As long as the marital relationship is genuine and not entered into for the purpose of immigration, the sponsor is eligible to sponsor their spouse for immigration regardless of their income, and there are no language, education, or work experience requirements for the applicant.
Requirements for the sponsored person (applicant):
- 18 years of age or older
- Married to the sponsor or in a common-law relationship with the sponsor (gender is not restricted; married couples must provide a marriage certificate, and common-law partners must provide proof of a continuous relationship for at least one year at the time of application)
- No serious criminal records
- No significant health or communicable diseases
Requirements for the sponsor:
- 18 years of age or older
- A Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada (if the sponsor is not a citizen but a permanent resident of Canada, the sponsor must be residing in Canada at the time of application)
- No criminal record, no bankruptcy record, not incarcerated or on probation, no government debts, child support payments, alimony, etc.
- If the sponsor became a Canadian permanent resident through sponsorship by a former spouse, the sponsor must wait five years before sponsoring another spouse.
- If the sponsor was previously sponsored by former spouse for permanent residency, the sponsor must wait three years after their former spouse becomes a permanent resident before sponsoring a new spouse.
- Provide evidence of the ability to provide basic food, shelter, and clothing for the sponsored person during the sponsorship period (at least three years)
- If the sponsor and the sponsored person have dependent children, the sponsor must provide proof of the minimum required household income as mandated by the government.
- Provide proof of the relationship. Married couples must provide a marriage certificate, and common-law partners must provide proof of a continuous relationship for at least one year at the time of application.
Application Process (can be submitted online or by paper, using paper as an example):
- In-Canada sponsorship: Submit to CPC Mississauga, sponsor qualification approved, applicant provides fingerprints and medical examination, open work permit, applicant meets the requirements, virtual landing, become a permanent resident.
- Out-of-Canada sponsorship: Submit to CPC Sydney, sponsor qualification approved, transfer to the corresponding immigration office overseas, fingerprint and medical examination, settlement information, notify to submit passport for visa issuance, enter Canada and become a permanent resident.