Questions Regarding Spousal Sponsorship (United States to Canada)

[Eelhsa]

Hello everyone! I realize that these questions have doubtless been asked many times before, and I have been searching the forums and trying to learn more, however, any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Just to summarize:

I am a Canadian citizen who has been living in the United States for about 3 years. I moved down here on a K1 Fiancée Visa, I am now a conditional permanent resident (conditions to be removed later this year). My husband and I are now looking into moving to Canada so that we can be closer to my family (sadly, I have found it too difficult to be so far away from them and only see them once or twice a year). While I've been here I have also been unable to work due to my anxiety/panic disorder (we are not on social assistance of any kind).

So, my questions:

• Can I sponsor my husband, or do we need to have another family member (such as my parents) who live in Canada be the sponsor? (I currently live in the U.S. and have not resided in Canada for 3 years)

Since I have not worked while I've lived in the U.S., does that eliminate the possibility of me sponsoring my husband?

Thanks in advance!

 

[JulianaAndrew]

• Can I sponsor my husband, or do we need to have another family member (such as my parents) who live in Canada be the sponsor? (I currently live in the U.S. and have not resided in Canada for 3 years)

Since I have not worked while I've lived in the U.S., does that eliminate the possibility of me sponsoring my husband?

Yes, you can sponsor your husband. Your parents cannot sponsor him, in this case only you can.
You will need to show some plan or evidence that you two will be able to sustain yourselves financially. You don't need a job to sponsor your husband, just need to show he won't need to go into welfare, there is no minimum income requirement to sponsor a spouse. Also, if you plan on submitting the application while living outside Canada, you will also need to provide evidence that you intend to move to Canada once your husband receives his confirmation of permanent residency (a document he'd get once the whole application is finalized) and can become a PR.

 

[Eelhsa]

Yes, you can sponsor your husband. Your parents cannot sponsor him, in this case only you can.
You will need to show some plan or evidence that you two will be able to sustain yourselves financially. You don't need a job to sponsor your husband, just need to show he won't need to go into welfare, there is no minimum income requirement to sponsor a spouse. Also, if you plan on submitting the application while living outside Canada, you will also need to provide evidence that you intend to move to Canada once your husband receives his confirmation of permanent residency (a document he'd get once the whole application is finalized) and can become a PR.

Thank you very much for your help. As we would both be living in the U.S. during the Visa process, would we still be able to visit Canada while our case is processing? Also, regarding future employment in Canada, (and having a plan in place to demonstrate that we can support ourselves) would we be able to line up jobs before moving, with the understanding that he would start work once he receives his Permant Residency status? Or is employment something that must be sorted out only after he becomes a permanent resident?

 

[KBH]

Thank you very much for your help. As we would both be living in the U.S. during the Visa process, would we still be able to visit Canada while our case is processing? Also, regarding future employment in Canada, (and having a plan in place to demonstrate that we can support ourselves) would we be able to line up jobs before moving, with the understanding that he would start work once he receives his Permant Residency status? Or is employment something that must be sorted out only after he becomes a permanent resident?

You can visit Canada as much as you like (he can only stay for up to six months at a time as a visitor, however).

There is nothing legally stopping either of you from lining up a job that will only start once he receives his permanent residency, but depending on where you are looking to relocate to, you may find it very difficult to do so. Most places would opt to hire someone who can start work immediately.

 

[Eelhsa]

You can visit Canada as much as you like (he can only stay for up to six months at a time as a visitor, however).

There is nothing legally stopping either of you from lining up a job that will only start once he receives his permanent residency, but depending on where you are looking to relocate to, you may find it very difficult to do so. Most places would opt to hire someone who can start work immediately.

Okay. Thanks again. I really appreciate the help.