Immigration to Canada through Canadian Family Class under SPOUSAL/PARTNER Sponsorship

Family reunification is an important component of Canada's immigration agenda. Of the 262,236 immigrant Visas granted in 2005, over 63,300 Visas were allocated to family sponsorship under the Family Class program. Canada's current Immigration Plan sets out a long range goal of welcoming approximately 67,000 to 69,000 Family Class Visa applicants per year and will account for a large portion of migrants to Canada.

Under the Spousal Visa, Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are living in Canada can apply to sponsor their married spouses and dependent children abroad.

The Spousal Visa allows applicants married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to be sponsored along with their dependent children. You and your spouse must be married and show the genuine and continuing nature of your relationship and intend to live together in Canada, upon approval. Your Canadian sponsor must be capable of supporting you without accessing public funds.

SPOUSAL VISA BASIC REQUIREMENTS

In order to apply for the Spousal Visa, you be legally married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada. The marriage must be valid both where it was performed and in Canada. Both same-sex and opposite sex couples are eligible for this Visa. Your sponsor must also sign an undertaking to provide for all your basic needs for a specified period of time.

SPOUSAL VISA ENTITLEMENTS

As a Family Visa permanent resident, you will have the right to live, work and study in Canada indefinitely. You are also free to travel anywhere in Canada, and to take employment as you see fit. This flexibility makes it the popular choice for newcomers.

You will have access to Canada's Medicare system (government-funded health care), subsidized education, and unrestricted access to the Canadian employment market, language training programs, assistance for finding employment, and the freedoms associated with permanent residence.

Canada also provides financial assistance to residents and citizens through various programs such as unemployment insurance benefits, Canada child tax benefit, worker's compensation plans, social assistance and senior citizen discounts.

In addition, you may also be eligible for Canada Pension Plan Benefits, Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement and the option to participate in retirement plans such as Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP), and the ability to apply for citizenship once you satisfy Canadian residency requirements.

For more information on the Family Class Visas, see Frequently Asked Questions on family visas