What is the fastest way to get permanent citizenship in Canada?
A lot of people will answer marriage.
This is the most general misconception that people have about the terms of citizenship and marriage in Canada.
What Happens after You Marry a Permanent Citizen of Canada?
Even if you are married legally to a Canadian citizen, getting a permanent residency is not that easy. Previously, getting permanent citizenship was not so hard. After facing a few cases of marriage fraud, the Canadian Government has imposed harsher rules for spousal sponsorship cases. Thus, to get permanent residency, you need to keep all of your documents straight, and you must fulfil every requirement properly. Taking help from an experienced sponsorship lawyer to fare through the process is often considered a good option.
Applying for Spousal Sponsorship
There are two main ways of applying for spousal sponsorship in Canada. The procedures are depicted below.
- Inland Spousal Sponsorship: Let’s say you were already living in Canada using a work permit or study permit when you got married to your Canadian spouse. In this case, you will be able to stay in the country while the spousal sponsorship is being processed.
- Outland Spousal Sponsorship: In this case, you were not living in the country when you got married to your Canadian spouse. Therefore, you have to wait to get your hands on a permanent resident visa. Without that visa, you cannot set foot on Canadian soil.
It does not matter what your way of applying to the spousal sponsorship program is; it is always best to counsel an experienced sponsorship lawyer in Toronto before you proceed.
The Steps of Sponsoring
There are strict steps stated by the Canadian government, which you need to follow line by line. Your spouse has to take the primary step to start the ordeal. The Canadian spouse has to apply to sponsor you as their conjugal partner, common-law spouse, or spouse in Canada. After that, you will be able to apply for permanent citizenship. Once your citizenship is approved, you can stay in Canada for a prescribed period of time. During this period, you have to give proof and fulfill every requirement that the government asks you to do.
Only providing the marriage certificate is not enough to make the government trust the truthfulness of your relationship. As a couple, you have to go to great lengths to make the government understand that you are truly married to each other. This process is difficult and needs patience on your part. The best way to get all the documentation right is to call a sponsorship lawyer even before starting the process. They will take care of all the details on your behalf of you.
Benefits of Marrying a Canadian Citizen
The primary benefit is that you can have a permanent residency visa without worrying about sufficient financial resources, which is mandatory. In this process, your spouse assumes all your financial duties by sponsoring you in front of the Immigration and Citizenship Ministry of Canada.
Thus, the foreign applicant will not be rejected by the government due to their professional capabilities. In these cases, the government doesn’t want to find the most efficient person; instead, it tries to preserve your family organization.
What are The Disadvantages of Marrying a Canadian Citizen?
The headaches the total procedure will give you are enough to make the entire experience horrendous. You might never have imagined that simply proving the spousal relationship can be so difficult. The basics are to provide a marriage certificate and proof of the marriage, such as photographs. The real deal is to demonstrate that your relationship is as real as any other married couple. The only way to satisfy the government is by maintaining the relationship over a long period of time. Providing some evidence that your relationship existed even before the marriage can make the procedure a little bit easier.
Facts that Might Be Helpful In Proving That Your Marriage Is Real
Proving the truthfulness of your relationship with the immigration officer might be tricky, but some of the following tips might help to open the eyes of the officer.
- Trips Together As a Couple: Give the officer photos or tickets of the trips that you have taken together before or after the marriage.
- Photos: Provide as many photos as you have snapped in different locations and on different occasions.
- Proofs of a Life Together: Give evidence of going to a marriage ceremony or performing different social rituals together.
- Chronology of the Relationship: A detailed story of your relationship can help the officer to judge the depth of your relationship easily.
- Show You Know Little Details About Your Spouse: The smallest details can make the largest impact on spousal sponsorship programs. Let the officer know that you know every detail of your spouse’s life.
If I marry a canadian citizen do I get PR?
If you marry a Canadian citizen, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Canada. However, marriage to a Canadian citizen does not automatically grant you permanent residency. You will still need to meet the eligibility requirements set by the Canadian government and submit an application for permanent residency.
The eligibility requirements for spousal sponsorship for permanent residency in Canada include:
- The sponsor (the Canadian citizen) must be at least 18 years old.
- The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
- The sponsor must not be receiving social assistance (with some exceptions).
- The sponsored person (the spouse) must be at least 18 years old.
- The sponsored person must not be inadmissible to Canada (for example, due to a criminal conviction or medical issues).
- The marriage must be genuine and not entered into for the purpose of gaining immigration status.
If you meet these requirements and your application is approved, you will be granted permanent residency in Canada. As a permanent resident, you will have the right to live and work in Canada, access to social services, and the ability to apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting certain residency requirements.
Sources:
Government of Canada. (2022). Sponsor your spouse, partner, or child: check if you’re eligible. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5525-sponsor-your-spouse-partner-child.html
Government of Canada. (2022). Apply for permanent residence: Spouse or common-law partner. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/spouse-partner-children/apply.html
If I marry a Canadian Citizen, Can I live and Work here in Canada?
If you marry a Canadian citizen, you may be eligible to live and work in Canada. However, marriage to a Canadian citizen does not automatically grant you the right to live and work in Canada. You will still need to meet the eligibility requirements for a work permit or permanent residency, depending on your situation.
If you are currently living outside of Canada and wish to come to Canada to live with your Canadian spouse, you will need to apply for a family sponsorship for permanent residency. Once you are granted permanent residency, you will have the right to live and work in Canada.
If you are already in Canada on a temporary visa, such as a visitor visa or a study permit, and you wish to stay and work in Canada after marrying a Canadian citizen, you will need to apply for a work permit. To be eligible for a work permit, you must meet certain requirements, such as having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer and demonstrating that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires.
Sources:
Government of Canada. (2022). Apply for permanent residence: Spouse or common-law partner. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/spouse-partner-children/apply.html
Government of Canada. (2022). Work in Canada after you graduate: Who can apply. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/who-can-apply.html
Marrying a Canadian citizen can open up many opportunities and benefits for individuals. From being able to live and work in Canada without a work permit to eventually becoming a Canadian citizen, there are many advantages to marrying a Canadian. The process of obtaining permanent residency and citizenship can be complex and long, and it’s essential to understand the requirements and timelines involved. Contact us for more information.
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