How to Migrate to Canada by Marriage : Benefits, Documents Required
Moving to a new nation may be both exciting and life-changing. Many immigration hopefuls, however, have difficulty moving their families to their desired immigration destination. Fortunately, the situation differs in Canada.
With its diverse culture, strong economy, and welcoming climate, this land of maple leaves is popular among couples looking to start a new chapter.
Some alternatives allow you to relocate to Canada simultaneously, even if you gain Canadian permanent status at different times.
What are the Spouse Visa Canada Requirements?
- Participants must be at least 18 years old.
- You must either reside in Canada or intend to return once your spouse or partner has become a permanent resident.
- For the next three years, you must be capable and willing to satisfy your spouse’s or partner’s basic financial needs.
- You will not be able to sponsor your partner unless they are part of the family class. To sponsor your spouse, you must be a citizen, a permanent resident, or have a work visa.
- You must have a genuine relationship with your spouse, not one developed only to gain permanent residency. Your relationship must be at least one year old.
Benefits of Marrying a Canadian Citizen
Getting married in Canada provides couples with numerous legal and personal benefits. Some of the key benefits of a Canadian marriage are:
- Marriage is a legally recognized union in Canada, providing legal protection and advantages to married couples.
- Spousal support: In the event of a divorce or separation, married couples are entitled to spousal support, which can help them maintain financial stability.
- Property rights: In Canada, married spouses have property rights that protect their assets throughout separation and divorce.
- Married couples living in Canada are eligible for various tax benefits, such as the marital tax credit and the option to share income. Immigration benefits: If one spouse is not Canadian, the marriage may result in citizenship or permanent residency.
- Emotional support: Marriage offers couples emotional support and stability, leading to improved mental health and well-being. Additionally, marriage is a socially recognized union that fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance.
Documents required for spouse visa Canada
- Document Checklist (IMM 5533):Both sponsors and principal candidates must submit the required documentation.
- Forms for Sponsors and Principal Applicants:The Sponsorship Evaluation and Relationship Questionnaire (IMM 5532) and Use of Representative (IMM 5476) are completed simultaneously.
- Sponsor-specific paperwork:This includes the Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and Undertaking (IMM1344).
- Forms for Principal Applicant:Principal applicants complete forms such as the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008), Supplementary Information Your Travels (IMM 5562), Additional Family Information (IMM 5406), and Schedule A Background/Declaration (IMM 5669).
- Other Essential documents:include identity, status, and job documents; bank statements; proof of financial stability; and proof of relationship.
- Travel and Police Documents:For nations where you lived for more than six months, you must provide copies of your passport ID pages, stamped pages, and police clearance certificate.
- Photographs:The principal candidate must provide two permanent residency application-sized pictures.
- Proof of Relationship Documents:Letters, emails, text messages, social media chats, proof of previous cohabitation, financial support proof, testimonies from family and friends, and images of crucial occasions are all acceptable forms of evidence.
If I marry a Canadian citizen can I live and work there?
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor his or her spouse to become a permanent resident of Canada. A permanent resident of Canada may live, work, or attend school in Canada. All permanent residents of Canada are eligible for free medical treatment.
Can I bring my wife to Canada while on work permit?
You can bring a wife and child with you on a work permit. Alternatively, you can wait until you are ready to apply for PR and include them in your application. An LMIA has nothing to do with immigration to Canada. A work permit is not considered immigration to Canada.
What is the Spouse visa Canada processing time?
Sponsorship applications take about 12 months to handle from start to finish. They are normally handled in about 12 months, but they can take longer depending on the circumstances of your case.
How to Immigrate to Canada as a Couple
1. Canadian Spousal Sponsorship
One of the simplest methods to bring your partner to Canada is through the Canadian Spousal Sponsorship Category (a subset of family-class immigration). This is the ideal choice if you already have a spouse in Canada or are married to a Canadian who can sponsor your application for permanent status.
If you are applying as a pair, the sponsor must get permanent residency in Canada through one of the numerous immigration categories available. Only after achieving permanent residency can the sponsor apply for sponsorship of a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner. Immigrating with your partner as a dependent allows you to apply for permanent residency together.
2. Express Entry
Express Entry is a system that oversees the federal government’s three major immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Workers Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
To apply for Canadian permanent residency as a couple through the Express Entry system, you have two options: the main applicant can include their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner as a dependent, or they can be designated as a secondary applicant.
Couples with dependents can only apply to the Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades Programs, as the Canadian Experience Class does not accept dependents and is better suited to single, young professionals.
3. Provincial Nominee Program
The Provincial Nominee Program is another excellent option for couples looking to move to Canada together. The key is for the partner with the best skill set, education, and so on to apply as the primary immigration candidate.
So, if this is you, the application will name your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner as a dependent. As the primary applicant, you must submit evidence of adequate means to settle in Canada, with the amount calculated by the number of dependents stated.
Alternatively, if both candidates are eligible, you can apply to each immigration program individually and withdraw from one once a successful Invitation to Apply (ITA) is given for another. However, you should be aware that if both applications are successfully processed, the payments will be doubled.
Conclusion
Canadian spousal sponsorship allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their partner to come to Canada and live permanently.
In Canada, we understand how crucial it is for families to be together. As a result, applications for spousal sponsorship are given first consideration.