Moving to Canada can be an exciting adventure, especially when you’re doing it as a couple. Whether you’re engaged, married, or in a common-law relationship, Canada has different immigration programs tailored for couples. If you are thinking of moving to Canada with your partner with the ultimate goal of becoming permanent residents, then this article is for you. Here, we will be unveiling the best program you can apply and immigrate to Canada with your partner as permanent residents.
Best Programs You can apply and immigrate to Canada with your Partner
You and your partner can apply to become permanent residents in Canada together. It’s important to note that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all “best” program – the ideal program is the one you choose based on your specific circumstances and preferences. However, the following are programs you and your partner can apply to, to become permanent residents:
- Express Entry
The Express Entry program stands out as a widely used and accessible route for immigrating to Canada, offering the opportunity to begin the immigration process from any location worldwide, with the potential to be in Canada within six months. Within this system, there are three key programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) caters to skilled workers with at least one year of experience in a skilled occupation. Eligibility is based on meeting specific requirements for work experience, language proficiency, and education. The evaluation process considers factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, a valid job offer, proficiency in English and/or French, and adaptability. Applicants need a minimum of 67 points out of 100 on the eligibility grid.
For those in skilled trades, the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is designed for individuals with expertise in specific trades. Criteria include language proficiency, a minimum of 2 years of full-time work experience in the last 5 years in a skilled trade, and compliance with job requirements. Additionally, applicants must either possess a valid job offer for at least 1 year or hold a certificate of qualification.
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is tailored for individuals with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada. Requirements include language proficiency, a minimum of 1 year of Canadian work experience in the last 3 years, and specific eligibility criteria, such as excluding refugee claimants without work authorization. If the eligibility criteria are met, applicants are required to create an online profile that remains valid for one year. A score is assigned using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), considering factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, job offer, adaptability, and age. Those with the highest scores are then invited to apply for permanent residence (PR) within a 90-day timeframe.
When applying for Canadian permanent residency as a couple through the Express Entry system, there are two ways to go about it. The main applicant can either list their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner as a dependent, or the spouse/partner
However, if your spouse or partner is a dependent on your application, their profile is not factored into the calculation of your overall Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The CRS score is a key determinant in ranking candidates based on criteria like age, education, language skills, and work experience. The highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence in Express Entry draws.
If your spouse qualifies for Express Entry, they have the option to apply as a secondary applicant. Each spouse creates their own Express Entry profile and includes the other in their application. This approach allows you to claim an additional 40 CRS points for your partner’s profile when submitting your own application.
While proof of funds is still a requirement under this method, it operates differently since your partner is considered a contributor to the program. It’s expedient to assess which partner has the stronger profile before applying and consider factors such as language proficiency, education level, and more. If your partner succeeds in CRS factors, listing them as a secondary applicant may be a good choice; however, if their scores are lower, using them as a dependent might be a smarter choice. It is important to note that the Express Entry program costs CAD 2300 for a single applicant and CAD 4500 for couples, covering the application process and evaluation.
can be named as a secondary applicant. It’s essential to note that dependents are only allowed in applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) does not permit dependents. When you declare your spouse or partner as a dependent, you become the primary applicant and must provide proof of sufficient settlement funds. This requirement is important to demonstrate that you can financially support both yourself and your dependents in Canada.
- The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offers a straightforward pathway for immigration to Canada, with each province presenting unique nominee programs with different eligibility criteria. Applying for the provincial nominee program can be done through two methods: the Express Entry process and the Non-Express Entry process.
In the Express Entry process, if you receive a nomination from a province or territory through the Express Entry stream, it will be indicated on your nomination certificate. You can apply by reaching out to the relevant province or territory and obtaining a nomination under their Express Entry stream. Once nominated, you can create or update your Express Entry profile online to reflect this and accept the nomination. Alternatively, you can start by creating an Express Entry profile online, indicating your interest in specific provinces and territories. If you receive a “notification of interest” from any of them, you can directly contact them and apply to their Express Entry stream. If nominated, the province or territory will offer it to you through your account, and you can accept it online. Regardless of the approach, creating an Express Entry profile at the beginning is essential.
In the Non-Express Entry process, the application involves two stages. First, you choose the province or territory you and your partner want to reside in and apply to them for a nomination. Your application will be evaluated based on immigration requirements and your genuine intent to live in the area. Once nominated, you proceed to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for permanent residency, and your application is assessed according to Canadian immigration laws. When you’re applying for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), it’s a good idea for the partner with the best work experience and education to be the main candidate. If that’s you, then you’d list your spouse or partner as a dependent on the application.
Just like in Express Entry, where you’re the main applicant, you’ll have to show proof that you have enough money to set up and live in Canada. This is a necessary step to demonstrate that you can financially support both yourself and your dependents in Canada.
- Canada Spousal Sponsorship
In Canada, the Spouse Visa, often referred to as the Marriage Visa, is one of the most common types of visas for foreign nationals. If you’re a foreign citizen married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you are eligible to apply for this visa. Once approved, you gain the privilege to reside and work in Canada. To obtain this visa, you must be sponsored by your spouse, and this sponsorship application can be submitted whether you are currently residing in Canada or outside of the country.
There are two ways to apply for the Spouse Visa in Canada: the Outland application and the Inland application.
For the Outland application, if you are currently in Nigeria or any other country, including Canada, your Canadian citizen or permanent resident partner will have to sponsor you through this route. This is also the option if you are in Canada but face challenges applying for a spouse visa. It’s suitable if you need to travel frequently during the application process, allowing you to move freely. If you are a spouse, the Outland route is the only option, although it takes longer than the Inland route. Your partner applies to IRCC to be a sponsor, and you apply to be a permanent resident. However, you cannot apply for permanent residency until your partner’s sponsorship application is approved. While your partner’s application goes to IRCC in Canada, yours is sent to the Canadian visa embassy in Nigeria or the country where you have legally stayed for at least a year.
For the Inland application, if you are already in Canada on another type of visa, such as study, work, or tourist visa, you have the option to apply for permanent residence through this route. Both your sponsor’s application and your permanent residence application will be submitted to the IRCC. Note that you and your partner must have been living together for at least 1 year in Canada to be eligible for this route.
You can apply HERE
The Inland application route offers benefits, including a shorter processing time. Additionally, you can remain in Canada while the IRCC processes your application. Another advantage is that you can apply for a full-time work permit (open work permit) while your permanent residence application is being processed. However, if you choose this route, it’s important to stay in Canada during the processing time, as leaving may render your residence status indeterminate, making re-entry impossible.
The processing time for Canada Spousal Visa Sponsorship applications takes around 12 months from start to finish. While it’s rare for the process to be faster, it’s important to be aware that the timeline can extend beyond 12 months, especially if your case is complex or if additional evidence is requested by the visa office to support your relationship. In such cases, the processing time may be prolonged.
Regarding the cost, the government processing fees for sponsoring your spouse, conjugal partner, or common-law partner in Canada are as follows. If your partner has dependent children, an extra payment of $150 is required for each child included in the application:
– Sponsorship fee: $75
– Principal applicant processing fee: $490
– Right of permanent residence fee: $515
– Biometrics: $85
Total: $1165
For sponsors residing in Quebec or planning to reside there upon obtaining permanent residence, an additional fee of CAD 310 applies, in addition to the mentioned fees. It’s important to take note of these fees when planning for the spousal visa application process.
Tips You should Note When Applying to Immigrate to Canada with your Partner
- Choose the Right Program
Determine the immigration program that best suits your situation. Whether it’s Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or family sponsorship, understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial.
- Strongest Applicant as Primary
Decide which partner has the stronger profile regarding work experience, education, and language proficiency. The one with a stronger profile should be the primary applicant to increase the chances of approval.
- Research and Understand Requirements
Thoroughly research and understand the specific requirements of the chosen immigration program. This includes proof of funds, language proficiency tests, and educational credentials assessment.
- Accurate Documentation
Ensure that all documents, including identification, marriage certificates, and other supporting materials, are accurate, up-to-date, and properly translated if necessary.
- Proof of Relationship
Provide comprehensive evidence of your genuine relationship with your partner. This may include joint financial documents, shared assets, photos, and affidavits from friends and family.
- Application Timing
Be aware of the processing times for your chosen immigration program. Plan ahead and submit your application well in advance, considering any potential delays.
- Medical Examinations
Schedule and undergo the required medical examinations promptly, as these results are needed for the application.
- Financial Planning
Plan your finances carefully, considering the application fees, potential travel costs, and settlement expenses in Canada.
Conclusion
Getting families back together is a big part of people moving to Canada. In the immigration plan for 2024-2026, they aim to bring in 82,000 spouses, partners, and children in 2024, and the numbers will go up to 84,000 in both 2025 and 2026. If you’re planning to move to Canada with your partner or family, there are specific programs for engaged couples, married folks, or those in common-law relationships.
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