Canada Spouse Visa Consultant in Riyadh
Over the last few years, Canada has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for those who wish to immigrate and start a new life. The most popular route to immigration for married couples is the Spouse Visa, which enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouses or common-law partners for permanent residency. Suppose you are in the process of considering applying for a spouse visa to Canada. In that case, this in-depth guide by ARZ Consultants will guide you through everything you need to know about the process, qualifications, and ways to overcome the complexities of applying.
What is a spouse visa?
A spouse visa is a family sponsorship program for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner to reside in Canada. There are two main steps involved in the sponsorship: the sponsorship application and the permanent residency application. Both the applicant (spouse or partner) and the sponsor (Canadian citizen or permanent resident) have to fulfill the unique eligibility criteria designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Types of Spouse Visa
There are mostly two categories of Spouse visas in Canada's immigration regulations:
1. Inland Spouse Sponsorship:
• This visa is for those who are already present in Canada, either on a temporary visa (e.g., a work or study visa) or on visitor status.
• The applicant and their spouse or partner may apply for permanent residence while cohabiting in Canada.
• This visa also permits applicants to work in Canada while waiting for the outcome of their application.
2. Outland Spouse Sponsorship:
• This visa is for applicants who reside outside Canada but are married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Outland sponsorship applications are usually longer than inland sponsorship applications, yet the applicant may still come to Canada during the waiting period.
• The choice is frequently desirable if the applicant is staying in their native country or any other country except Canada.
Eligibility Requirements for Spouse Visa
To become eligible for a spouse visa to Canada, both the sponsor and the beneficiary should satisfy some conditions:
For Sponsor (Canadian citizen or Permanent resident):
1. Minimum Age Requirement: The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
2. Residence Status: The sponsor needs to be either a Canadian citizen or a Canadian permanent resident.
3. Financial Requirement: In a few instances, the sponsor has to provide evidence of having an adequate income to maintain the spouse or partner once they are in Canada, though there is no minimum income threshold for a sponsorship of a spouse or common-law partner.
4. No Criminal Record: The sponsor cannot have any criminal records that will disqualify them from sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner.
5. Not Receiving Social Assistance: The sponsor should not be receiving social assistance, other than disability benefits.
For the Applicant (Spouse or Common-Law Partner):
1. Relationship Proof: The couple needs to establish that their relationship is authentic and not for the purposes of immigration only. This can be established by evidence such as photographs, communication records, joint bank accounts, or proof of cohabitation.
2. Medical and Criminal Screening: The candidate should have a medical checkup and provide a police clearance certificate to establish that they have no criminal record.
3. Age Requirement: The candidate should be above 18 years of age.
4. No Immigration Offenses: If the candidate has in the past committed immigration offenses (e.g., overstaying a visa), this may impact their eligibility.
The Application Process
The application process for a spouse visa to Canada entails a few crucial steps. Here is a general overview:
1. Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Both the applicant and the sponsor need to verify that they qualify for the requirements before proceeding with the application process. If either of them does not qualify, the application can be rejected.
2. Step 2: Gather Required Documents
The second step is to collect all the documents required to accompany the application. These are:
- Documentation of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence of the sponsor
- Documentation of the relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, photos, joint financial records)
- Police clearance certificate from the country of residence of the applicant
- Medical examination report of the applicant
- Identification documents like passports
- Proof of financial stability (if necessary)
3. Step 3: Submit the Application
When documents are all collected, the sponsor will then send the application to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for processing. Both the sponsorship application and the permanent residency application for the spouse will be included in the application package.
4. Step 4: Wait for Processing
The processing times for spouse visas can vary depending on whether it is an inland or overseas application. Inland applications typically take around 12 months, while outland applications may take longer, ranging from 12 to 24 months. It’s important to note that processing times are subject to change and can be affected by various factors.
5. Step 5: Interview and Further Requests
Sometimes the couple will have to go for an interview with an immigration officer. If the officer feels that there is not enough evidence of the authenticity of the relationship, they might request more documentation.
6. Step 6: Decision
Upon processing of the application, the applicant will be given a decision by IRCC. If the applicant is approved, he or she will be granted a permanent resident visa, which enables him or her to come to Canada. Depending on some instances, the applicant might be required to submit more information or evidence prior to the final decision.
7. Step 7: Arrival in Canada
After approval, the applicant can travel to Canada and upon arrival, is given a Permanent Resident (PR) Card. The applicant is then free to live, work, and study in Canada with no restrictions.
Processing Times and Fees
The processing time for an application for a spouse visa can differ depending on a variety of reasons, such as the country of origin of the applicant, the completeness of the application, and the visa office that is handling the application. Typically, applications inland take approximately 12 months, whereas outland applications may take between 12 to 24 months.
Regarding the fees, the price of a spouse visa to Canada covers both the sponsorship fee and the permanent residency application fee. The fees are different, but on average, they consist of:
- Sponsorship fee
- Application processing fee
- Right of Permanent Residence fee
You should confirm the current fees on the IRCC website for accurate calculations.
Tips for a Successful Application
Be Honest and Transparent: Always provide truthful information in your application. Providing false information can lead to a refusal and a ban from applying for Canadian immigration in the future.
• Demonstrate a Genuine Relationship: Include as much evidence as possible to show that your relationship is real and not based solely on immigration motives. IRCC has strict criteria for determining whether a relationship is genuine.
• Track Deadlines: Submit all documents timely, as there is a longer processing time involved if they get delayed.
• Consult with Experts: Applying for a spouse visa can be complicated, and it's best to consult professional services from immigration consultant. ARZ Consultants can guide you through the whole process, ranging from document collection to application filing, to keep things hassle-free.
Why ARZ Consultants?
At ARZ Consultants, we specialize in Canadian immigration services, such as spouse visa applications. Our consultants have experience with Canadian immigration policies and procedures, and are committed to offering tailored, expert advice at every stage of the application process. We can help ensure that your application is properly submitted, reducing the risk of delay or refusal.
If you're planning to apply for a spouse visa to Canada, get in touch with ARZ Consultants today. We're here to assist you in reuniting with your loved ones and beginning a new life in Canada.
