What is the Spousal Sponsorship Program?

What Is The Spousal Sponsorship Program?

By: Emily Wilson

The Spousal Sponsorship Program or spouse sponsor program is a specific process that allows the permanent residents of Canada and citizens of Canada to sponsor their foreign partner or common-law partner for permanent residency in Canada and a Spousal Open Work Permit.
Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and be at least 18 years old. Additionally, the relationship must be sincere and ongoing, and you must be able to financially support your partner during their time in Canada.

Potential Sponsors Must Meet the Following Requirements:

  • Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Not being in prison, not being detained on serious charges, and not being insolvent in addition to living at the same refer to as the person being sponsored.

Sponsored Foreign Nationals are Required To:

  • Being a guest, a student, or a worker in Canada with valid temporary resident status at the time of application; and
  • Being at least 18 years old.
  • Sharing a place of residence with their prospective sponsor.
  • In a romantic or common-law relationship with their prospective sponsor; they Moreover, they must not be in prison and be free of serious criminal charges or bankruptcy.
  • Be aware that Outland sponsorship through the spousal sponsorship programme does not accept conjugal in contrast to the Inland sponsorship criteria, relationships are valid for applications; acknowledged.
Spousal Sponsorship Program
The Application Process

The Application Process for the Spousal Sponsorship Program can be Broken Down into Two Main Parts:

  • The sponsorship application.
  • The permanent residence application.
The sponsorship application is completed by the Canadian sponsor and is sent to the Canadian government, while the permanent residence application is completed by the foreign spouse and is to a Canadian consulate in their home country.

Tips for A Successful Application

  • Gather all necessary documents, including proof of your relationship and financial support. Complete the forms correctly and accurately.
  • Provide a detailed and compelling case for why the foreign spouse should be allowed to immigrate to Canada.
  • Navigating the Spousal Sponsorship Program can be a daunting task, and it's important to have professional help when going through the process. An immigration lawyer can help you understand the requirements and ensure that your application is completed correctly.
Benefits of the SOWP
Sponsored foreign nationals no longer have to choose between staying with their loved ones and maintaining their current temporary resident status in Canada with the SOWP. Their spouses or partners will also benefit financially from applying for a Canada work visa or Open Work Permit Visa. Following approval, these SOWPs typically remain in effect for a maximum of two years.

Conclusion
The Spousal Sponsorship Program offers a path for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their foreign spouses or common-law partners for permanent residency in Canada and reunite them as a family, and also to get a Canada work permit visa.