Understanding the Eligibility Requirements for Spousal Sponsorship: A Guide with the Help of a Spousal Sponsorship Lawyer
Spousal sponsorship is an immigration program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residency in Canada. However, to sponsor someone, the sponsor must meet certain eligibility requirements. In this article, we will help you understand the eligibility requirements for spousal sponsorship and explain how a spousal sponsorship lawyer can assist you with the process.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors
To be eligible to sponsor your spouse or common-law partner, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Prove that you are not receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability
- Prove that you can provide basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing, for yourself and the person you are sponsoring
- Sign an undertaking with the Canadian government, agreeing to provide financial support for the person you are sponsoring for a specific period of time
In addition, you cannot sponsor someone if you:
- Previously sponsored someone and did not pay back any social assistance that they received while the undertaking was in place
- Are in default on an immigration loan or a performance bond
- Did not pay court-ordered alimony or child support
- Have declared bankruptcy which has not been discharged
- Were convicted of an offence of a sexual nature, a violent crime, an offence against a relative that caused bodily harm or threatened or attempted to commit any of the above offences
- Are under a removal order
- Are in a penitentiary, jail, reformatory or prison
Eligibility Requirements for Spouses or Common-Law Partners
To be eligible to be sponsored, your spouse or common-law partner must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Not be closely related to you (e.g., a sibling, parent, or child)
- Be admissible to Canada (e.g., not have a criminal record or a serious medical condition)
- Not have been sponsored as a spouse or common-law partner within the last five years
- Not be under a removal order or detained in a prison, jail, or reformatory
How a Spousal Sponsorship Lawyer Can Help
Navigating the spousal sponsorship process can be complex and time-consuming, especially if you encounter any issues with your eligibility or the eligibility of your spouse or partner. That’s why it’s important to work with a spousal sponsorship lawyer who can help you understand the eligibility requirements, ensure that you meet the requirements, and guide you through the application process.
A spousal sponsorship lawyer can also help you determine if you are eligible to sponsor someone if you have previously sponsored someone and did not pay back any social assistance that they received while the undertaking was in place or if you have been convicted of certain offences.
Additionally, if you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility or the eligibility of your spouse or partner, a spousal sponsorship lawyer can provide you with valuable advice and representation throughout the spousal sponsorship process.
Conclusion
Sponsoring your spouse or common-law partner for permanent residency in Canada can be a rewarding process, but it’s important to understand the eligibility requirements before you begin the application process. With the help of a spousal sponsorship lawyer, you can ensure that you meet the requirements and increase your chances of a successful application. Contact a spousal sponsorship lawyer today to learn more about the eligibility requirements for spousal sponsorship and how they can help you.