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Canada government gives the highest priority to family reunification in its immigration policies. In coming three months of 2020, the country is planning to process 18000 applications for spousal sponsorship. Though coronavirus pandemic has slowed down the processing of applications for spousal sponsorship, Canada has initiated certain special measures to expedite the processing.
In a recent announcement, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada(IRCC) informed that it will process and finalize 6000 spousal sponsorship applications each month between October and December 2020. IRCC is also planning to increase the number of staff handling the spousal sponsorship applications by 66 percent. The paper applications will be digitized and facilitative biometrics measures will be implemented in an effort to speed up the processing. A pilot technology will also be introduced to conduct interviews for the applicants remotely. In total, Canada is planning to admit 49000 newcomers through spousal sponsorship.
As per the Immigration Levels Plan for 2020-2022, Canada was aiming to admit 70,000 spouses, partners, and children in 2020. But the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the processing of applications. IRCC admitted that the coronavirus pandemic has created uncertainty for Canadian citizens and permanent residents looking to sponsor their spouse. It also assured that would continue to seek innovative and compassionate ways to bring families together.
To be eligible to sponsor your spouse for permanent residence in Canada, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You should be at least 18 years old
- You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- You must prove that you are not receiving any social assistance for reasons other than disability.
- You should prove your ability to financially support the sponsored person.
To be eligible to be sponsored, the person must be legally married to the prospective sponsor and be above the age of 18. The application for sponsorship can be submitted along with the application for permanent residence by the principal applicant. Once your sponsorship application is accepted, you must keep in mind the following aspects:
- The sponsor will be financially responsible for the sponsored person for three years.
- The person who is sponsoring will not be able to sponsor another person in the next five years.
Thinking about migrating to Canada with family? Know your options! Talk to the expert Canada immigration consultants of CanApprove.
