What to Include in a Spousal Sponsorship Supporting Letter

A spousal sponsorship application in Canada can be challenging, as you can never guarantee its success. Its fate will depend on the immigrant officers from the Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). As such, the documents that the applicant and their spouse submit should provide firm proof of the genuineness of their relationship.

Apart from the primary requirements, some applicants also submit supporting letters to further validate their relationship with their spouse. Although not mandatory, these documents provide support and may help advance their application.

If you are applying for spousal sponsorship, immigration consultants may suggest that you write a supporting letter. However, they may not provide you with the proper way of writing it. To help you out, here are some things that you may include in your supporting letter to help convince the immigration officers:

1. Detailed information about your relationship with your spouse

Your supporting letter should mainly discuss your relationship with your spouse. Start by providing an overview of your relationship, including how you met and how things progressed over time, as this will be the basis of whether the relationship is genuine or not. It is crucial that you provide detailed information, especially for the dates and years, to create strong arguments and a solid timeline of events.

2. Relationship of your spouse with your other loved ones

Apart from your romantic relationship, you should also describe your spouse’s connection with your family, relatives, and friends. If you have children, you should also discuss how they communicate and the nature of their relationship. This is important, as it provides an idea of whether the relationship may fail or further progress after the application.

3. How you communicate

If your spouse is from a foreign country, you should describe how you communicate with each other daily. You should also discuss how often you speak or if you have a set schedule to catch up with each other’s lives. To some extent, this will show how stable your relationship is.

4. Activities you have done together

Describing specific activities that you have done together will also help establish the genuineness of your relationship. If you plan to discuss events, make sure you provide the exact date and attach photos. Also, describe how long you have done such things and why you decided to go to a particular place or perform such an activity together.

5. Things you like about your spouse

The immigrant officers will assume that as their partner, you will appreciate certain things about your spouse. Talk about the great qualities that made you interested in them. If you have common traits or hobbies, it would be best to include them as well. Overall, you should tell the officers why you think that your spouse is the one for you. Remember that the point of a supporting letter is to provide strong arguments about the genuineness of your relationship.

6. Your wedding details

If you already got married, describing your wedding ceremony and reception will help a lot. You should outline the details in the event, especially the guests you invited, the date and time of the wedding, and highlights of the event. You should also describe how the event was special and how memorable it was for both of you.

7. Your plans together with your spouse

At the end of your letter, you should describe how you plan to live together and the goals you want to achieve. This information will help the immigration officers see how you plan to move forward with your relationship.

Bright Immigration
Spousal Sponsorship

Conclusion

Spousal sponsorship application is one of the toughest sponsorships to apply for in Canada. The CIC department makes sure that the documents are valid and legitimate. Moreover, they conduct thorough background checks to review the genuineness of the couple’s relationship.

To provide more substantial proof and argument, you may submit a supporting letter, alongside your primary requirements. Doing so should be easy so long as the relationship is genuine, but it can go a long way towards improving your chances of success.

If you need immigration services in Toronto, get in touch with us today. Our immigration consultants will help ensure that your documents are complete and valid to give you the best chances of success.

Canadian Immigration: Sponsoring Your Ex-Spouse—What to Know

When marriages don’t work anymore, they usually end in separation or divorce. If you live in Canada and you’re still willing to sponsor your ex-spouse despite your irreconcilable differences, the office of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can cater to your situation.

It’s crucial to meet specific requirements and prepare the right documents before officials can guarantee your ex-partner’s residency, despite your marital status. For people having a hard time understanding the rules, it’s best to seek help from an immigration consultant in Toronto.

If you want to know the petitioning requirements in Canada for your ex-spouse, keep reading below to find out.

They Should Obtain Clean Records Before Moving

Before your ex-partner is given the right to move to Canada by the government, they must pass a screening test to prove they do not pose a threat to the country. If they have committed criminal offences in the past, they need to prove that their case has been closed and issues have been dealt with so they won’t be a problem to the residents of Canada.

The same goes for denying a person’s right to entry due to medical reasons. Your ex-spouse must face the same procedure to show that they won’t be a concern to the community. As such, before they are allowed to apply for residency, it’s best to ask help from a Canada immigration company to review your documents and overall status.

They Should Prove Their Relationship with You is Genuine

If you want to petition your ex-partner because you’re still in a sincere relationship with them that proves more significant than your marriage’s breakup, it’s possible to sponsor them. You can request an application that married couples undergo, but take note that you will be monitored closely due to your situation.

Since you will be held liable for the person you’re sponsoring, the CIC will ask you to sign an undertaking contract. The agreement shows that you will be in charge of your ex-partner’s basic needs, as well as that of any children they have that are also moving to Canada with them.

They Should Be Living with You for at least a Year

For a relationship to be considered valid, you must prove that you’ve lived with your partner for at least one year during your marriage. Your previous conjugal relationship should show a significant degree of attachment between you and your spouse. If you want to sponsor your ex-partner successfully, there must be proof you need to present during your application that shows you lived with them for twelve months. 

They Should Meet the Five-Year Condition

As stated by CIC on their website, if you successfully sponsored your ex-partner, they themselves cannot sponsor a new spouse for the next five years while applying for permanent residency in Canada.

The government declared the five-year rule in 2012 for the primary purpose of helping the community eliminate the abuse of the sponsorship program of the country. If you find yourself in the same situation, it will help if you asked an immigration agency to assist you properly.

Sponsoring Your Ex-Spouse

Conclusion

Just like any other country, moving to Canada has specific legal policies you need to follow. For those who plan to sponsor their ex-partners, you should meet the government’s requirements if you want a successful application. In most cases, it’s best to rely on an immigration expert to make sure you have all the necessary documents ready to ensure smooth processing.

Bright Immigration is one of the best Canada immigration consultants in Toronto. If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

Common Canadian Immigration Mistakes You Should Avoid

Applying for a visa in Canada may not seem too different compared to applying for one somewhere else, but believe it or not, there are common mistakes that most people make when doing so. If you want your application process to go smoothly, you want to zero in on these mistakes and avoid them as much as possible.

For that reason, it’s best to understand what these common mistakes are and how to prevent falling into the same pit as other people. Here are the usual oversights when applying for Canadian immigration:

1. Not submitting punctually

Waiting too long to submit your qualifying application can cost you your slot as immigration tends to close quickly. Not submitting as soon as you can means others are getting ahead of you. If you want to secure your immigration approval, submit your application as soon as you become eligible for one.

2. Employment reference letters don’t prove work background

Unlike the usual type of employment reference letters, you need one that lays out all the details of your previous work experience when applying for Canadian immigration. In your letter, your boss or supervisor needs to outline the details of your current work, and not why companies should hire you.

As such, you want the following included in your letter:

  • Official job title
  • Employment dates (start date to finish date)
  • Salary
  • Average hours worked per week
  • A list of your job duties

Understandably, it can be hard to ask your boss or supervisor to edit the letter they wrote just because they missed a few things. If so, there’s a possible workaround for this. You can provide documents to support the missing details such as payslips, a certificate of employment that states the starting and end date of your employment, and a sworn declaration of your employment tasks from a colleague.

3. Misrepresentation

While it is a common mistake, misrepresentation is viewed by the immigration office as a serious offence. Misrepresentation can delay your immigration application for years or you could be banned from applying for immigration at all.

People think that the best way to get into Canada is to show the best face they have, even if it’s not truthful. Even if you think covering up minuscule details won’t be obvious, it can lead to serious repercussions if the immigration officer finds out. As such, you want to be honest at all times. Do not cover up your career history, medical conditions, criminal background, and other important records. 

4. Having less than a year of full-time experience in your primary NOC code

This will automatically invalidate your application. It’s important to indicate a primary NOC code that falls under skill levels A, B, or O. Only mention a primary NOC code that you have proof of working on for at least one year.

Since your primary NOC code won’t affect your future employment in Canada, you don’t need to worry about what you indicate for the long term.

Immigration consultants advise those travelling to Canada for Compassionate Travel purposes not to fear the process.
Canadian Immigration

Conclusion

These common immigration mistakes should be easy to avoid. Just remember to be attentive to all the details of the process at all times. Furthermore, you may want to seek assistance from consultation agencies to improve your chances of approval.

Our team at Bright Immigration knows the best way to enter Canada! If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

4 Factors That Affect Your Canadian Immigration Application

One question that many of our customers ask us pertains to the different factors that affect your Canadian immigration application. You may have control over things like your qualifications and the quality of your application, but other factors such as the economic situation of the country and the surrounding political landscape are well beyond your power to influence.

In this article, we’ll go over the factors that fall into the latter category. This is to give you an idea of the context in which your application will be evaluated.

1. The System’s Capacity

Canada’s immigration program, although strongly supported by the government, still has its limits. This is not just in terms of how many applications it can realistically process, but also in the total number of immigrants who are welcomed into the population.

What this means is that in certain years, the total number of “slots” that are available might be lower than in other years. This could be an effect of diminished demand for workers or a lack of infrastructure and resources to support them. Whatever the case, these times will signify that the odds of being successful with your application are not as favourable.

2. International Politics

The relationships between different sovereign nations are perpetually evolving, Economic alliances can either strengthen or deteriorate, and it is these global-scale events that have arguably the biggest impact on immigration policies.

In other words, the relationship between your home country and Canada will undoubtedly change from time to time, and it could be either to the benefit or detriment of your application. For instance, a bilateral agreement between Canada and your country of origin can make your application suddenly more attractive than others’, improving your chances of success.

3. Local Policy

Canada is comprised of several territories that, for the most part, have similar laws regarding immigration. However, some regions such as Quebec are free to set their own regulations for such. This means that where exactly in Canada you intend to migrate may play a key role in your application’s success.

In this regard, it’s best to familiarize yourself with a given jurisdiction’s immigration policies to know whether or not it’s a good time for you to apply.

4. Demographic Factors

The immigration program has goals that vary from year to year. For example, there might be a greater need for younger immigrants during a certain period, which means that those who fall into this demographic have a generally higher chance of getting their applications approved.

It could also be a matter of the applicant’s background. Families that can be reunited through a granted immigration request, for instance, are favoured heavily by the system. There are several other cases where your identity can factor into the deciding process, and these will all be a matter of certain traits that the program is looking for in its applicants.

Canadian Visa Application
Canadian Immigration Application

Conclusion

As you can see, the success or rejection of your immigration application can also be a matter of simple timing. Sometimes, the current environment will make it more difficult for you to get approval, and you will have to pay attention to these factors to decide whether it’s a good time to make an application or not.

Fortunately, a qualified immigration consultant can guide you through the entire process. We have helped many other individuals successfully apply for immigration to Canada, and we’d be happy to do the same for you.

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, contact our immigration consultants in Canada at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

How to Immigrate to Canada After Marrying a Canadian

You’re from the other side of the world, and you’ve fallen in love with a Canadian. The two of you end up getting engaged and then, ultimately, married. Congratulations! However, now you have to figure out how you can move to Canada to spend the rest of your life together in wedded bliss. 

Canada Spouse Immigration

Naturally, one would be inclined to apply for a fiance visa. However, Canada does not have this. It is crucial that would-be immigrants follow the requirements as stated under the law and apply for an immigration visa beforehand. Border officers will thereby expect a spousal sponsorship application to be filed by the domestic spouse. On the part of the foreign spouse, they should have gone to the Canadian consulate in their country of origin and gotten an immigrant visa from there prior to flying to Canada. If the wedding is held in Canada or abroad, it makes no difference. The foreign spouse still has to make the application from abroad, returning to Canada as a sponsored immigrant.

Based on compassionate and humanitarian grounds, there is a procedure some married couples may choose to do for spouse immigration in Canada. It is an exemption that usually applies to a foreign spouse already in Canada based on a student or work permit. This will allow the foreign spouse to become a permanent resident without needing to fly abroad to apply for an immigrant visa. 

Since the foreign spouse has a legitimate reason to be in Canada already, the request for an exemption is considered acceptable. However, due to semantic issues, someone with a temporary resident visa or who flew in as a visitor (even from the United States and other visa-exempt countries) cannot do this.

This is due to the word visitor as defined under the terminology of Canadian immigration. People with a temporary resident visa are basically in the country for, well, a temporary period, and then fly out. It is not possible for a visitor to be able to permanently remain in Canada. Any indication of intent to stay makes the person ineligible to even be defined as a visitor, which means their entry into Canada cannot be permitted.

When a would-be foreign spouse declares that they intend to marry and apply for permanent residence within Canada, using the aforementioned inland spouse method via their Canadian spouse applying, their entry will more than likely be denied fully. Inland processing is absolutely not meant for the visa of any visitor, and is rather inappropriate. For them to be able to enter the country at all, they need to be able to prove to the border officer that it is purely a visit, and in the end, they will be leaving Canada. 

One of the best and easiest ways for this requirement to be met is through a return ticket. Additional evidence that the spouse’s life abroad was not fully abandoned is also necessary, such as proof of investments, studies, and the like.

Immigration consultants advise those travelling to Canada for Compassionate Travel purposes not to fear the process.
Immigrate to Canada

Conclusion

Spousal immigration in Canada does not run on fiance visas because those do not exist. A foreign spouse must apply as an immigrant from abroad sponsored by their domestic spouse. The only exception is for people who are already legitimately in Canada through studies or work.

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

3 Reasons Now Is the Best Time to Migrate to Canada

Moving to a new place is always a big and difficult decision to make, especially with all the work that it involves. It may even be more challenging when moving to a new country. Not only will you have to deal with all the issues of logistics and the like, but you will also have to adapt to a new climate, culture, and other factors.

That said, one of the biggest questions you have to tackle during the move is the “when.” When is it the right time to move to Canada? We believe that now is probably the best. Here is why you should move right now to Canada.

1. Offers world-class healthcare

If there is one thing everyone knows about Canada, that would be its fantastic healthcare system. Healthcare is free for all citizens and permanent residents of the country. Besides this tremendous benefit, the offered healthcare boasts high standards, meaning that people can get the quality care they deserve.

Note that this system does not cover every aspect of healthcare. For instance, you will still need to pay for prescription medicine, but that will generally be covered by your employer. Regardless, Canada offers exceptional healthcare, whether through their free healthcare system or affordable private healthcare plans.

2. Boasts incredible work benefits

Canada offers amazing work benefits. For instance, if you land a job, you can expect to enjoy job insurance, private health coverage, life insurance, and more. You can also enjoy more paid vacations, meaning less time at work and more time to enjoy yourself while still making plenty of money.

If you have kids, you also gain an extra benefit called paid parental leave days. During these days, you can continue earning up to half your regular pay for up to 61 weeks!

3. Extends plenty of opportunities

Other than all the incredible work benefits, there are also plenty of job opportunities in the country. From nursing to IT, plenty of sectors have a high demand for skilled individuals. If you are not yet qualified for these jobs, no need to worry. Canada also offers high-quality education that will give you the knowledge and skills you need to pursue any career.

The best thing about this is that if you graduate from a university in Canada, you can stay and work in the country using a unique permit program known as the PGWP (post-graduate worker permit) program. You do not have to be a permanent residence by then, but it can allow you to work towards it slowly.

Canadian Visa Application
Migrate to Canada

Conclusion

With all these amazing benefits awaiting you, now is the best time to move to Canada. You can utilize many programs to gain access, whether through the skilled worker program or earning PR status through a Canadian spouse.

Even with the ongoing pandemic right now, we still highly recommend sending in your application. This is because immigration is always welcome, but to a lesser degree at the moment due to current circumstances.

That said, take the time to ensure that all your documents are accurate and genuine and that you satisfy all the requirements for whatever program you are using. Doing so will give you the best chances possible to finally enter this fantastic country and start an amazing new life.

If you are looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

All About Compassionate Travel to Canada During COVID-19

Canada has always been known to be the home of some of the warmest, most welcoming people. In fact, it is a long-standing international joke that Canadians are too kind in some aspects. While it is true that Canadians are friendly, the government is also quite welcoming and understanding of the situations of people. 

The government will often provide travel exemptions for what they call “compassionate travellers” that wish to visit Canada for a set of reasons. Provided that they have a relative or loved one that is a citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person, or part of the First Nations, compassionate travel is possible. 

What Is Compassionate Travel?

Those who have relatives in Canada who are in difficult circumstances regarding their health and require support can file for travel restriction exemptions and limited quarantine release. It also applies to those who wish to provide medical aid to someone who needs it and attend a funeral or end of life ceremony. 

These parameters are set to provide family and specific friends a way to enter and assist their loved ones who are not in good health. Many Canadian residents often enter the country alone and leave their respective home countries behind. To provide a way for someone to care for them in any event that they get sick, the government has created a system to help them during illness and distress. 

Requirements for Compassionate Travel Exemptions

As with any international border procedures, Canada requires advance approval for border restriction exemptions and the limited release from quarantine. Without this advance approval, they will bar entry, and you will be subject to mandatory requirements for quarantine procedures. 

Each person must file for their entry by filling out their respective application forms and have a Letter of Required Support or proof of the death of a loved one. Other documents that entail necessary visit authorizations might also be needed when applications are submitted. The more comprehensive the documentation is, the higher chance there is to be granted an exemption. 

It is important to note that this grant is situational, and each situation will require specific documentation. A Letter of Required Support that is signed by a licensed healthcare professional is a typical requirement. This document certifies that the bearer must be present during a loved one’s final moments or support someone in critical condition. 

Funerals or ceremonies that mark the end of someone’s life will require a statement of death, a medical certificate of death, a death certificate, and a burial permit. Additionally, the sites that you will visit must also grant permission due to the possibility of contact with vulnerable people.

Visa Requirements

International travelers must always have their proper identification documents and a valid visa, whether it is a Temporary Resident Visa or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). International travelers can find a more comprehensive list of travel documents on the IRCC page

Immigration consultants often warn that border officers responsible for immigration procedures will always have the final say. Providing a 14-day quarantine plan will be required by the officers to ensure that international travelers follow the protocols for mitigating COVID-19. Additionally, travelling with a vulnerable person might require extra proof that states you have consented to allow quarantine with them. 

Immigration consultants advise those travelling to Canada for Compassionate Travel purposes not to fear the process.
Compassionate Travel

Conclusion

Immigration consultants advise those travelling to Canada for Compassionate Travel purposes not to fear the process. Gathering the correct documentation and making the filing process as comprehensive as possible will garner fewer questions and doubt, which expedites the movement. Consulting with professionals can assist you in obtaining proper documents and filling them up correctly.

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

What Is a Canadian Super Visa? Our Guide on How to Apply

It’s tough to be separated from your family, especially if you’re a parent or a grandparent whose children or grandchildren live in another country. The chances are that you often worry about how they’re doing and always want to check on them to ensure that they’re doing fine.

While you can visit your family, you’re usually limited to six months of stay with a visitor’s visa. Such time can feel insufficient compared to the years of separation you all have to endure.

Fortunately, Canada allows parents and grandparents to extend their stay for up to two years as long as you qualify for the Super Visa program. With this, you’ll be able to maximize your stay and enjoy your time with your kids or grandkids for a longer period.

Introduction to Canadian Super Visa

Canada allows parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens to visit them and stay in the country for up to two years. People who hold a Super Visa also won’t need to renew their status during this time. They can also leave and return to Canada as long as their Super Visa is not expired. 

If your kin is a permanent resident or citizen of Canada, you may be qualified to hold a Super Visa. However, the qualification process for it is not as simple as proving your relationship with the Canadian resident.

Criteria for a Canadian Super Visa

To qualify for a Super Visa, you must prove that you have legitimate ties with the people you’re trying to visit. You also need to list all the family members who live in your country, as well as your and their financial situation.

It might sound confusing, but the idea is that the person applying for a Super Visa should have valid and urgent reasons to return to their home country as soon as their Super Visa expires. For this reason, Visa officers may also consider the current situation and stability of your home country and its government.

Specific Requirements

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will require evidence that the visitor has a valid reason for visiting the country, as well as sufficient financial means to support them (this can also apply to the permanent resident.) An example of this evidence is a letter of invitation from an adult child or grandchildren which states the following:

  • The relationship of the invitee to the person who sent the invitation
  • Full name and address of both the resident and the visitor
  • Number of people living together in the permanent residence
  • Reason for visit

Lastly, the applicant will also need to provide complete medical examination results and proof of medical insurance while they stay in Canada.

Application Procedure

Just like any other Visa application, applying for a Super Visa requires you to fill up an online form. For people who can’t apply online, they can send a printed copy of the application form to the correct office in your country, along with the required documents.

During the application process, it’s important to secure all the necessary documents. If any is missing, the application could be rejected right away. Afterwards, you may be asked to come for a verification interview. Your application will be approved if the Visa officer determines that all your documents, the information you provided, and your purpose of the visit are valid and eligible.

Immigration consultants advise those travelling to Canada for Compassionate Travel purposes not to fear the process.
Immigration to Canada

Conclusion

While it seems simple, it can be challenging to secure a Super Visa because of the strict regulations that the CIC follows. You may be able to complete the application on your own, but the lengthy process and complicated procedure can be daunting. As such, your best bet is to seek the help of immigration experts in Canada for timely and realistic results.

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted immigration firm in Toronto, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

4 Tips for Spousal Sponsorship/Permanent Residency Applications

Many people are now hoping to make a new life in Canada. The immigrant-friendly country has long been welcoming towards foreigners both in culture and in the application process. If you’ve been considering Canada as your new home country, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the application processes.

The spousal sponsorship application in particular means making sure you fulfil a number of eligibility requirements. These include either being married, in a common-law relationship, or in a conjugal relationship with a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada currently residing in the country. 

Here are four tips to keep in mind when starting a spousal sponsorship or permanent residency application:

Prepare Your Forms

Immigration applications typically involve a lot of paperwork, so preparing your forms is a crucial first step to making sure the process goes smoothly. There are several forms that are required, especially for a spousal sponsorship application, so make sure you fill these in as completely and accurately as possible. This will prevent delays in the processing of your application that can be caused by incorrectly filled forms.

If you want to make sure that you’ve properly filled out the forms, seek the help of a trusted immigration advisor. They’ll review your forms to make sure they’re correctly answered.

Organize Supporting Documents

Your application will also request several supporting documents for it to be processed. It’s important to make sure you have all of these with you, or else your application will be sent back and further delay your move. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) actually provides a checklist of required documents, which is sure to help you organize them. These include identity documents and proof of your relationship with the Canadian citizen or permanent resident. 

Although it may not be required, supporting documents can consist of additional papers that prove the authenticity of your relationship to your spouse. This can come in the form of letters of support from close friends and family. These must be in either French or English; if the original documents are in any other language, you’ll have to have them officially translated. 

Some required documents, like police or security clearance from foreign governments, may take a while to obtain. Be sure to request for these several months in advance before starting your application. 

Include a Written Statement

Another way to bolster your application is to provide a written statement, statutory declaration, or affidavit that details the development of your relationship with your spouse. This includes how you met, if you lived together, when you got engaged, and the details of your wedding (if applicable). This will also discuss your plans for the future and detail how the sponsor intends to support you during the application process. You can also use this document to provide more context to the information in your other forms.

Practicing for the Interview

Being well-prepared for your interview is essential in getting your application approved. You will be interviewed by an CIC immigration officer and you will be asked questions about your relationship in order to establish its sincerity and genuineness. They want to determine whether or not it was established solely out of mutual adoration or if it was for immigration purposes only.

The best way to prepare is by consulting a lawyer, who will meet with you beforehand to practice your answers.

Spousal Sponsorship
Spousal Sponsorship

Conclusion

Keeping these tips in mind will help make sure your application process goes as smoothly and quickly as possible. Seeking the advice of immigration consultants in Canada will definitely help prepare you for your big move to start a new future for you and your family. 

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

4 Red Flags to Look Out for in Trying to Secure Spousal Sponsorships

While not entirely perfect or without controversy, Canada’s immigration policies have always been hailed for its openness to admit migrants to its fold. There are several Canadian immigration services that can get you a permanent residency, each with their own requirements. However, one of the fastest ways to immigrate to Canada is via marriage, provided that you can prove that your marriage is legitimate. 

Proving the legitimacy of your marriage to an immigration officer is a necessary and often crucial step to securing a permanent residency in Canada via spousal sponsorship. Not only will there be a considerable number of requirements, but you will also have to provide a logical progression of your relationship and history to the officer. While this shouldn’t be a huge problem for legitimate couples, there are a few potential issues that one should be aware of when trying to enter Canada using this method. 

Here are four potential issues that you should watch out for: 

1. Previous Divorces in a Foreign Country

If you or your current spouse were previously married, then it’s best to do your due diligence and determine that there are no pending processes that could render your present marriage illegal. You must ensure that the previous marriages have been divorced or annulled completely in the country where the marriage license was issued and that you are both legally allowed to remarry. 

Under Canadian laws, simply being granted a new marriage license is not enough proof of a legal marriage. Instead, you must unequivocally show that there are no underlying complexities that could render it invalid in the countries where the previous marriages were granted.

2. Significant Age Differences Between Spouses 

One of the more controversial reasons spousal sponsorships can get rejected is because of significant age gaps between the sponsor and the foreign spouse. This is because immigration officers are trained to spot and probe common signs of what they see as fraudulent marriages, such as 30 to 40 years in age difference. 

While decisions based on these grounds can be appealed, it could take you and your spouse years to even reach a decision that may or may not be favourable, not to mention cost a small fortune in legal fees. If you find yourself in a situation similar to this, it’s best to consult an immigration consultant to determine your best approach. 

3. Cultural Inconsistencies

The level of scrutiny applied to marriages can vary greatly, but immigration officers will pay close attention to the conduct of your marriage regarding your cultural backgrounds. For example, weddings in India are generally well-attended affairs. If an application involving a marriage done in India was rather intimate, then it could raise questions. 

4. Sponsor’s Unstable Financial Situation

One of the requirements of a successful spousal sponsorship is that the sponsor must demonstrate that they are capable of supporting a spouse without relying on government aid. This is particularly applicable if your or your partner is also going to sponsor a dependent child who is also supporting dependent children of their own. 

Spousal Sponsorships
Spousal Sponsorships

Conclusion

Proving the legitimacy of your marriage by disclosing otherwise private and intimate information to an immigration officer might be an uncomfortable thought to you. However, doing so can mean the difference between approval and rejection. While the issues presented here will not automatically disqualify your application, it can significantly increase the time and costs of getting your application approved. This is where it’s worth hiring an immigration adviser to make sure that your application progresses as quickly as possible. 

If you’re looking for professional help from an immigration firm in Toronto, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.