+1(514) 937-9445 or Toll-free (Canada & US) +1 (888) 947-9445

Spouse Sponsorship tax returns and EI

canadian416

Full Member
Jun 27, 2019
40
3
Hi folks,

I am a Canadian citizen living in Canada. I am getting ready to marry my fiance. It will be a traditional wedding in her home country. My parents and good friends are attending our wedding as well. Once we have the budget, we plan on having another wedding in Canada. I am super excited. She has not been to Canada and she is not from a visa-exempt country.

I understand the fact that I am financially&legally responsible of supporting my spouse for three years even we are divorce or separated. This starts on the day that my spouse becomes a PR until she becomes a citizen. It usually takes 3 years from PR to citizenship anyways. So, this explains the three years which is perfectly normal.

She will be able to legally work in the country when she receives her work permit and/or PR. I have some concerns though:

1- Can she apply for EI if she gets laid off in those three years or no?
2- Can I claim her as a "dependent" in my tax returns during those three years when she is unemployed with no income? She has no other income and noone else can claim her as a dependent.

Thank you and enjoy the rest of your day.

Cheers!

.
 

canuck_in_uk

VIP Member
May 4, 2012
31,553
7,205
Visa Office......
London
App. Filed.......
06/12
Hi folks,

I am a Canadian citizen living in Canada. I am getting ready to marry my fiance. It will be a traditional wedding in her home country. My parents and good friends are attending our wedding as well. Once we have the budget, we plan on having another wedding in Canada. I am super excited. She has not been to Canada and she is not from a visa-exempt country.

I understand the fact that I am financially&legally responsible of supporting my spouse for three years even we are divorce or separated. This starts on the day that my spouse becomes a PR until she becomes a citizen. It usually takes 3 years from PR to citizenship anyways. So, this explains the three years which is perfectly normal.

She will be able to legally work in the country when she receives her work permit and/or PR. I have some concerns though:

1- Can she apply for EI if she gets laid off in those three years or no?
2- Can I claim her as a "dependent" in my tax returns during those three years when she is unemployed with no income? She has no other income and noone else can claim her as a dependent.

Thank you and enjoy the rest of your day.

Cheers!

.
The 3 year undertaking has nothing to do with her becoming a Canadian citizen.

1. Yes.

2. Yes.
 
  • Like
Reactions: canadian416

canadian416

Full Member
Jun 27, 2019
40
3
Thank you!.That's a relief.

Well, it usually takes like 3 years or so becoming a citizenship. It was just an assumption.

Cheers!
 

Western Mountain Man

Hero Member
Nov 2, 2018
667
294
Canada
Wow, 2 weddings.
You're really getting lucky! Lots of yummy food that is.:D

Take many traditional wedding photo's and have your friends send
you their good ones. That will be valuable and don't forget to let CRA know
your status has changed from single to married when your file income tax.
Don't worry too much about the financial stuff, if you are good together you will be fine.

Take her to the Rocky Mountains and show her what Canada is all about.
Bears, Beer, and Big trees.......Oh and Big mosquitoes!
 
  • Like
Reactions: canadian416

canadian416

Full Member
Jun 27, 2019
40
3
Wow, 2 weddings.
You're really getting lucky! Lots of yummy food that is.:D

Take many traditional wedding photo's and have your friends send
you their good ones. That will be valuable and don't forget to let CRA know
your status has changed from single to married when your file income tax.
Don't worry too much about the financial stuff, if you are good together you will be fine.

Take her to the Rocky Mountains and show her what Canada is all about.
Bears, Beer, and Big trees.......Oh and Big mosquitoes!

Thank you :)