Spouse Sponsorship

Spouse/partner living together for more than 1 year and dependent children category. This category is the first priority category of immigrants and enjoys the highest priority in the case processing process. The evaluation of applicants in this category is relatively straightforward, with a large degree of consideration given only to verifying the authenticity of the relationship. The background of the immigrant applicant (including his or her family members) is primarily reviewed for criminal records and necessary medical examinations. There are no explicit property or income requirements for the sponsor (the party who has been granted status in Canada). A sponsor can be approved even if he or she does not have a job. However, in some cases, the most basic means of support is a factor in the approval process.

However, in April 2010, the Canadian Immigration Act changed the BAD FAITH regulations, making the processing of cases more stringent. In addition to proving the authenticity of the relationship, the applicant must also prove the reasonableness of the application.