Sponsorship from Outside Canada

Unfortunately, for many couples, geographic separation during sponsorship processing is a reality. However, the Family Sponsorship Outside Canada program offers a solution for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who wish to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner, regardless of where they live.

The sponsorship process outside Canada

This program enables a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor his or her spouse or common-law partner for permanent residence in Canada, even if he or she currently resides abroad. As part of its commitment to reuniting families quickly, Canada processes the majority of applications within approximately 12 months. Although the program is primarily aimed at people living outside the country, it is also accessible to Canadian residents, enabling them to continue traveling in and out of Canada while the application is being processed.

Eligibility criteria for out-of-country sponsorship

To be eligible to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner, the Canadian sponsor must meet certain conditions:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Not have sponsored a spouse in Canada within the last five years.
• No criminal record for serious offences, bankruptcy or detention.
• Not be subject to a removal order if the sponsor is a permanent resident.

The sponsored person does not need valid temporary status in Canada, but must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Not be a close relative of the respondent.
• Have a valid relationship, either a legally recognized marriage, de facto union or conjugal partnership as recognized by IRCC.

Minimum income required to sponsor a spouse

When sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner outside Canada, the sponsor is not required to meet the minimum necessary income (MNI) requirement, unlike other sponsorship categories such as parents or grandparents. However, if the sponsor is sponsoring other family members, he or she must demonstrate that he or she has sufficient income to support these persons.

Benefits of sponsorship outside Canada

• Travel flexibility: The out-of-country sponsorship process allows the spouse or partner to leave the country and return as a visitor while the application is being processed.

• Faster processing: Compared with domestic sponsorship, the external process is generally faster, with an average processing time of 12 months.

• Right of appeal: If a sponsorship application is refused, a right of appeal is available to contest the decision.

Spousal sponsorship in Quebec

Sponsors living in Quebec must meet additional requirements. They must make a financial commitment to support the spouse or partner they are sponsoring. This financial obligation generally lasts three years in the case of a spousal or common-law sponsorship.

Additional requirements:

• The sponsor must demonstrate the ability to support the sponsored person during the undertaking period.
• The financial commitment varies according to the nature of the relationship.

Frequently asked questions :

Does the sponsor have to prove that he or she has a minimum income to sponsor an out-of-town spouse?

No, the sponsor does not have to meet the minimum income requirement to sponsor his or her spouse or common-law partner outside Canada. This requirement only applies to certain categories of sponsorship, such as parents or grandparents.

Is external sponsorship faster than internal?

Yes, as a general rule, sponsorships outside Canada can be processed more quickly, within 12 months, although this may vary according to specific circumstances.

Can the sponsored spouse come to Canada while the application is in progress?

Yes, the sponsored spouse may come to Canada as a visitor while the sponsorship application is being processed. However, they cannot work without a valid work permit.

This reworded text highlights the main aspects of the sponsorship program outside Canada, while answering common questions that couples in this situation may have.