Canada is well known as a great country in which to live. The countryside is beautiful, the cost of living is generally affordable, and there is government-sponsored health care.
The jobs market is thriving and this does entice individuals from outside Canada to relocate for a better job and better standard of living. According to the research firm TD Economics, the Canadian job market surged even more as of April 6, 2023. The wages for all industries are on par with a good living style.
The steady job market is a direct result of the LMIA (Labour Management Impact Assessment), that the government of Canada enforces. This entails showing a need for a foreign worker and a job that is already in place. This keeps Canada from the overflow of immigration that would take away Canadian residents’ jobs.
Workers can be allowed in for a specified amount of time but then can want to stay permanently and there are processes in place for them to do this. However, once approved workers can be leaving behind spouses, common-law, and other conjugal relationships.
Marriage relationships are given priority as proof of the relationship is part of the approval process for Spousal Sponsorship in Canada. A legitimate marriage license from another country carries weight in the process.
There are many mistakes, however, even when trying to relocate a spouse to Canada under the Spousal Sponsorship Program. The common mistakes are as follows:
- Failure to meet minimum income requirements
This is of concern as the Government of Canada needs to know that any extra residents will not become a burden on the Canadian Government. This minimum requirement is transitory depending upon employment history and wages. It also can vary by type of housing expenses and the number of new residents, since children might be included.
Someone need not be wealthy to have successful approval under the Spousal Sponsorship Program in Canada. However, it is a common mistake to at least not meet the LICOs (Low-Income Cut Offs) established by the Canadian Government.
This mandate does not mean that a job cannot be low-income. However, enough savings must be proven to establish the ability to support a spouse for many months or even years to come.
- Not getting a letter of verification from an employer
This is a common mistake as approval does require that the sponsoring spouse will continue to be employed for quite some time in Canada. There are quite a few contract workers in Canada but the employment might end after a few months. It is a mistake to try and acquire Spousal Sponsorship when working under a contract with a definitive end date.
If under a contract-only type of employment, a denial will inevitably occur as the individual applying for Spousal Sponsorship must first seek permanent residency and a permanent job within Canada.
- Not paying the application fee promptly
The application fee is due at the time of application. Without it, the application will not even be reviewed. This fee is variable depending upon the province or territory as well as the number of children coming into Canada.
On average, the fee starts at CAD 1135 or lower, with an additional 150 CAD or lower tacked on for each child. Quebec has a processing fee of its own of 289 CAD. The Canadian Government updates these fees regularly and they can fluctuate.
It is necessary to factor in the fees in the decision to sponsor someone for residency, as each application does require a separate fee.
- Not checking the laws of Canada regarding multiple marriages
It is not always possible for a spouse to leave their birthright country and this needs exploration. Some countries allow multiple marriages, and of course, bringing all spouses to Canada could become problematic because Canada seeks to maintain a standard of living for those that are already residents.
Overcrowding is not something that the Canadian Government wishes. Polygamy and polygyny and bigamy are considered felonious offenses in Canada and are subject to fines and imprisonment. This is listed on the Justice Centre website of Canada.
This is not something Canada maintains out of vindictiveness. It is only an obligation to keep the population and job availability open for current residents.
- Mistakes made on the application
It is not an easy application, with all the financials necessary and of course, proof of relationship. Many law firms in Canada can assist, but Canada also provides information on its immigration site.
Since there is a cost for each application these should never be done in haste and all paperwork necessary should be obtained and submitted with the application to speed up the process. The process can take up to twelve months, so having all documentation ensures timely approval.
Canada does provide the forms online through its immigration services or via mail, but even the birth certificates of each sponsored person must be obtained. A toll-free number is also provided for questions.
- Not taking into account the total amount of relocation
It is very expensive usually to move from one country to another. This is only common sense, but it is a factor that many do not consider when applying to the Spousal Sponsorship Program in Canada.
All fees can be paid, and all paperwork approved, but many times the cost of the relocation does pose a problem that those seeking spousal sponsorship failed to take into account. The farther from Canada, the more expensive any relocation will be.
Housing costs must also be factored into the equation as although approximately CAD 495,000 for a decent home in Canada, this can be non-affordable for some in other countries where the cost of living is less.
Canada is a very desirable location in which to live
But all relocations such as this cost a great deal for individuals and Canada does control the number of applications approved. Knowing the common mistakes for applying for Spousal Sponsorship Program in Canada can help with keeping focused and not wasting hard-earned dollars.
If a rejection for the program does occur another application can be done. It is wise though to check with Canadian immigration services as to how many applications can be done within any given year.
Related article: How to Apply for Spousal Sponsorship Canada in 2023?