Sponsoring Spouse

[pheonixia]

To whom this may concern,

I have collected the paperwork to have my husband who is a citizen of Pakistan sponsored to Canada. But, I am not sure how the process will work for us.

In September he will be starting his PhD program in America. He is studying on a student visa.

Should I still hand in the paperwork - although I am not sure about how or when he will be interviewed by the embassy in Pakistan - or if his sponsorship process gets accepted how he will fulfill the residency requirements in Canada when he will be studying fulltime in the States?

Since he will be studying fulltime in the States on a student visa is there another option to help him become a citizen of Canada so that he can live here in the future.

Or will applying for a visiting visa be better - but then again where does he apply from America (where he will be living) or Paksitan (where he is a citizen of)?

Thank you for your help. I hope this inquiry made sense?

I am a citizen of Canada. This is the first place I have asked the question.

N.C>

[SettlementOrgMod]

Hello N.C,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

It is important to look into this type of information before deciding what to do.

As you may know, there are some requirements that have to be met by someone who is sponsored.

You can find some information on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website in the Information for Sponsored Spouses or Partners section.

Here is an excerpt,

Regulations have been put in place that affect some spouses or partners being sponsored to reside in Canada. Sponsored spouses or partners in a relationship of two years or less and who have no children in common with their sponsor at the time of the sponsorship application have a condition attached to their permanent resident status.

What conditional permanent residence means for you

If you have been granted conditional permanent residence, you must live together with your sponsor in a legitimate relationship for two years from the day you receive conditional permanent residence. The condition ends after the two-year period.

Am I affected by this new measure?

Yes, if your application was received on or after October 25, 2012.

Yes, if you have been in a relationship of two years or less and do not have children in common with your sponsor.

No, if you have been in a relationship with your sponsor for more than two years.

No, if you had children in common with your sponsor at the time of your sponsorship application.

Also, in order to meet the residency requirements as a permanent resident, a permanent resident must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) in every 5-year period.

In terms of applying for a visitor visa, you can find some information in our Settlement.Org Do I need a visitor’s visa to visit Canada and if so, how do I apply for one? article.

We suggest that you contact the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) Call Centre directly for some information regarding your situation and what your options may be.

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