Canada, often dubbed as the land of diversity and opportunity, attracts people from all over the world for its high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and robust economy.
If you have found love in Canada and are considering making it your permanent home, marrying a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can be a pathway to obtaining permanent residency.
In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of securing permanent residency in Canada through marriage.
How to get Parmanent Residency in Canada through Marriage
1. Understand the Eligibility Requirements
Before you embark on the journey towards permanent residency through marriage in Canada, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility criteria. Here are the primary requirements:
- You must be legally married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Your spouse must sponsor you, and they must meet certain financial criteria to prove they can support you and any dependents.
- You must not be inadmissible to Canada due to criminal, security, or medical reasons.
2. Gather Required Documents
To initiate the sponsorship process, you and your spouse will need to gather a variety of documents to prove the legitimacy of your marriage and your eligibility for permanent residency. These documents may include:
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of identity and citizenship or permanent residency for your spouse
- Police clearance certificates from each country where you have lived for six months or more since the age of 18
- Medical examination results
- Proof of financial support
3. Submit the Sponsorship Application
The Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse must initiate the sponsorship application by submitting the sponsorship package to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This package includes both the sponsorship application and the permanent residence application.
4. Wait for Processing
The processing time for spousal sponsorship applications can vary. Be prepared for a wait that can last several months. During this period, IRCC may request additional documents or information to verify the authenticity of your marriage and your eligibility.
5. Attend Interviews
In some cases, you and your spouse may be required to attend interviews with immigration officials to further evaluate the genuineness of your relationship.
6. Provide Biometrics
You and your spouse may be asked to provide biometrics, including fingerprints and photographs, as part of the application process.
7. Await a Decision
Once your application has been thoroughly reviewed, you will receive a decision from IRCC. If your application is approved, you will be granted permanent residency in Canada.
8. Fulfill Your Residency Obligations
Upon receiving permanent residency, it’s essential to fulfill your residency obligations. To maintain your status, you must live in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) within the last 5 years.
9. Apply for Canadian Citizenship
After meeting the residency requirements and living in Canada as a permanent resident, you may be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, which typically requires you to have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) out of the last 5 years.
Conclusion
Obtaining permanent residency in Canada through marriage to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can be a fulfilling and life-changing journey. However, it is a complex process that requires careful preparation and adherence to the eligibility criteria.
If you are considering this path, it is highly recommended to seek legal advice or consult with an immigration professional to navigate the process successfully. Canada’s welcoming culture and diverse society await those who embark on this exciting journey towards a new life in the Great White North.