You can hire a Canadian immigration lawyer to help with your spousal sponsorship Canada application. While hiring a lawyer is not mandatory, it can significantly improve your chances of approval and reduce stress throughout the process. Immigration lawyers provide valuable support by ensuring that your application is complete, well-documented, and strategically presented to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer
- Strengthen your case: A lawyer can help you prepare strong evidence of your genuine relationship, especially in common-law or conjugal partner applications.
- Avoid errors: Applications are often returned or refused due to mistakes. Lawyers ensure your package is accurate and complete.
- Handle complex issues: If there are questions about the genuineness of your relationship or previous immigration problems, a lawyer can provide solutions.
- Manage communication: Lawyers handle correspondence with IRCC after submission, giving you peace of mind.
When Is a Lawyer Especially Helpful?
- Complex relationships: Common-law and conjugal sponsorships often require extra documentation to prove the authenticity of the relationship.
- Previous refusals: If you have had prior rejections or immigration issues, a lawyer can help address them in your new application.
Spousal Sponsorship Options:
Inland Sponsorship:
For couples living together in Canada. The sponsored spouse may apply for an open work permit while the application is processed.
Outland Sponsorship:
For couples living apart. The application is processed through a visa office abroad. This option allows the sponsored spouse to remain outside of Canada during the processing period.
Who Can Be a Sponsor?
To sponsor a spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner, the sponsor must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Be at least 18 years old
- Reside in Canada or plan to return once the spouse arrives
- Not have defaulted on a previous sponsorship or immigration loan
- Not have a serious criminal record
Who Can Be Sponsored?
- Spouse: Legally married to the sponsor
- Common-law partner: Lived together for at least 12 consecutive months
- Conjugal partner: In a committed relationship but unable to live together due to immigration, legal, or cultural barriers
Proof of a Genuine Relationship
To show your relationship is authentic, IRCC expects evidence such as:
- Marriage certificate (if married)
- Proof of cohabitation (lease, utility bills, joint bank accounts)
- Photos with family and friends
- Communication records (messages, emails, call logs)
- Travel records and tickets
- Affidavits from friends and family
Common Complications in Sponsorship Applications:
- Incomplete or inaccurate documents
- Lack of proof of relationship
- Criminal history
- Previous immigration violations
- Outstanding immigration loans
Work Permits and Visitor Visas During Sponsorship:
- Open Work Permit: Inland applicants may apply after receiving the acknowledgement of receipt.
- Visitor Visa: Outland applicants can apply for a visitor visa, but approval depends on dual intent and proof of ties to their home country.
Why Choose YA Law Corporation?
YA Law Corporation provides experienced Canadian immigration legal services for families. With expertise in spousal sponsorships, our lawyers help couples reunite in Canada by preparing strong, complete applications and handling government communication on your behalf. We focus on personalized strategies to maximize approval chances while guiding you through the process with confidence.