Love Knows No Borders, But Immigration Does: Martin & Diana’s Journey Through Canada’s Spousal Sponsorship Program

Imagine finding the love of your life in a different country—someone who makes every distance feel shorter, every call more special, and every goodbye harder. This was the reality for Martin and Diana, a couple whose love story spanned continents. But falling in love was the easy part—bringing their lives together in Canada was where the real journey began.

A Love Story That Crossed Borders

Martin, a Canadian legal administrator from Hamilton, Ontario, never expected his life to change during a business trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At a networking event, he met Diana, a marketing specialist with a contagious passion for life. The two clicked instantly. Their brief time together was filled with endless conversations, late-night walks along the beach, and promises to stay connected.

After Martin returned to Canada, they committed to making their relationship work despite the 8,000-kilometer distance. Video calls replaced coffee dates, and virtual movie nights became their new normal. But love over distance is never easy. Martin wanted Diana to experience life with him in Canada, beyond the limits of a screen.

Determined to close the gap, Martin invited Diana to visit. She applied for a visitor visa, proving her job, financial stability, and strong ties to Brazil. To their relief, her visa was approved!

From Visitors to Spouses: The Canadian Dream Begins

Diana landed in Toronto in the heart of winter—her first time seeing snow. Adjusting to Canadian life was a challenge, but being with Martin made it worth it. What was supposed to be a temporary visit quickly turned into something more. Martin knew he never wanted to say goodbye again.

One evening, surrounded by fairy lights and soft music, he proposed. Diana said yes. They decided to build their life together in Canada, but now came the biggest question: How could Diana stay permanently?

Who Can Sponsor Their Spouse? Sponsor Eligibility Requirements

To sponsor a spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner, the sponsor must:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (citizens can sponsor from outside Canada, but permanent residents must be inside Canada when applying).

• Not be receiving social assistance, except for disability benefits.

• Be able to support their spouse financially, ensuring they do not require government assistance.

• Not have been sponsored as a spouse themselves within the last five years.

• Not have been convicted of certain violent or sexual offenses.

Who Can Apply? Understanding Relationship Types

• Married Couples – Legally married in Canada or any other country (as long as it’s recognized by that country).

• Common-Law Partners – Must have lived together for at least 12 consecutive months in a marriage-like relationship.

• Conjugal Partners – For couples who cannot live together due to legal, cultural, or immigration barriers.

• Same-Sex Couples – Can apply under any of the three categories: Married, Common-Law, or Conjugal Partner, as long as they meet the respective requirements. Same-sex marriages performed outside Canada are recognized only if they were legally valid in the country where they were performed.

Choosing the Right Sponsorship Pathway: Inland or Outland?

Martin and Diana faced a critical decision—should they apply for inland sponsorship (from within Canada) or outland sponsorship (from Brazil)? Each option had its own pros and cons:

➡ Inland Sponsorship: Diana could remain in Canada while her application was processed and even apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP). However, if she left the country, there was a risk she wouldn’t be allowed back in.

➡ Outland Sponsorship: Processing was typically faster (about 10 months), and Diana could still visit Canada on her valid visitor visa. However, if denied entry, they would have to remain apart.

Wanting to stay together, they chose the Inland Sponsorship route and prepared to file their application.

Their Biggest Challenges:

Proving Their Relationship Was Genuine

Since Martin and Diana’s marriage was new, IRCC would scrutinize their application to ensure it wasn’t just for immigration benefits. Many couples are refused simply because they don’t provide enough proof.

🔹 How They Proved It:

• Years of chat history and video calls showing their long-distance relationship.

• Travel records and photos from multiple visits to Brazil.

• Affidavits from family and friends vouching for their love.

• Proof of financial support, like shared expenses and bank transfers.

Maintaining Legal Status in Canada

Diana’s visitor visa was expiring soon, and they worried about her ability to stay legally while waiting for PR.

🔹 How They Solved It:

• We helped them extend her visitor visa, ensuring she remained in status.

• She applied for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), allowing her to work while her PR application was processed.

Ensuring a Strong Application

Martin and Diana knew that preparing a solid application was key to avoiding delays or refusals.

🔹 How They Solved It:

• They trusted Immigrative Visa Services to guide them through the process.

• We ensured they applied for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) so Diana could work while waiting for PR.

• We helped her maintain implied status by extending her visitor visa.

• Most importantly, we made sure they submitted comprehensive relationship proof, including financial records, daily communication logs, and affidavits from friends and family.

With a well-prepared case, Martin and Diana’s application was processed smoothly in under 8 months, with no additional document requests from IRCC.

Financial Concerns

Martin earned $23/hour as a legal administrator and wasn’t sure if there was an income requirement to sponsor his wife.

🔹 The Reality:

• Unlike other sponsorship programs, there is NO minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship.

• However, sponsors must prove they can financially support their spouse without relying on social assistance.

Processing Times: What to Expect in 2025

Latest Processing Times (As of February 5, 2025 – Updated Monthly):

• Spouse or common-law partner living inside Canada:

  • Outside Quebec: 28 months

  • In Quebec: 34 months

• Spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner living outside Canada:

  • Outside Quebec: 10 months

  • In Quebec: 36 months

Processing times fluctuate, so check IRCC’s official website for updates.

Tips for a Successful Sponsorship Application

• Keep Strong Evidence – Save photos, financial records, travel itineraries, and messages to show the depth of your relationship.

• Choose the Right Sponsorship Route – Inland allows your spouse to stay in Canada, while outland is usually faster and allows for an appeal if refused.

• Maintain Legal Status in Canada – If applying inland, ensure your spouse remains in status through visa extensions or an SOWP.

• Ensure Financial Stability – There is no strict income requirement, but proving financial stability strengthens your case.

• Get Professional Guidance – Working with Immigrative Visa Services helps prevent delays and mistakes.

  
  

By trusting Immigrative Visa Services, Martin and Diana had a smooth experience, allowing them to focus on their new life together in Canada.

Application Outcomes: Approval and Potential Challenges

Martin & Diana’s Approval: What Happened Next?

After submitting a strong application with comprehensive relationship proof, Diana and Martin received their approval in under 8 months. Diana was granted Permanent Residence (PR), and soon after, she received her PR card, officially marking the start of their new life in Canada.

They could now plan their future without the stress of immigration uncertainty. Diana was free to work without restrictions, travel outside Canada, and begin her path to citizenship.

What Can Go Wrong? Unfavorable Outcomes

While Martin and Diana had a smooth process, not all applications go the same way. Here are some challenges applicants may face:

Application is Returned

• If an application is incomplete, IRCC will return it after 2 to 2.5 months.

• If an inland applicant was relying on a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), they may fall out of status if the application is returned.

• If out of status for less than 90 days, they can apply for Restoration of Status and resubmit.

• If over 90 days out of status, they may have to leave Canada and reapply.

In-Person Interviews

• Some applicants are called for an interview if IRCC has doubts about their relationship.

• Common reasons include limited time spent together, cultural/language differences, or a past sponsorship.

• Common Pitfall: Nervous applicants may provide inconsistent answers, leading to refusals.

• Solution: Proper preparation with an immigration expert to confidently explain the relationship.

Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL)

• If IRCC suspects fraud or has concerns, they may issue a Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL).

• A strong detailed response with additional proof is crucial to prevent refusal.

• Ignoring or submitting weak evidence can result in rejection.

Refusal

• If an inland sponsorship is refused, there is no appeal right.

• Options include:

  • Filing a Judicial Review (can take 6-12 months, plus processing time if reapproved).

  • Submitting a new application, ensuring past mistakes are corrected.

• If an outland sponsorship is refused, an appeal can be filed with the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD), but this process can take 1.5 to 2 years.

By avoiding these mistakes and preparing a strong application, couples can improve their chances of success and prevent unnecessary delays.

Final Thoughts: Let Immigrative Visa Services Guide You to Success

Spousal sponsorship is about uniting families and building a future together. The process can be complex, but with expert guidance, you can avoid pitfalls and delays.

At Immigrative Visa Services, we specialize in spousal sponsorship and have helped countless couples navigate both inland and outland sponsorship successfully. We handle every step, ensuring your application is complete and meets IRCC requirements.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Let our experts help you bring your loved one to Canada. Schedule a Consultation Today!

Note: This story is based on real events; however, names, cities, and specific details have been altered to protect client confidentiality. This content is intended for educational purposes only.