You Can Still Apply For Spousal Immigration Applications

Canada has taken special measures to limit the spread of coronavirus pandemic in the country. However, it is still accepting several immigration applications. Spousal Immigration application is one of them. If you were waiting to sponsor your spouse or common-law partner for Canadian permanent residence, you can now start the process. Recently, the government of Canada has announced that the spousal and common-law partner sponsorship applications will be processed whether the partner is in Canada or abroad. This is a big relief for those who could not file their applications earlier.

Incomplete applications will be accepted

The IRCC has already announced that it will continue accepting and processing all new applications for permanent residence. Moreover, incomplete applications may also be accepted provided you give a letter of explanation for not being able to provide the required documents due to service disruptions at your place. Also Read: How to Apply for Canadian Spouse Visa? Thus, if you file a new spousal immigration application but you are unable to provide some necessary documents, the IRCC will keep your application for 60 days. If the application is still not completed, you will be given additional time to submit the missing documents.

Availing social benefits may not take away your eligibility to sponsor

As per a general procedure, applicants who are under the requirement of social assistance may not be considered eligible to sponsor their spouse. However, it is important to figure out which service can make you ineligible to sponsor as the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations have described social assistance from a broader perspective. Following are some of the benefits that may not make you ineligible to sponsor:

Tax credits
Child care allowances
Subsidized housing
Employment insurance benefits

Spouses and common-law partner not put under travel restrictions

Canada has announced travel restrictions on foreign nationals on March 18, 2020. However, immediate family members are exempt from this travel ban. Spouse and common-law partners come under the ambit of immediate family members. So, they are allowed to take a flight to Canada. Travelers must show the supporting documents to the airlines to establish their proof as an immediate family member.