If you’re in a relationship and want to bring your partner to Canada, there are many ways that this can be done. In fact, if you have a common-law relationship with your spouse or partner, then you can apply for them as an engaged couple! This article will outline all of the options available for bringing your loved one over to Canada as well.
Who Can Sponsor Their Spouse or Partner to Canada
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and want to bring your spouse or partner to Canada, there are two ways to do it: by sponsorship or through a Remaining Outside Canada (ROC) application.
The process can take several months and is complicated, so it’s best if you start early. Sponsorship is the first step to bringing your spouse or partner to Canada. You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and meet certain requirements. See below for more information on sponsorship.
The ROC application is for people who are already in a relationship with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, but don’t live together. If you are currently outside of Canada and want to move here with your partner, apply for an ROC visa (outside Canada) through your nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.
There are many restrictions when it comes to who can sponsor their spouse or partner to Canada. For example, you must live in Canada for at least three years before applying for permanent residence.
If you are already a Canadian citizen and live outside of the country, then there is no requirement for this waiting period.
However, if you are not yet a permanent resident and living abroad with your family members (spouse/partner included), then they must also meet all of these requirements before applying for permanent residence as well as being registered at an embassy or consulate abroad before submitting their application form online through IRCC’s website.
In most cases, the principal applicant (that is, you) must be at least 18 years of age. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
For example, if you are under 18 but have been married or in a common-law relationship with your partner for at least one year, then you can apply as an exception. Also note that if you are applying as an immediate family member of someone who has died in Canada, then you can apply even though you are under 18 years old.
How to Gather Documentation to Prove Your Relationship
The first step is to gather evidence. You’ll need proof of your relationship, proof of your partner’s identity and status, proof that they are tied to their home country and that they intend to stay in Canada.
The following documents can be used as evidence:
- A signed marriage certificate from a government agency (for example, the county clerk) or religious institution;
- Insurance policies that show the insured spouse’s name on them;
- Photographs showing two people together holding hands (or other physical signs such as kissing), taken within the last year;
- Signed affidavits by witnesses who have known each other since childhood/youth/adolescence saying they are now married;
Applying As a Husband, Wife, Common-Law Partner, or Conjugal Partner
If you are applying as a common-law partner, conjugal partner, or spouse of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you will need to submit the following:
- A valid passport from your home country;
- A visa if required; Proof of citizenship (such as an original birth certificate);
- Proof of financial support (such as evidence of employment and income);
- Proof of your relationship with your spouse/partner. You must prove that you have been in a relationship for at least one year and that both parties are over the age of 18.
- Marriage certificate/divorce decree if applicable. If your marriage was dissolved on or after January 1st 1970 but before January 1st 1973 (or if there is no marriage certificate available), then this document should be provided instead . If your marriage was dissolved on or after January 1st 1973, then no proof of marriage is required. You must provide a copy of the divorce decree if applicable. Proof that you have lived together for at least one year in Canada. This can be done by providing: A lease agreement showing both names on it; Mortgage documents showing both names on it; Utility bills in both names from the same address; and/or Tax receipts with both names on them
Even if you haven’t married yet, there are ways to sponsor your partner.
Even if you haven’t married yet, there are ways to sponsor your partner. You can apply to sponsor your partner if you are engaged, but you cannot get married until after the application is approved.
If you’re not married and have been living together for at least one year (the same amount of time as it takes on average between marriage proposals), then applying to sponsor your fiancé or fiancée is a great way to bring them over!
You may also find it helpful if one of your family members has already immigrated back into Canada as part of an existing family sponsorship program.
This will allow them more flexibility in terms of what kind of job they take up here; however, these kinds of applications are often only allowed for certain professions so make sure that whatever career path is being pursued isn’t listed under any prohibited categories before applying!
Applying As an Engaged Couple
If you are applying as an engaged couple, then you must provide proof that the marriage will take place within 90 days of your application. This can be done by providing a copy of your engagement certificate or proof that both your names have been added to a joint bank account.
You must be able to prove the relationship. If you are applying for your fiancé or fiancée, then their parents have already given their consent for them to come with you, and you must include copies of the parental consent forms.
If you are applying for your common-law partner, then you must provide proof that you have been living together for at least one year in Canada. This can be done by providing: A lease agreement showing both names on it; Mortgage documents showing both names on it; Utility bills in both names from the same address; and/or Tax receipts with both names on them
