Wait. I know you’re looking for a form to fill, right? Haha, I got you. Anyways, there’s a Partner Visa Canadian application form, but before then, just hear me out.
First and foremost, traveling abroad has always been a dream for most persons living in Africa.
I was like you – living in Africa, but I’m no longer there anymore.
You know how?
Well, long story cut short, I got married to a Canadian woman called Lizzy. Since I arrived here in Toronto, she has been showering me with lots of love and kisses.
It feels good staying close to a partner that truly loves you. Your own case won’t be any way different, but you must understand something.
I just didn’t fill forms and got married to Lizzy. What did I do?
I simply followed instructions. You may decide to fill forms, but that won’t help you.
Reading through the content and implementing the detailed steps would help you. That’s what brought me here in Canada.
Ready to enjoy the rest of your life?
Keep reading…
What is Partner Visa Canada?
Before we look at how you can apply for a partner visa to Canada, we need to understand what it means. A partner visa is one that enables couples to live together in Canada and eventually become eligible for permanent residency.
When I came to Canada, I was ignorant of these things. I never knew there are different types of partner visas.
These could include spousal sponsorship, common-law sponsorship, and conjugal sponsorship, each with specific requirements and eligibility criteria.
How do you know the one that best fits you? Well, let’s look at what they mean and how you can apply for them.
Types of Partner Visas
1. Spousal Sponsorship: This visa is for married couples where one spouse is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
2. Common-Law Sponsorship: This visa is for couples who have been living together in a conjugal relationship for at least one year.
3. Conjugal Sponsorship: This visa is for couples who are unable to live together due to extenuating circumstances beyond their control.
Moving on from here, there are some eligibility criteria you need to look out for if you truly want to get married to a Canadian woman.
They’re important because if you don’t follow them accordingly, you could miss out on that chance.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a partner visa to Canada, both the sponsor and the sponsored partner must meet certain requirements set by the Canadian government.
These requirements may vary based on the type of partner visa being applied for. Here are some common eligibility criteria to keep in mind:
Sponsor Eligibility
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must be able to prove the ability to financially support the sponsored partner.
- Must not be receiving social assistance (except for disability).
- Must not be in prison, bankrupt, or under a removal order.
Sponsored Partner Eligibility
- Must be legally married to the sponsor (for spousal sponsorship).
- Must have lived together with the sponsor for at least one year (for common-law sponsorship).
- Must demonstrate a bona fide relationship with the sponsor.
- Must pass medical and criminal background checks.
- Must not be inadmissible to Canada for reasons such as criminality, security, or health.
How to Apply
Now that you have a better understanding of partner visas and the eligibility criteria, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of applying for a partner visa to Canada.
It is essential to follow these steps carefully and ensure that all required documents are submitted accurately and on time to avoid delays or rejection.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Before starting the application process, make sure that both you and your partner meet the eligibility criteria for the specific type of partner visa you are applying for. Double-check all requirements and gather all necessary documents to support your application.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
The next step is to gather all the required documents for your partner visa application. These documents may include:
- Proof of identity (passports, birth certificates).
- Marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship.
- Evidence of the genuineness of the relationship (photos, emails, letters).
- Medical exam results.
- Proof of financial support.
Step 3: Complete the Application Forms
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can start filling out the application forms for the partner visa. Make sure to complete the form accurately and truthfully, as any false information could result in your application being rejected.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fees
There are fees associated with applying for a partner visa in Canada. Make sure to pay the required fees online and keep a record of your payment confirmation for future reference.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
After completing the forms and paying the fees, you can submit your partner visa application to the appropriate immigration office or online portal. Double-check all documents to ensure that nothing is missing or incomplete.
Step 6: Wait for a Decision
Once your application is submitted, you will need to wait for a decision from the immigration authorities. The processing time for partner visas can vary depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications.
Step 7: Prepare for the Interview
In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview as part of the application process. Prepare for the interview by reviewing your application and practicing potential questions with your partner.
Step 8: Receive the Visa
If your application is approved, you will receive a notification and be issued a visa to join your partner in Canada. Make sure to comply with any additional requirements or conditions specified in the approval letter.
Conclusion
Applying for a partner visa to Canada can be a complex and time-consuming process, but with the right information and preparation, you can increase your chances of success.
Remember to seek guidance from immigration experts if needed and stay informed about any updates or changes to the immigration laws. Expecting you in Canada, my friend!
FAQs
Does Canada Have a Partner Visa?
You might be scratching your head, wondering, “So, does Canada actually have a specific visa for partners?” Well, let’s clear the air.
Yes, Canada does offer a pathway for partners under its family sponsorship program, which kind of serves as the umbrella for what many refer to as the Partner Visa Canada.
It’s not just a single visa per se but a part of a broader category that aims to reunite families, including spouses, common-law partners, and conjugal partners.
Here’s the gist: if you’re in a committed relationship with someone who is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, you could be eligible to apply for residence under this program.
The cool part? It applies whether you’re married, in a common-law partnership, or even if you’re what’s considered conjugal partners, which basically means you’ve been together in a marriage-like relationship but haven’t been able to live together due to significant obstacles.
To break it down, the program is divided into two main categories: the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada class and the Family Class. Each has its own set of requirements and application processes.
The aim here is to cater to different situations, whether your partner is already living in Canada or if they’ll be sponsoring you to come and join them.
Remember, the devil is in the details. Getting familiar with these categories and understanding which one fits your situation best is a critical step in the journey.
The Canadian government is looking for genuine relationships and partnerships, so your main task is proving that what you have is the real deal.
Can I Bring My Unmarried Partner to Canada?
Absolutely, and here’s the scoop on how that works! Canada’s immigration policies are pretty progressive, and they recognize the value of keeping loved ones together.
So, if you’re thinking about bringing your unmarried partner over to the Great White North, there’s good news: it’s entirely possible under the Partner Visa Canada program.
But, as with anything worth doing, there are some boxes you’ll need to tick to make it happen. First up, let’s talk about what Canada considers an “unmarried partner.”
This term usually refers to what’s often called a common-law partner or a conjugal partner. For common-law status, you and your partner need to have lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least one continuous year.
It’s like saying, “Yep, we’re pretty much like a married couple; we just haven’t signed the papers.” Now, if, for some reason, you haven’t been able to live together for a year, don’t throw in the towel just yet.
Canada also has provisions for what’s known as a “conjugal partner.” This is a bit trickier since you need to prove that you’ve been in a committed and essentially marriage-like relationship for at least one year, but significant barriers (like immigration issues or marital status) have prevented you from cohabitating.
So, the first step in bringing your unmarried partner to Canada is to determine which category fits your relationship.
From there, it’s about gathering evidence of your relationship’s genuine and stable nature, which can include shared assets, correspondence, and affidavits from friends or family affirming your commitment.
With the right preparation and understanding, you’re well on your way to starting your new life together in Canada.
How Long Does it Take to Bring Your Partner to Canada?
Ah, the golden question: “How long will it take to bring my partner to Canada?” Let’s dive into it, but remember, patience will be your best friend through this process.
The timeline can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the type of application, where it’s being processed, and, honestly, how well you’ve dotted your I’s and crossed your T’s on the application.
Generally speaking, processing times for partner visas in Canada can range anywhere from 12 to 26 months. Yeah, I know, that’s quite the window, isn’t it? But it’s important to understand that every application is unique.
If your paperwork is spot-on and your situation is straightforward, you might be on the shorter end of that spectrum. However, more complex cases, especially those requiring additional documentation or verification, might find themselves leaning towards the longer estimate.
One critical piece of advice here is to make sure your application is as complete and accurate as possible from the get-go. Missing information or documents can throw a wrench in the works, causing delays.
Canadian immigration officials meticulously review each application to ensure the legitimacy of relationships, and this thoroughness, while essential for maintaining the integrity of the immigration system, can add time to the process.
And here’s a pro tip: Keep an eye on the official website for updated processing times, as these can fluctuate based on current caseloads and changes in immigration policies.
Staying informed and in touch with the process will help manage expectations and reduce any anxiety about the wait time.
So, while the anticipation of starting a new chapter in Canada with your partner is palpable, understanding that this journey might require a bit of a waiting game is crucial.