Q. How can I sponsor my spouse to Canada? I am a Canadian citizen and I want to bring my American wife to live with me to Canada. We just got married in the US and I wish her to immigrate to Canada.
A. We get lots and lots of questions about sponsoring your spouse to Canada. In fact, spousal sponsorship cases is one of the main applications we handle at our office. People from all over the world wish to be reunited with their spouse, common law partner or family member in Canada. But the spousal sponsorship process is full of complications. Not only are there many confusing forms to fill out but knowing what supporting documents are needed plus where to file the application is essential.
Spousal sponsorships, like all immigration applications, require careful planning before you submit your application.
If you rush into it, you will likely experience longer than normal delays and even a refusal. Therefore, before you make a move the number one piece of advice is give is to educate yourself as much as you can about the process and then get professional help with your sponsorship application. Why? Because at the end of the day, you are making one of the biggest decisions of your life: moving a loved one to a new country.
However well informed you may be, it is just common sense to hire a professional to handle your case. This does not mean that you should take a passive approach of course. I find that at my office, the most successful cases involve a close collaboration between lawyer and client where we work together towards a common goal. After all, you know most about your personal circumstances better than anyone.
Where can I find help for my sponsorship application?
As I mentioned in previous blogs about sponsorship help , you should educate yourself online, get referals for good lawyers, check online reviews, make sure the lawyer you hire is licensed and keep yourself informed every step of the way. Ask the right questions of how much will it cost, how long will it take and what are the risks involved. Again, by preparing yourself in advance you will maximize your chances of getting approved and being reunited with your spouse.
Need more information about the sponsorship process?
Go to our sponsorship page and video for detailed updates on the sponsorship process.
President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
