Outland Spousal and Common-Law Partner Sponsorship

Key Takeaways

• Outland Spousal and Common-Law Partner Sponsorship allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or partner living abroad.
• Eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old, having a genuine relationship, and meeting income and background checks.
• The sponsorship process involves determining eligibility, collecting supporting documents, completing the application, and waiting for a decision.
• The process typically takes 12 months, and factors such as visa office workload and background checks can affect processing time.
• Spouses or partners can apply for an open work permit, re-enter Canada during the process, and must meet eligibility for permanent residence in Canada.

What is Outland Sponsorship?

Outland sponsorship is a specific application process under Canada’s Family Class immigration program. It enables Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residence in Canada, regardless of their current place of residence. This process is utilized when the couple is not living together in Canada or when the sponsored partner is a foreign national residing abroad.

Through Outland sponsorship, individuals can bring their loved ones to Canada, even if they are living outside the country. This stream is particularly beneficial for couples who are separated due to reasons like work or educational commitments.

By sponsoring a spouse or partner under the Outland stream, one can assist them in obtaining permanent residence in Canada, allowing them to live and work in the country together.

Who Can Apply Under Outland Sponsorship?

To be eligible to sponsor a loved one under the Outland application category, both you and your spouse or partner must meet specific requirements, which include age, relationship, and residency criteria.

To qualify, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and your spouse or partner must be a foreign national living abroad. You must also be at least 18 years old, and your relationship must fall into one of the following categories: spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner.

Here are the key eligibility requirements:

• You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• You must be at least 18 years old.
• Your relationship must be genuine and fall into one of the approved categories.
• You mustn’t have sponsored a spouse in Canada in the five years prior to the application.
• You mustn’t be in prison, charged with a serious offense, or bankrupt.

Benefits of Applying Under the Outland Sponsorship Stream

By choosing the Outland sponsorship stream, you can take advantage of several key benefits that can simplify and accelerate the process of bringing your spouse or common-law partner to Canada.

One of the most significant benefits is the ability to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner living abroad, which can be especially helpful if you’re already separated.

You can apply for an open work permit for your sponsored partner while their application is being processed, allowing them to work in Canada during this time.

If your partner has a temporary status document, they can re-enter Canada during the application process, giving you more flexibility and freedom.

By applying under the Outland sponsorship stream, you can also avoid the need for your partner to be physically present in Canada, which can be a significant advantage if they’re currently living abroad.

Outland Spousal Sponsorship Requirements

As you prepare to sponsor your spouse or common-law partner through the Outland sponsorship process, it’s essential to understand the requirements that apply to both you and your partner.

You’ll need to meet specific criteria, including being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, being at least 18 years old, and demonstrating a genuine relationship.

You’ll need to ensure your partner meets the eligibility requirements for permanent residence in Canada.

Requirements for the Canadian Sponsor and Their Spouse

To be eligible, you and your partner must meet specific requirements.

Here are the key requirements:

1. You, as the Canadian sponsor, must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
2. You and your spouse or common-law partner must be at least 18 years of age.
3. Your relationship with your partner must be genuine and fall into one of the approved categories (spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner).
4. You mustn’t have sponsored a spouse in Canada in the five years prior to the application.
5. Neither you nor your partner should be in prison, charged with a serious offense, or bankrupt.

Requirements for the Canadian Sponsor

You, as the Canadian sponsor, must meet specific requirements to be eligible to sponsor your spouse or common-law partner under the Outland sponsorship stream.

As a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you must be at least 18 years old and not have sponsored a spouse in Canada in the five years prior to the application. You mustn’t be in prison, charged with a serious offense, or bankrupt. You’ll also need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support your sponsored spouse or partner.

When applying for family sponsorship in Canada, you’ll need to provide proof of your income, identity, and relationship with your spouse or common-law partner. You’ll also need to sign a sponsorship agreement, undertaking to provide financial support for your sponsored spouse or partner for a period of three years.

The processing time for spousal sponsorship in Canada can vary, but on average, it takes around 12 months. It’s essential to ensure you meet all the requirements and provide accurate documentation to avoid delays or rejection of your spousal application.

Requirements for the Spouse Being Sponsored

Typically, the spouse or common-law partner being sponsored must meet specific eligibility requirements for permanent residence in Canada, including being a foreign national living abroad.

As you prepare your spouse application, ensure your partner meets these essential requirements.

To be eligible, your spouse or common-law partner must:

• Be a foreign national living abroad
• Meet the eligibility requirements for permanent residence in Canada
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Not be inadmissible to Canada
• Not be in a prohibited relationship (e.g., too closely related by blood)

Your spouse or common-law partner must provide required documents, including proof of identity, proof of relationship, and medical certificates.

It’s important to ensure all documents are accurate and complete to avoid delays or rejection of your spouse application.

Outland Sponsorship Process: Step-by-Step

You’re about to embark on the Outland sponsorship process, which involves a series of steps to successfully sponsor your spouse or common-law partner.

The process begins with determining your eligibility and downloading the application package, followed by collecting the necessary documents, completing the sponsorship application, and waiting for the decision.

From there, you’ll guide your partner through the permanent residence application, medical exams, and background checks, ultimately leading to a decision on their permanent resident visa.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility and Download the Application Package

Determine your eligibility to sponsor your spouse or common-law partner under the Outland sponsorship stream by reviewing the requirements and ensuring you meet the necessary criteria. This step is crucial in the application process, as it lays the foundation for a successful sponsorship.

To determine your eligibility, review the requirements outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and ensure you meet the necessary criteria.

Here are the key eligibility requirements to consider:

• You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• You must be at least 18 years of age.
• Your relationship with your spouse or common-law partner must be genuine and meet the eligibility criteria.
• You mustn’t have sponsored a spouse in Canada in the five years prior to the application.
• You mustn’t be in prison, charged with a serious offense, or bankrupt.

Once you have determined your eligibility, download the application package from the IRCC website. This package will provide you with the necessary forms and instructions to complete your application.

Ensure you carefully review the instructions and complete the forms accurately to avoid any delays in the application process.

Step 2: Collect the Supporting Documents

With your eligibility confirmed and application package in hand, you’ll need to gather the necessary supporting documents to substantiate your sponsorship claim.

As part of the Outland spousal and common-law partner sponsorship process, you’ll need to collect documents that prove your relationship, income, and identity. This includes documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, passports, and proof of income.

You’ll also need to provide documents that demonstrate your common-law relationship, such as joint bank statements, utility bills, and photographs. Additionally, you’ll need to provide police certificates and medical exams as part of the application process.

Ensure that all documents are translated into English or French, if necessary, and certified by the appropriate authorities. Remember to make photocopies of all original documents and keep them in a safe place. Having all the necessary documents in order will help streamline the application process and reduce the risk of delays.

Step 3: Complete the Sponsorship Application

Now that you’ve gathered all the necessary documents, it’s time to complete the sponsorship application, which involves filling out the required forms and attaching the supporting documents. This step is crucial in ensuring that your application is complete and accurate, which will help to avoid any delays or rejections.

To complete the sponsorship application, you’ll need to:

• Fill out the required forms, including the sponsorship form and the permanent resident application form
• Attach all supporting documents, including proof of relationship, proof of income, and proof of identity
• Ensure that all forms are signed and dated correctly
• Attach a detailed explanation of your relationship, including how you met, how long you’ve been together, and any challenges you’ve faced
• Keep a copy of your application and supporting documents for your records

Remember to carefully review your application and supporting documents to ensure that everything is complete and accurate. Any mistakes or omissions can lead to delays or rejections, so take your time and double-check everything before submitting your application.

Step 4: Wait for the Sponsorship Application Decision

After submitting your application, it will be reviewed by the visa office to ensure it’s complete and meets the eligibility requirements. If your application is incomplete or missing documents, you’ll be notified and given a deadline to provide the required information.

Once your application is deemed complete, it will be assessed based on the eligibility criteria. This process may take several months, and you can track the status of your application online. It’s essential to regularly check your email and online account for updates on your application.

If additional information is required, you’ll be notified, and it’s crucial to respond promptly to avoid delays. Remember, the processing time may vary depending on the complexity of your application and the workload of the visa office.

Step 5: Complete the Permanent Residence Application

Once your sponsorship application is approved, your spouse or common-law partner must apply for permanent residence, which involves submitting additional documentation and undergoing medical exams and background checks.

This step is important in the Outland sponsorship process, as it ensures that your partner meets the eligibility requirements for permanent residence in Canada.

As the applicant, your partner will need to provide various documents, including:

1. Proof of identity and relationship with you
2. Proof of language proficiency in English or French
3. Police certificates from their home country and any country where they’ve lived for six months or more
4. Medical examination results
5. Proof of funds to support themselves in Canada

It’s essential to ensure that all required documents are submitted, as incomplete applications can lead to delays or even rejection.

Make sure to carefully review the application package and provide all necessary documentation to avoid any issues.

Step 6: Complete the Medical Exams and Background Checks

As part of the permanent residence application process, your spouse or common-law partner must undergo medical exams and background checks to ensure they meet the health and security requirements for entering Canada. This step is crucial in determining your partner’s admissibility to Canada.

During the medical exam, a designated medical practitioner will assess your partner’s overall health, including any pre-existing medical conditions, to ensure they don’t pose a risk to public health or safety. The exam will also identify any potential health issues that could make them inadmissible to Canada.

In addition to the medical exam, your partner will also undergo background checks to verify their identity and ensure they don’t have a criminal record or pose a security risk to Canada. This may involve submitting fingerprints and other biometric data.

It’s essential to comply with these requirements, as any issues detected during this step could impact the outcome of the permanent residence application.

Remember to carefully follow the instructions provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and ensure your partner completes all required medical exams and background checks in a timely manner to avoid delays in the application process.

Step 7: Receive a Decision

After completing the medical exams and background checks, you’ll wait for the decision on your partner’s permanent residence application, which will determine whether they’re approved to immigrate to Canada. This is the final step in the Outland sponsorship process.

Once the decision is made, you’ll receive a notification from the immigration authorities. If approved, your partner will receive a permanent resident visa, and they can enter Canada as a permanent resident.

Here are some important points to keep in mind:

• The processing time for the decision can vary, but it’s usually around 12 months.
• You’ll receive a notification from the immigration authorities once a decision is made.
• If approved, your partner will receive a permanent resident visa.
• You’ll need to ensure your partner has all necessary documents, including a valid passport and proof of identity.
• If your partner is already in Canada, they may need to leave the country to obtain their permanent resident visa.

Outland Sponsorship Application Timeline and Processing Time

As you prepare to submit your Outland sponsorship application, it’s essential to understand the factors that can impact the processing time.

You’ll want to consider the complexity of your application, the workload of the visa office, and the country of origin of your sponsored partner, as these can all influence how long it takes for your application to be processed.

Factors Affecting Processing Time

Typically, the processing time for Outland sponsorship applications can vary significantly, influenced by various factors that can either accelerate or delay the process. As you explore the application process, it’s essential to understand the factors that can impact the timeline.

Here are some key factors that can affect processing time:

1. Complexity of the application: Applications with complex or unusual circumstances, such as previous refusals or multiple dependents, may require more processing time.
2. Visa office workload: The workload of the visa office handling your application can significantly impact processing time. Offices with heavier workloads may take longer to process applications.
3. Country of origin: Applications from countries with higher volumes of applications or more complex processing requirements may take longer to process.
4. Background checks and security screenings: Delays in background checks and security screenings can slow down the application process.
5. Incomplete or inaccurate applications: Applications with missing or inaccurate information can be delayed or even rejected, leading to longer processing times.

Understanding these factors can help you set realistic expectations for the processing time of your Outland sponsorship application.

Open Work Permit for Outland Sponsorship Applicants

As you explore the Outland sponsorship process, you may be eligible to apply for an open work permit, which allows your spouse or common-law partner to work in Canada while their application is being processed.

To qualify, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and your partner must be at least 18 years old.

You’ll need to understand the eligibility criteria and application process for an open work permit to ensure a smooth experience for your loved one.

Eligibility for Open Work Permit

To be eligible for an open work permit, you must meet specific requirements, including being the spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and being at least 18 years of age.

As an Outland sponsorship applicant, you may be eligible for an open work permit, which allows you to work in Canada while your application is being processed.

To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be the spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a valid application for permanent residence under the Outland sponsorship stream
• Not be inadmissible to Canada
• Not be subject to a removal order

Meeting these requirements will allow you to apply for an open work permit, giving you the opportunity to work in Canada while your application is being processed.

Application Process for Open Work Permit

You’ll need to submit an application for an open work permit, which includes completing and signing the required forms, gathering necessary documents, and paying the applicable fees.

As the sponsored person, you’ll need to provide proof of your relationship with your Canadian sponsor, as well as proof of your identity and eligibility to work in Canada. You’ll also need to provide a copy of your passport, a police certificate, and proof of language proficiency in English or French.

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documents, you can submit your application online or by mail. You’ll need to pay the applicable fees, which currently stand at $155 for the open work permit. You may also need to pay additional fees for biometric data collection, which is required for some applicants.

After submitting your application, you’ll need to wait for the decision on your open work permit. If approved, you’ll receive a letter stating that your application has been approved, and you can begin working in Canada while your permanent residence application is being processed.