How to Sponsor Your Spouse from India

Canada is renowned for its welcoming policies towards immigrants, and it has been a popular destination for people across the globe for decades. Among the immigrants, Indians have a significant presence in Canada. According to the 2021 Canadian Population statistics, there are over 1.4 million people of Indian origin living in Canada, making it one of the largest immigrant groups in the country.

Canadians of South Asian descent are one of the largest non-European ethnic groups in Canada. Most people of South Asian origin in Canada identify as East Indian or Pakistani. The most common religions for all Canadians of East Indian origin are either Sikh or Hindu.

Indians began immigrating to Canada in the late 19th century, and the population has grown significantly over the years. According to Forbes, the number of Indian immigrants has tripled since 2013, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down.

If you are an Indian living in Canada, and are married, or in a common-law relationship with someone from India, you may be interested in bringing your spouse to join you. Sponsoring your spouse from India can be complex, but with the right information and guidance, it can be a relatively smooth process.

To ease the process, let’s discuss everything you need to know about sponsoring your spouse from India, including eligibility requirements, the application process, and tips to help you navigate the process successfully. So, whether you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, keep reading to learn more about how to sponsor your spouse from India.

3 Steps to Sponsor Your Spouse from India

If you are planning to sponsor your spouse from India, there are three essential steps you need to follow. You can get started by by checking your eligibility, gathering the necessary documents and finally, applying for the sponsorship. This article will guide you through these steps in detail, including the required documents and the application process timeline for the Spousal Sponsorship through the Family Class visa.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

If you are planning to sponsor your spouse or partner from India, there are certain eligibility requirements that you must meet. Firstly, you must be at least 18 years old and either a Canadian citizen, or a permanent resident living in Canada.

If you are a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you must show that you plan to live in Canada when your sponsored spouse becomes a permanent resident. However, if you are a permanent resident outside of Canada, you cannot sponsor someone.

Additionally, you must be able to prove that you are not receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability. You must also demonstrate that you can provide for your basic needs, your spouse or partner's basic needs, your spouse or partner's dependent child(ren) if applicable, and your dependent child(ren) if you are sponsoring only your dependent child.

It is important to note that there are other requirements that you and your spouse or partner must meet, such as passing medical and criminal checks, providing accurate information, and demonstrating a genuine relationship.

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to become a permanent resident of Canada.

Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Family Class:

Your marriage must be a legally valid civil marriage if you are sponsoring your spouse.
You must have been living with your common-law partner for at least 12 consecutive months in a marriage-like relationship if you are sponsoring your common-law partner.
A conjugal partner is also eligible for sponsorship if they meet specific criteria, including being in a mutually interdependent relationship with the sponsor for at least one year and unable to live with the sponsor due to reasons beyond their control.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

The second step in sponsoring your spouse from India is gathering all the necessary documents. It is crucial to include all the requested forms and documents listed on the checklist, as a missing document may result in the application being returned without processing.

The checklist contains specific items that apply to your situation, and you should only submit relevant documents. It is also important to note that any documents not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified copy of the original document, an English or French translation, and an affidavit from the person who completed the translation.

Additionally, proof of communication documents not already in English or French, such as letters, printed text messages, emails, or social media conversations, must be translated.

To sponsor your spouse from India to Canada, you will need to provide the following specific documents:

Proof of your Canadian citizenship, or permanent residency
Proof of your relationship with your spouse (such as marriage certificate, joint bank account statements, photographs, etc.)
Police certificates and/or clearance certificates from all countries where you or your spouse have lived for more than six months since the age of 18
Medical exams
Proof of financial support and ability to provide basic needs, such as income tax returns, employment letters, bank statements, etc.
Forms and fees, as outlined in the application package.

It is important to note that the specific documents required may vary depending on your circumstances. You should refer to the application package and checklist for detailed instructions.

Step 3: Apply

To apply for spousal sponsorship, you must specify the "Class of Application" on the checklist you will submit. If you are sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner living outside Canada, you must apply under the Family Sponsorship Class.

As of September 23, 2022, the application process is online, but IRCC can make accommodations for those who cannot apply online due to disabilities. The Canadian government aims to decide on spousal sponsorship applications within 12 months; however, the processing time for spouses or common-law partners living outside Canada is currently 16 months.

Find more about IRCC processing times here.

It is important to provide accurate and complete information, including a list of countries where the sponsored person has lived, as this will provide specific instructions for the required documents.

There are various forms that you must be filled out and submit accurately and honestly. These pertain to your particulars, your spouse’s and your relationship. It is vital for a successful application that these documents be filled out correctly.

To have peace of mind and increase your chances of having your spouse join you in Canada, contact a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to assist you.

Your Obligations As a Sponsor

As a sponsor, it is important to understand your obligations before signing the undertaking agreement. By signing the undertaking, you promise to provide financial support for the basic needs of your sponsored spouse or partner and their dependent children. Basic needs include food, clothing, shelter, and other everyday living expenses, as well as health needs not covered by public health services, such as dental and eye care.

Before signing the agreement, it is crucial to ensure that the people you are sponsoring will not need to rely on social assistance from the government. If they do receive social assistance, you will be required to repay the amount they received when you are legally responsible for them. This also means that you cannot sponsor anyone else until you have repaid the amount owed.

It is important to note that the undertaking is a binding promise of support. This means it is your responsibility to support the applicant(s) for the entire undertaking period, even if your situation changes. The undertaking will remain in effect for the length of the undertaking period, even if the person you sponsor becomes a Canadian citizen, you become divorced or separated, or your relationship with the sponsored person breaks down, you or the person you sponsor move to another province or country, or you have financial problems.

It is crucial to take your obligations seriously and ensure that you can provide the necessary support before agreeing to become a sponsor. If you have any doubts or concerns, you should seek professional advice before signing the undertaking agreement.

Benefits of A Spousal Visa

There are several benefits of obtaining a spousal visa for Canada:

Your spouse can work in Canada: With a spousal visa, your spouse can obtain an open work permit, allowing them to work for any Canadian employer without a job offer. This allows them to contribute to household finances and gain Canadian work experience.
Your spouse can study in Canada: A spousal visa also allows your spouse to study in Canada without needing a separate study permit. This provides opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
Family reunification: A spousal visa allows you to be reunited with your spouse, creating a stable family environment and allowing you to build a life together in Canada.

These benefits contribute to family reunification and allow for greater opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Sponsoring Your Dependant Children

Sponsoring dependant children is an important aspect of family reunification in Canada. If you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, you may be eligible to sponsor your dependant children to come and live with you in Canada. Dependant children are typically defined as those who are under the age of 22 and unmarried. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as children with a disability or those who are over the age of 22 but still financially dependent on their parents.

To sponsor your dependant children, you will need to meet certain eligibility requirements and provide proof of your relationship with them. You will also need to show that you can financially support them once they arrive in Canada. This means that you will need to meet certain income requirements and provide financial support for your children for a specified period of time.

How Can We Help You?

Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) can provide invaluable assistance to those seeking to reunite with their spouse through the Canadian immigration process. There are several ways in which RCICs can help.

Firstly, RCICs thoroughly understand Canada's immigration system, policies, and processes. They can help you navigate the complex and confusing application process, ensuring that all necessary forms and documents are completed accurately and submitted on time. This can prevent delays and ensure that your application is processed as quickly as possible.
Secondly, RCICs can provide personalized immigration plans tailored to your circumstances. They can offer alternate perspectives on immigration options and provide guidance on the best course of action based on your unique situation.
Thirdly, RCICs can liaise with government authorities on your behalf, handling all communication and paperwork related to your application. This saves you time and ensures that all aspects of your application comply with immigration-related services, increasing the chances of success.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, hiring an RCIC can provide relief throughout the application process. Reuniting with a spouse can be stressful and emotional, and having someone who understands the process and can provide guidance and support can be invaluable.

FAQs

Is It Possible To Sponsor My Spouse From India if I Am Not a Canadian Citizen?

Yes, you can sponsor your spouse from India to Canada if you are a Canadian citizen, or permanent resident. However, you must meet specific requirements, such as demonstrating the ability to provide financial support and meeting sponsorship obligations.

What Documents Do I Need To Provide To Sponsor My Spouse From India?

To sponsor your spouse from India to Canada, you will need to provide various documents, such as proof of Canadian citizenship, proof of relationship with your spouse, police and clearance certificates, medical exams, and proof of financial support. The specific documents required may vary depending on your circumstances, and you should refer to the application package and checklist for detailed instructions.

Is Canada A Good Place to Live For Indians?

Yes, Canada is a good place to live for Indians. Recent Indian immigrants to Canada have made successful lives for themselves with well-paying jobs and a good quality of life . Canada has become a top choice for immigrants due to its quality of healthcare, stable political system, low crime rate, and unemployment rate. Many cities in Canada offer immigrant-friendly policies and job opportunities for Indians, with Toronto being the most popular choice due to its multicultural environment, job opportunities, and great public transportation.