Source
r/ImmigrationCanada•
mpf138

Canadian citizen (living abroad) sponsoring EU partner?

Hello,

I am Canadian, my partner (married) is european and we live in the UK. If we were to move to Canada, would I need to move there alone first in order to obtain employment? I'm not sure how the declaration of providing my partner with health care, dental, financial support etc, works for people like us. Does Canada have a minimum income requirement for sponsorship? It's very early days so I'm just looking for some preliminary info while I begin my research. Thanks.

Posted Feb 5, 2019, 1:49 PM UTC

29
etalasi•

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/spouse-partner-children/eligibility.html

2
mpf138OP•

Hi, thanks. I was hoping to hear from someone who has gone through the process.

2
kcward7•

You're asking pretty rudimentary questions that are largely answered here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5525-basic-guide-sponsor-your-spouse-partner-child.html

There is no minimum income requirement to sponsor. It really depends on whether or not you want to apply inland or outland. Summarized differences here:

Inland: both applicant and sponsor must be inside Canada at the time of submission. You can apply for the OWP alongside the inland application. Travel outside of Canada is not recommended on an inland application - if you are denied re-entry by CBSA, you application will be abandoned. That said, many applicants have taken short trips with no issues (pending you meet admissibility requirements you should be granted re-entry, but never guaranteed). There is no appeal option on the inland application. Inland applications are processed consistently at the 11 to 12 month mark.

Outland: applicant and sponsor can be living inside Canada, living apart internationally, living together internationally (unless the sponsor is a PR and not a citizen; in that case they must remain inside Canada during processing). Travel is fine. If you're inside Canada you must maintain valid status throughout processing (like having a valid visitor visa). There is no OWP option. There is an appeal option if denied. Outland processing generally tends to be faster than inland, but not always, and falls under the same 12 month processing target.

2
mpf138OP•

Thanks for this. I was mostly curious if this is intentionally vague: "When you agree to sponsor, you sign an undertaking, promising to give financial support for the basic needs of the people you’re sponsoring, and any of their dependent children.

Basic needs include:

food, clothing, shelter and other needs for everyday living dental care, eye care and other health needs not covered by public health services"

Is there a number tied to this, or dependent on employment, or simply a promise to look after them?

1
kcward7•

Not a financial number, but the undertaking is for 3 years after the person becomes a PR (unless you live in QC).

3
mpf138OP•

Thank you again. We're used to the UK system which seems much more rigid/defined, hence my confusion here.

1
kcward7•

Yes, the UK system is MUCH different.

1
theoorsb•

I've recently gone through the exact same process (Canadian citizen sponsoring EU spouse) and can confirm what the previous commenter said about not having to meet a minimum income requirement and not having to move back first to get a job, etc. Feel free to DM if you have other questions.

2
[deleted]•

[removed]

1