Reuniting Families Through Immigration:
At YA Law Corporation, we understand how important it is to bring your loved ones home. Canada’s immigration laws are designed to promote family reunification, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouses or common-law partners. But the process is not always simple, especially when it comes to proving that your relationship is genuine and not entered into solely for immigration purposes.
What Do Immigration Officers Look For?
When reviewing a spousal sponsorship application, immigration officers must assess whether:
- Your relationship is genuine, and
- Was the marriage entered into primarily to acquire any status or privilege under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA)?
If officers have concerns, you may receive a procedural fairness letter requesting additional evidence or clarification. If the officer is not convinced, your application will be refused.
What Happens If Your Application is Refused?
If your sponsorship application is denied, you may have the right to appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD).
The IAD will consider many factors, such as:
- Consistency in your testimonies
- Your knowledge of each other’s lives
- Shared language, culture, religion, or interests
- Compatibility in age, education, and socioeconomic background
Even if there is a large age gap or perceived incompatibility, couples can still succeed on appeal if they provide credible evidence that explains their unique circumstances.
How YA Law Can Help:
At YA Law Corporation, we specialize in Canadian and U.S. immigration law. We have helped many couples successfully:
- Prepare strong initial sponsorship applications
- Respond to procedural fairness letters
- Appeal refusals before the IAD
- Navigate situations involving family violence or abuse
Our legal team is experienced, compassionate, and dedicated to helping families reunite. Contact us to speak to our Vancouver Immigration lawyer at YA Law Corporation.