After receiving the Acknowledgment of Receipt for your spousal sponsorship application in Canada, you might be wondering about the subsequent steps in the process. The acknowledgment is an important milestone that confirms your application is in the system and being processed.
1. Initial Review and Processing:
Once you’ve received the acknowledgment, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) will begin the initial review of your application. This involves verifying the completeness of your application, checking for any missing documents, and ensuring that you meet the basic eligibility requirements for spousal sponsorship.
2. Background Checks:
During the processing of your application, both you (the sponsor) and your sponsored spouse will undergo thorough background checks. This includes criminal record checks and security clearances. These checks are standard procedure to ensure that both parties meet the admissibility criteria for entering Canada.
3. Medical Examinations:
In many cases, both the sponsor and the sponsored spouse will need to undergo medical examinations to ensure that they don’t have any medical conditions that could pose a public health risk. IRCC will provide instructions on where and how to complete these medical exams.
4. Request for Additional Information:
If IRCC finds any gaps or inconsistencies in your application during the initial review, they might request additional information or documentation. It’s important to respond to these requests promptly and provide the requested information to avoid unnecessary delays in the processing of your application.
5. Interviews (if required):
In some cases, IRCC might request an interview with you and your sponsored spouse as part of the application process. These interviews are typically conducted to verify the authenticity of the relationship and gather more information about your circumstances.
6. Final Review and Decision:
After completing the necessary checks, background verifications, and any required interviews, IRCC will conduct a final review of your application. This review involves assessing whether you meet all the eligibility criteria for spousal sponsorship. Based on this assessment, IRCC will make a decision to approve or refuse the application.
7. Approval and Confirmation of Permanent Residence:
If your application is approved, you will receive a “Confirmation of Permanent Residence” (COPR) document. This document confirms that your sponsored spouse has been granted permanent resident status in Canada. It includes important information such as the validity dates and conditions of the permanent residence.
8. Visa Stamping (if applicable):
If your sponsored spouse is residing outside of Canada and their country of residence requires a visa to enter Canada, they will need to submit their passport to a Canadian visa office to have the COPR stamped. The stamped COPR serves as the official visa for entering Canada as a permanent resident.
9. Landing in Canada:
Upon arrival in Canada, your sponsored spouse will need to present their COPR to the immigration officials at the port of entry. This is when they officially become a permanent resident of Canada. The immigration officer will verify their documents and provide additional instructions if needed.
10. Receiving the Permanent Resident Card:
After landing in Canada, your sponsored spouse will receive their Permanent Resident (PR) card by mail. The PR card is an official identification document that proves their status as a permanent resident of Canada. It’s important to ensure that the information on the card is accurate.
11. Maintaining Permanent Residency:
Once your sponsored spouse becomes a permanent resident, it’s crucial to be aware of the responsibilities and requirements associated with maintaining permanent residency. This includes meeting the residency obligation, which involves spending a certain amount of time in Canada over a specific period.
12. Sponsorship Agreement:
As the sponsor, you have certain responsibilities outlined in the sponsorship agreement. This includes financially supporting your sponsored spouse for a specified period. It’s important to fulfill these obligations to ensure a smooth transition for your spouse to life in Canada.
Receiving the Acknowledgment of Receipt is just the beginning of the spousal sponsorship journey. The process involves multiple stages, including background checks, medical examinations, possible interviews, and the final decision. If your application is approved, your sponsored spouse will receive the “Confirmation of Permanent Residence” and become a permanent resident of Canada. Being well-informed about the subsequent steps will help you navigate the process with confidence and ensure a successful transition for your loved one to their new life in Canada. You can always approach a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or lawyer if you do not want to apply yourself.