Government Assistance and Sponsorship

Sponsoring Family
1

Hi, I’m a Canadian citizen and my to-be is studying at an approved institution in Toronto, on a visitor visa.

I realize that one restriction to family sponsorship is being on Government assistance. I have in the past (over two years ago) received Government assistance. I do not have any plans to receive Government assistance now, or ever in the future again.

I have two questions:

  1. Would I be able to sponsor my spouse in Toronto? Are there any methods for spousal sponsorship to overcome my historical Government assistance hindrance?

  2. What would be the process and my available options to get married with my to-be?

Thanks for any help and assistance in advance.

2

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and questions with us. We can appreciate that you would be concerned about this.

In order to sponsor a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner, the sponsor does not have to meet a minimum income requirement.

The sponsor cannot be receiving social assistance or be an undeclared bankrupt.

You can find information on eligibility and the process in our Settlement.Org How do I sponsor a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, or dependent child living outside of Canada? article.

You may also want to contact the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) Call Centre for some additional information.

In terms of getting married, you can find some information in our Settlement.Org How do I get married in Ontario? article.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

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Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org

3

Hello, i am currently sponsering my husband. He has got his PR status now and we will be traveling to live in Canada soon. I am asking if i can join Ontario works (social assistance) while i am sponsering him or if it is’nt allowed?
thanks!

amoo a