
A legally married partner whose marriage meets the legal requirements of the country where it was performed and is recognized under Canadian law.
2. Common-Law Partner:
A partner you are not legally married to but have lived with in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 consecutive months. Evidence such as joint leases, bank accounts, or utility bills is required.
3. Conjugal Partner:
A partner in a committed relationship for at least one year, where marriage or cohabitation has been prevented due to exceptional circumstances, such as immigration barriers or cultural restrictions.
What Is The Costs Of Canada Marriage Visa Application
The following are the estimated costs associated with a spousal sponsorship application:
- Sponsorship Fee: A sponsorship fee costs an estimated sum of CAD $75
- Principal Applicant Processing Fee: A Principal applicant processing fee costs an estimated sum of CAD $475
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: A right of permanent residence Fee costs an estimated sum of CAD $515
- Additional Fees: Biometrics, medical exams, and police certificates may incur extra charges.
How To Apply For Canada Marriage Visa
The process for obtaining a marriage visa involves several steps:
- Determine Eligibility: To avoid your marriage visa requests being rejected, you need to ensure that you as a sponsor and also your prospective partner meet up with the eligibility criteria.
- Complete the Application: Prepare all necessary forms, documents, and supporting evidence to prove the legitimacy of the relationship.
- Submit the Application: Marriage visa applications are actually classified into two, Inland Sponsorship which is applicable if both partners preside in Canada, and Outland Sponsorship which is applicable for a prospective sponsored partner that resides outside Canada.
- Medical and Security Checks: Before the process can be stamped ongoing, The sponsored individual will have to undergo medical exams and provide police clearance certificates. This will be used to determine if the sponsored individual has any health challenges.
- Await Processing: The processing time largely depends on the strength and authenticity of the evidence provided to demonstrate that the marriage is based on genuine love and not for ulterior motives. Applicants should be prepared for potential delays, as processing times can vary.
Key Difference Between Inland And Outland Sponsorship
- For Inland Sponsorship, Both partners must reside in Canada while for Outland the sponsored individual resides outside Canada
- For Inland , The sponsored individual can apply for an open work permit while the application is processed. While for Outland the sponsored individual resides outside Canada.
Conclusion
While the Canada marriage visa process can seem complex, it is a rewarding pathway to permanent residency and a life with your loved one. By meeting eligibility requirements, submitting thorough documentation, and following the outlined procedures, you can successfully navigate the application process. For additional assistance, contact the Canadian immigration authorities or consult a licensed immigration consultant.