Spouse Sponsorship while main applicant is outside Canada

[devil786]

Hi Friends,

I am a Canadian PR living outside Canada, My question is, Is it possible to file an application for spouse sponsorship, while principle applicant is living outside Canada, if Yes then please share the steps other then the normal sponsorship process, thanks in advance.

 

[WorkerInCanada123]

The principal applicant can certainly live outside while applying for PR - you must apply outland and you indicate this on the Document Checklist (tick Family Class, Living outside Canada).

However, you can't sponsor someone if you are a Canadian PR living outside of Canada (you can only do this if you are a citizen). You will either need to wait until you get your citizenship, or relocate back to Canada until your spouse has PR.

This is coped directly from the CIC website:

"You can become a sponsor if you are:

• a Canadian citizen, a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act or a permanent resident,
• at least 18 years old
• living in Canada:
  • if you’re a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you must show that you plan to live in Canada when your sponsored relative becomes a permanent resident.
  • You can’t sponsor someone if you’re a permanent resident living outside of Canada.
• able to show that you can provide basic needs for:
  • yourself,
  • your spouse or partner,
  • your spouse or partner’s dependent children (if applicable)
  • your dependent child (if you’re sponsoring only your dependent child)."

 

[scylla]

Hi Friends,

I am a Canadian PR living outside Canada, My question is, Is it possible to file an application for spouse sponsorship, while principle applicant is living outside Canada, if Yes then please share the steps other then the normal sponsorship process, thanks in advance.

Short answer is no. Because you are a PR, you must be living in Canada at the time you file the application and must continue living in Canada while the application is being processed. Occasional short trips outside of Canada are OK (i.e. 2-3 weeks) - anything longer and you can expect the application to be refused.

 

[devil786]

Thanks to all for the replies

 

[scylla]

Also keep in mind that when you apply to sponsor your spouse, you need to ensure you meet the PR residency requirement.

 

[devil786]

Also keep in mind that when you apply to sponsor your spouse, you need to ensure you meet the PR residency requirement.

OK thanks.