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

Spousal sponsorship

armoured

VIP Member
Feb 1, 2015
17,039
8,737
After applying for spousal sponsorship with my girlfriend as the main applicant. If we were to then fly to Canada, how quickly could she obtain an open work permit whilst the spousal sponsorship processes?
If you are applying for her under outland, she would not be eligible for open work permit - would be allowed to work only upon receipt of PR status.

She can apply under other programs of course.
 

Canada2020eh

Champion Member
Aug 2, 2019
2,194
886
Hello, need technical help on how to sign PDF forms where IRCC is asking, "You must sign this form electronically, no print out or scan" and on the other hand, PDF is not allowing to e-signature. any tips, would be helpful?
When you upload the doc there will be a screen that comes up where it will ask you type in your name, it will say that by doing that you are signing it electronically.
 

ABWAQAR

Star Member
Aug 29, 2012
89
5
When you upload the doc there will be a screen that comes up where it will ask you type in your name, it will say that by doing that you are signing it electronically.
Thank you! I have tried it for the "Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation Form" but it is not asking for typing my name electronically. It is just uploading without asking for a signature or type of name. Whereas the form "Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and Undertaking" asks to type the name and it will be accepted as an electronic signature.
 

Gauti_2023

Full Member
Mar 10, 2023
35
2
is the spousal sponsorship(outland) application processed faster if spouse had already been declared non-accompanying during sponsor PR application...can someone share their own experience and timeline for such cases
 

Canada2020eh

Champion Member
Aug 2, 2019
2,194
886
Thank you! I have tried it for the "Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation Form" but it is not asking for typing my name electronically. It is just uploading without asking for a signature or type of name. Whereas the form "Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and Undertaking" asks to type the name and it will be accepted as an electronic signature.
Not all forms ask for the E signature, usually just the main App form I believe. The others you have to print, sign, scan then upload.
 

Nunavut28

Star Member
Nov 1, 2021
124
77
good afternoon guys,

we applied OWP yesterday but we haven't received any automatic email that confirms my application has been received. is it normal or we don't receive any auto email?

your assistance is so much appreciated.
 

Kknewb

Full Member
May 30, 2022
20
3
Do we have to notify IRCC if the PA needs to leave Canada for a short period while inland application in progress. If yes how is that done? PA has a valid OWP and a multiple-entry visitor visa
 

Paddyj66

Star Member
Apr 1, 2019
59
46
So my girlfriend and I are trying to do this spousal sponsorship and have come up against an issue. The question 'current relationship status', if you put 'divorced' then it doesn't allow you to carry on and says divorced isn't allowed in the spousal sponsorship category. However 2 questions later it asked whether you have been previously married, in contradiction to the previous question. Confusing. My partner has been divorced a year and a half. We are confused and need clarification in what category we should be applying under if not spousal.
 

worldFrenchy

Newbie
Apr 7, 2023
5
1
Hi, I hope you're all well.

I've a question. My husband is a Chinese permanent resident of Canada. I am French. Never set foot in Canada before. We're both currently in China and are planning to move to Canada this year.
I am wondering if I should apply for an ETA? In that case do I mention to the border guard that I am with him to stay with him? Do I still need to show I am planning to get out? We thought of having me getting an ETA and then as soon as we're in, send an application for spousal visa to the province.
I am a bit worried tbh. Not sure how to go about it.

Can you guys enlighten me?
 

armoured

VIP Member
Feb 1, 2015
17,039
8,737
So my girlfriend and I are trying to do this spousal sponsorship and have come up against an issue. The question 'current relationship status', if you put 'divorced' then it doesn't allow you to carry on and says divorced isn't allowed in the spousal sponsorship category. However 2 questions later it asked whether you have been previously married, in contradiction to the previous question. Confusing. My partner has been divorced a year and a half. We are confused and need clarification in what category we should be applying under if not spousal.
The question is about your current relationship status i.e. with respect to each other, not previous relationships.

You say girlfriend - are you common law?
 

armoured

VIP Member
Feb 1, 2015
17,039
8,737
Hi, I hope you're all well.

I've a question. My husband is a Chinese permanent resident of Canada. I am French. Never set foot in Canada before. We're both currently in China and are planning to move to Canada this year.
I am wondering if I should apply for an ETA? In that case do I mention to the border guard that I am with him to stay with him? Do I still need to show I am planning to get out? We thought of having me getting an ETA and then as soon as we're in, send an application for spousal visa to the province.
I am a bit worried tbh. Not sure how to go about it.

Can you guys enlighten me?
-Your spouse cannot sponsor you while abroad.
-If you are not a PR, you need an ETA.
Hence, you need an ETA.

-You are better to arrive as a visitor. While generally they do not ask much detail of ETA visitors, you may if you show up obviously planning to stay (eg with all worldly belongings and ask how to arrange your shipment). Otherwise yes you can enter and then apply for sponsorship. You will not be able to work while waiting, mostly.

-Important, your spouse MUST be in compliance with their residency obligation (i.e. 730 days of last five years in Canada as of the date of arrival/application for sponsorship).
 

worldFrenchy

Newbie
Apr 7, 2023
5
1
-Your spouse cannot sponsor you while abroad.
-If you are not a PR, you need an ETA.
Hence, you need an ETA.

-You are better to arrive as a visitor. While generally they do not ask much detail of ETA visitors, you may if you show up obviously planning to stay (eg with all worldly belongings and ask how to arrange your shipment). Otherwise yes you can enter and then apply for sponsorship. You will not be able to work while waiting, mostly.

-Important, your spouse MUST be in compliance with their residency obligation (i.e. 730 days of last five years in Canada as of the date of arrival/application for sponsorship).
Thank you! Yes, we're all good in that department.
So what may likely happen at the border? What do things tend to look like at the arrival?
I guess I also have to be straightforward about my coming. But to which extent?
Do I still get a return ticket? Sorry so many questions...
 

armoured

VIP Member
Feb 1, 2015
17,039
8,737
Thank you! Yes, we're all good in that department.
So what may likely happen at the border? What do things tend to look like at the arrival?
I guess I also have to be straightforward about my coming. But to which extent?
Do I still get a return ticket? Sorry so many questions...
They will likely ask what purpose of visit is. Saying tourism / visit is not a lie if that is one of purposes. Fro those with eg French passports, that is often the end of it, although may also ask where staying / with whom / visiting whom. Length of stay is another question; fine to say a couple of months.

Some here believe having a return ticket is a must - I think that's no longer the case as so common to get tickets on internet, or - esp for European visitors - say plan to go to states and return from there. (This may be less applicable for visitors from places where tickets are more difficult or very expensive).

Note, if travelling with spouse, questioning may get more extensive. It's also okay to say plan to apply for sponsorship 'at some point' but 'haven't finalized plans.' Obviously also helps if someplace and job to return to; again, can be vague about 'things to deal with / affairs to wrap up [at home] before moving'.

Important to note: don't lie. You just don't have to go into detail or volunteer that much extra. Brief factual answers.

If you're very worried, travel separately from spouse.

My personal experience and knowledge from contacts is that it is fairly rare* that they bar entry to and make visitors from ETA countries get on an immediate flight leaving - excluding obviously situations where someone has outright done something that forbids entry such as serious criminality. More common is they might go into more questioning and try to push to catch someone in an outright lie, but failing that, they kind of give them a lecture - which amounts to exactly nothing in meaning. You can still turn around and send the application tomorrow, you're allowed to, ahem, 'change your mind.'

Also note - there is no bar on someone entering with plans to apply for sponsorship, as long as they also have plans to make it a visit (unless their PR status comes through first) and will respect the law / terms of entry i.e. leave when they are no longer allowed to stay. But planning to 'leave when no longer allowed to stay' does not preclude one applying for and receiving extensions, being allowed to stay under some other status, etc., etc.

[This is technically called dual intent but I don't like to use the term and suggest others don't use it with CBSA]

* Someone will counter 'they know a case.' I'm sure there are cases. I'm saying it's fairly rare.
 
  • Like
Reactions: andrews.juchem