Working in Canada – Why Marriage is a Good Pathway to Legally Get Canadian Permanent Residency

Have you ever contemplated residing in Canada, which boasts a lovely country and excellent healthcare? If so, you are in luck! One of the simplest methods to obtain permanent residency (PR) in Canada is to marry a Canadian, and in this piece, we’ll look at how it works and why marriage is a good pathway to legally get a Canadian Permanent Residency.

Work in Canada: Love and Permanent Residency

First, let’s get something straight. Marrying a Canadian does not immediately qualify you for citizenship or permanent status. However, it does make the procedure easier. Here’s why.

  • Family Sponsorship Program: Canada loves family. If you marry a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they may sponsor you for permanent status under the Family Class Sponsorship program. This is one of the simplest and most dependable ways to obtain permanent status.
  • No Points System: Unlike other immigration schemes, you do not need to earn points for your abilities, education, or work experience. Your relationship with your Canadian partner is sufficient to qualify.
  • Support from Your Spouse: Your Canadian spouse will sponsor you. They must demonstrate that they can financially support you and are dedicated to assisting you with your settlement in Canada. It’s like having a personal guide during the entire procedure!
  • Spousal Open Work Permit: While your permanent residency application is being processed, you may apply for an open work permit. This allows you to work for any employer in Canada, so you may begin establishing your new life right away.

Steps to Getting a Canadian Permanent Residency Through Marriage

This is how it works.

  • Get Married: You can marry in either Canada or another country. Simply make sure your marriage is legal.
  • Sponsorship Application: Your spouse will submit a sponsorship application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
  • Permanent Residency Application: At the same time, you will submit your permanent residency application. This includes confirmation of relationships, background checks, and medical exams.
  • Processing time: You are now waiting. The process typically takes around 12 months, however, this can vary.
  • Approval and Permanent Resident Status: Once granted, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). Then you’re on your path to becoming a Canadian resident!

Things to Remember When Applying for Canadian Spousal Sponsorship

  • Genuine Relationship: Immigration officials want to make sure that your connection is genuine, not merely for permanent residency. Prepare to provide proof of your relationship, such as images, messages, and shared finances.
  • Sponsor’s responsibilities: Once you obtain permanent residency, your Canadian spouse must financially support you for three years, guaranteeing that you do not require social assistance.

Benefits of marrying a Canadian citizen

Marrying a Canadian citizen can provide numerous chances and benefits, both practical and enriching. Here’s a detailed look at some of the major benefits.

1. Path to Permanent Residency

One of the most obvious advantages of marrying a Canadian citizen is the potential to seek permanent status via spousal sponsorship. This process enables the non-Canadian spouse to live and work in Canada indefinitely, with all of the benefits and advantages that come with permanent status.

Unlike other immigration paths, spousal sponsorship does not require the applicant to complete point-based requirements. Depending on your circumstances, you may apply while in Canada (inland) or from your native country (outland).

2. Access to Universal Healthcare

Canada is well-known for its universal healthcare system, which is publicly funded and open to all people. Once you have obtained permanent residency, you will be eligible to use this comprehensive healthcare system, guaranteeing that you and your family have access to great medical treatment without the burden of high medical expenditures.

Doctor’s appointments, hospital care, and necessary medical procedures. Each province has its health plan, into which you will be enrolled as a resident.

3. Educational opportunities.

Canada has world-class educational institutions, ranging from primary to postsecondary levels. As the spouse of a Canadian citizen and permanent resident, you and your children will be able to attend these institutions at domestic tuition rates, making education more affordable.

Canada’s education system is considered one of the greatest in the world. Permanent residents qualify for student loans and subsidies.

4. Employment and Economic Stability.

Canada’s strong and diverse economy provides numerous work possibilities in a variety of areas. As a permanent resident, you can work in Canada without a work permit, allowing you to follow your career goals in a stable economic climate.

Opportunities abound in technology, healthcare, finance, and other fields. Canada’s economy is among the most stable in the world.

5. A welcoming and diverse culture.

Canada is known for its multicultural society, in which variety is valued. Marrying a Canadian citizen entails assimilating into a culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and tolerant of other customs and cultures.

6. Family Reunification Policies

Canada prioritizes family togetherness, and its immigration regulations reflect this. As a permanent resident, you can sponsor additional family members to join you in Canada, making it easier to reunite with loved ones.

7. Citizenship Pathway.

Marrying a Canadian citizen sets you on a clear route to becoming a Canadian citizen yourself. After a few years of permanent residency and completing additional requirements, you can apply for Canadian citizenship.

After completing the residency requirements, take the citizenship test. Canada allows dual citizenship, so you can keep your original nationality.

8. Freedom to travel.

Canada’s passport is one of the most powerful in the world, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry into numerous nations. As a permanent resident, you will eventually be able to receive this sought document.

9. Political stability and safety.

Canada is noted for its political stability, low crime rate, and high standard of living. Marrying a Canadian citizen and residing in Canada entails having a safe and peaceful society with a government dedicated to the well-being of its people.

10. Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities

Canada’s extensive landscapes, from mountains and forests to lakes and coasts, offer spectacular natural beauty. As a resident, you’ll have limitless possibilities to explore the great outdoors and enjoy activities like hiking, skiing, and camping.

Spouse Visa Canada Requirements

You can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner who is at least 18 years old. You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act. You must be 18 years of age or older.

When you sponsor a family member to Canada, you must sign an agreement committing to give financial support.

If you sponsor an adopted child, you may also be able to sponsor your dependent child. Whether you’re visiting Canada for a short amount of time and want to bring your husband, partner, or child, ask whether they can join you.

If your spouse or common-law companion lives in Canada, you may apply under the following conditions:

  • Resides with you in Canada,
  • Has a current temporary resident visa, or;
  • Is exempt from this requirement due to public policy or eligible for an open work permit to work while the application is reviewed

1. Your Obligations as a sponsor

When you agree to be a sponsor, you must sign an agreement promising to provide money for your husband or partner and their dependent children’s basic requirements. Dental treatment, eye care, and other health requirements not covered by public health services are examples of fundamental needs, as are food, clothes, shelter, and other basics of everyday living.

Before you sign the undertaking agreement, you must ensure that the people you sponsor will not be forced to seek financial aid from the government.

The undertaking is a legally enforceable guarantee of support, so even if your circumstances change, you must continue to provide for the applicant(s) throughout the undertaking period. Even if your circumstances change, the endeavor will continue in force for the undertaking period.

2. Length of The Undertaking

A spousal visa requires a three-year commitment from the date your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner becomes a permanent resident.

How long does it take to get permanent residency in Canada after marriage?

Obtaining permanent residency in Canada after marrying a Canadian citizen entails qualifying for spousal sponsorship. Couples in Canada must be in a relationship for at least two years before sponsoring a spouse for permanent residency.

The spousal sponsorship processing period can take up to 11 months if the sponsored foreign spouse lives in Canada or 14 months if they live outside. To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must complete certain conditions, including being physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the five years before the application date.

If I marry a Canadian citizen can I live and work there?

If you marry a Canadian citizen, you may be able to reside and work in Canada. However, marrying a Canadian citizen does not grant you the right to reside and work in Canada. You must still meet the qualifying requirements for a work permit or permanent residency, depending on your circumstances.

Documents required for spouse visa Canada

  • Document Checklist (IMM 5533): Both sponsors and principal candidates must submit the required documentation.
  • Forms for Sponsors and Principal Applicants: The Sponsorship Evaluation and Relationship Questionnaire (IMM 5532) and Use of Representative (IMM 5476) are completed together.
  • Forms for Sponsor: Sponsor-specific paperwork includes the Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and Undertaking (IMM1344).
  • Forms for Principal Applicant: Principal applicants must complete forms such as the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008), Supplementary Information for Your Travels (IMM 5562), and Additional.
  • Family Information (IMM 5406) and Schedule A Background/Declaration (IMM 5669).
  • Supporting Documents: Identity, status, and work documentation, bank statements, proof of financial stability, and proof of relationship are all required documents.
  • Travel and Police Documents: For nations where you lived for more than six months, you must provide copies of your passport ID pages, stamped pages, and police clearance certificate.
  • Photographs: The principal candidate must provide two permanent residency application-sized pictures.
  • Proof of Relationship Documents: Letters, emails, text messages, social media chats, proof of previous cohabitation, proof of financial support, comments from family/friends, and images of crucial events are all examples of relationship proof.

How to get married in Canada as a foreigner

To marry in Canada, you must be physically present. You cannot use a representation or marry over the phone or via webcam. You can marry in Canada on a visiting or temporary residence visa. You do not need to be a citizen or permanent resident to marry in Canada.

1. Apply for a marriage license.

Gather the documents requested above and fill out the marriage license application form accessible at your local government office or website. For example, if you visit the City of Toronto’s website, you will find information on how to get married as well as a link to download the form.

After completing the form, schedule an appointment at your local city or municipal hall to pick up your marriage license.

You will be issued an application number after submitting your application, which you will need to schedule your appointment. Make sure to bring a printed copy of the completed application and two kinds of identification for each of you.

The cost of a marriage license in Canada varies by province, but it typically ranges from $100 to $200.

2. Wait a little.

Some provinces or territories impose a waiting period between when the license is issued and when the marriage can be legally performed. This time can last from 24 hours to a few days.

3. Plan Your Ceremony

After you’ve completed all of the big paperwork and payments, you can finally start having fun. Let us give you some pointers on how to design the ceremony.

1. Set a Budget: Decide on the sort of ceremony and your budget. Determining your budget will drive many of your decisions, including the venue, amount of guests, and event style. Make sure to budget for any prospective expenses, including the location, dress, officiant fees, decorations, and any additional services you may require.

2. Choose a Venue: The venue determines the tone of your wedding. Popular alternatives in Canada are:

  • Fairmont Chateau Whistler
  • Cambium Farms
  • Casa Loma
  • Graydon Hall Manor
  • Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
  • Fairmont Banff Springs

Consider a venue’s location, capacity, availability, pricing, and wedding logistics.

3. Choose a Date and Time: When deciding on a wedding date, consider the weather, special dates for you and your partner, and the availability of your preferred venue and key vendors. Saturdays are a popular day for weddings, but a weekday wedding may provide more flexibility and savings.

4. Hire Vendors: Depending on the complexity of your ceremony, you may need to hire the following vendors:

  • Wedding Planners
  • An officiant:
  • A Photographer/Videographer
  • Hair and Makeup Artists
  • Music
  • A Florist
  • A Caterer

5. Plan the Ceremony Details: Decide whether you want to compose your vows or stick to standard ones. Choose your bridal party, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, ring-bearers, and flower girls. Don’t forget to plan how you want the ceremony to flow from beginning to end.

6. Schedule a Dress Rehearsal: A rehearsal is usually held the day before the wedding, especially for elaborate ceremonies or large wedding parties. This ensures that everyone understands their roles and the event works properly.

7. Personalize Your Ceremony: Include items that reflect your personalities and relationships. This could include distinct music choices, a personalized reading, or a ritual with personal meaning.

4. Have Your Wedding Ceremony

After planning, you can hold your ceremony at the city or municipal hall, a church, or a mosque, depending on the type of wedding you choose to have. During the ceremony, you will exchange vows and sign the marriage license alongside the witnesses and officiant.

5. Register your marriage.

Following the ceremony, the officiant must submit the signed marriage license to the local vital statistics office or equivalent authorities for registration. If he does not do so, the marriage will not be legally recognized.

6. Get your marriage certificate.

Marriage certificates in Canada are issued by the Registrar General’s Office. You can order a marriage certificate from your local government’s website about 10–12 weeks after your wedding. The price of marriage certificates in Canada varies by province; however, the average fees are as follows:

  • Marriage Certificate: 15 to 20 business days—$65.
  • Marriage Certificate: 5 to 8 business days – $100.
  • Certified Copy of Marriage Registration: 15 to 20 business days—$75.
  • Certified Copy of Marriage Registration: 5 to 8 business days – $110.

Conclusion

Marrying a Canadian is a realistic option for getting Canadian permanent residency, particularly for people who do not qualify under other immigration schemes. However, it is critical to approach this process with candor and be prepared for the duties and challenges that await.

By establishing a real relationship and satisfying all of the conditions, you can successfully traverse the sponsorship process and begin a new life in Canada.

 

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