Moving to Canada as an American Married to a Canadian
Citizen
Life often brings couples together across borders, but the
logistics of immigration can be daunting. Thankfully, Canada’s spousal
sponsorship process provides a clear path for American spouses to join their
Canadian partners. This process allows couples to live, work, and build a
future together in Canada while navigating the necessary legal steps.
If you’re an American married to a Canadian citizen, here’s
a detailed guide to how you can move to Canada and start your new life
together:
How to Move to Canada as a Spouse
If you’re married to a Canadian citizen, you can apply for
permanent residency through spousal sponsorship. This program enables your
Canadian spouse to sponsor your application to live in Canada.
Key Steps in the Spousal Sponsorship Process
1. Eligibility
Before you start the process, it’s crucial to ensure both
you and your spouse meet the eligibility requirements:
- For
the Canadian Sponsor:
- Must
be at least 18 years old.
- Must
be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
- Must
commit to financially supporting you for three years once you become a
permanent resident.
- For
the Sponsored Spouse (You):
- Must
prove the marriage or relationship is genuine and not solely for
immigration purposes.
- If
you’ve lived together, documents like joint leases or shared bank
accounts can strengthen your case.
- If
you’ve been apart, regular communication, visits, or shared
responsibilities are often required to prove the relationship’s
authenticity.
2. Application Process
The application process involves two main components
submitted together:
- Sponsorship
Application:
- Your
Canadian spouse applies to sponsor you and proves their eligibility to
support you financially.
- This
includes filling out forms, submitting proof of citizenship or permanent
residency, and outlining their financial situation.
- Permanent
Residency Application:
- You,
as the sponsored spouse, apply for permanent residency.
- This
includes providing documents such as your passport, proof of your
marriage, and police clearance certificates.
3. Processing Time
Processing times for spousal sponsorship applications can
vary:
- On
Average: It takes 12–16 months.
- Factors
Affecting Time: Incomplete applications, additional background checks,
or required interviews can cause delays.
To avoid delays, ensure all forms are complete, documents
are accurate, and fees are paid upfront.
4. Approval and Moving to Canada
Once your application is approved:
- You’ll
receive confirmation of permanent residency.
- You
can officially move to Canada, live with your spouse, and work or study
without additional permits.
- As a
permanent resident, you’ll have access to healthcare, education, and other
benefits.
Permanent Residency vs. Citizenship
Permanent Residency
Permanent residency allows you to live, work, and access
services in Canada, but there are some limitations:
- You
cannot vote or run for political office.
- You
must maintain your residency status by living in Canada for at least two
years in a five-year period.
Citizenship
After becoming a permanent resident, you may choose to apply
for Canadian citizenship. To qualify, you must:
- Live
in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) within a five-year period
before applying.
- Pass
a citizenship test on Canadian rights, responsibilities, and history.
- Meet
language requirements in English or French.
Becoming a citizen allows you to vote, apply for a Canadian
passport, and enjoy all the rights and privileges of being Canadian.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
- Start
Early: Begin gathering your documents and completing forms as soon as
possible.
- Be
Thorough: Double-check your application to avoid delays caused by
missing information or errors.
- Keep
Records: Maintain copies of all submitted documents and correspondence
with IRCC.
- Consider
Legal Advice: If your case is complex, consulting an immigration
lawyer can help ensure your application is complete and meets all
requirements.
The Bottom Line
Moving to Canada as an American married to a Canadian
citizen is a well-structured process that allows couples to reunite and build
their lives together. While permanent residency doesn’t immediately grant
citizenship, it provides a solid foundation for your life in Canada, with the
opportunity to apply for citizenship down the road.
Although navigating immigration can feel overwhelming, the
spousal sponsorship program is designed to make crossing borders for love
achievable and straightforward. With the right preparation, you and your spouse
can overcome these hurdles and start your journey together in Canada.
