How to Sponsor a Spouse From Russia

Sponsoring Your Spouse from Russia: A Unique Journey

Embarking on the path to bring your Russian spouse to Canada requires a distinctive approach, filled with intricacies and special considerations. As you anticipate the prospect of building a life together in Canada, it becomes crucial to enlist the expertise of an experienced immigration lawyer who can navigate the complex terrain of spousal sponsorship.

Navigating the Russian Marriage Process

In the realm of Russian marriages, attention to detail is paramount. To obtain a marriage certificate, you must present a comprehensive set of official documents.

The Legalization Requirements for Marrying a Russian Citizen Are as Follows:

  • Affidavit of marital status
  • Divorce decree, if applicable
  • Death certificate of a former spouse, if applicable
  • Previous marriage certificate, if applicable
  • Birth certificate
  • Name change certificate, if applicable

These documents must undergo legalization by the Russian embassy or be translated into Russian. Only then will they hold the necessary legal weight in Russia. Remarkably, your Canadian passport does not require legalization, as it is universally recognized. However, it is vital to have notarized copies of your ID and bio page as true replicas of the originals.

Bring Your Spouse to Canada


Here's how we can help you:

  • Formulate a strategy based on your particular circumstances.
  • Collect and review supporting documentation to sufficiently establish the genuineness of your relationship.
  • Prepare you and your spouse or partner for any requested interviews.
  • Provide expert legal submissions in support of your application.
  • Communicate with the immigration authorities on your behalf to ensure you don’t miss anything, which could lead to significant delays.

If you’re looking for an immigration lawyer for spousal sponsorship, Matthew Jeffery has over 20 years of experience and specializes in handling spousal sponsorships with high success rates. To see if you qualify for spousal sponsorship, fill out our FREE Sponsorship Assessment form.

Obtaining a Russian Marriage Certificate

As a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may apply for a private visa to facilitate your visit to Russia. This visa remains valid for a period of three months, necessitating the submission of an official letter of invitation. While primarily intended for individuals visiting family or friends in Russia, obtaining a private visa can prove arduous. In such instances, consulting an immigration lawyer becomes indispensable, as they can guide you through the intricacies of this process. It is important to note that the Russian marriage document received is only valid for six months from the date of issue. Failure to marry within this timeframe would require submitting a new application along with updated supporting documents.

The Immediate Need for an Immigration Lawyer

Sponsoring your Russian spouse to join you in Canada is undoubtedly a challenging endeavor. By engaging the services of an immigration lawyer, you can navigate the best course of action based on your unique circumstances. For instance, applying for a private visa while awaiting processing of the spousal application might be necessary. An immigration lawyer will diligently track all deadlines, ensuring that your marriage document remains valid until you tie the knot with your Russian fiancé. In cases where your Russian spouse has children, a skilled immigration lawyer will guide you through the financial obligations associated with your application's approval. By enlisting the expertise of an immigration lawyer, not only will the application process become streamlined and stress-free, but you will also safeguard against wasting time, financial losses, and potential bans from reapplying.

Embark on this remarkable and personalized journey to unite with your Russian spouse, confident in the guidance of a seasoned immigration lawyer who understands the intricacies of your unique circumstances.

FAQ: Sponsoring a Spouse from Russia