When you submit a spousal sponsorship application, you as the applicant, and sometimes your sponsor, may be called in for an interview with an immigration officer. You will be asked to do an interview if the reviewing officer has some concerns about your application. The immigration officer will use the interview to help determine if your application was a fraudulent attempt to enter Canada or address other concerns related to admissibility.

One of the main purposes of a spousal sponsorship interview is to assess the genuineness of the couple’s relationship. The relationship must be sincere in nature and not entered for the primary purpose of immigration. Throughout the interview, the immigration officer may ask you details about your relationship with your sponsor, such as:

• How you and your sponsor met, and how the relationship developed
• Information about your marriage ceremony, if you had one
• Reasons for immigrating to Canada
• The nature of the relationship, including financial situation and daily routine
• Details about your sponsor’s family

How should I prepare for the spousal sponsorship interview ?

If you have been called for an interview, there are some general tips to keep in mind when preparing for your sponsorship interview.

First, it is extremely vital to always be honest and clear when answering your interview questions. Oftentimes individuals make the mistake of guessing or making up answers to a question they do not know the answer to. If you run into the situation of not understanding a question or not knowing the answer to a question, be candid with your interviewing officer and communicate that to them.

If you are being interviewed by an officer, you have the right to an interpreter at your own expense. It would be best to bring an interpreter if your English is less than perfect as you do not want to misunderstand questions or be unable to adequately express yourself when answering questions.

Secondly, it helps to refresh your memory on specific key dates or events by reviewing your application before the interview, to ensure that your interview answers match the information you provided on your sponsorship application. Seeking professional help for the preparation of your spousal application and interview can help minimize the chances of making mistakes that could lead to a refusal. A representative is also beneficial in helping to guide you through the intricate immigration process and can help relieve some of your stress throughout the application process.

What common questions should I expect during the interview?

While it is tough to predict all the questions the interviewing officer will ask you or your spouse during an interview, generally, questions will concern the nature and details of your relationship. Depending on the answers you provide your interviewing officer, further questions may be asked to confirm or expand on the information you or your sponsor gave them.

Below you will find a non-exhaustive list of categories and questions that could potentially be discussed at your interview. This list provides you with a general idea of what might come during your interview process but does not cover every possible question that can be asked by your officer.

History and Details of the Relationship

• How did you and your spouse/partner meet?
• Do you and your spouse/partner have any children, and are you planning to have children?
• Where do you live as a couple or plan to live together in the future?
• What are some future plans you have?
• What would you do if your application was refused?

Compatibility of the Relationship

• Why did you decide to marry your spouse/partner?
• If you or your/spouse had a previous relationship/marriage, why did it break down? How is this relationship different?
• What is your and your partner/spouse’s educational background?
• What common interests and activities do you enjoy doing together?

Ceremonies and Milestones of the Relationship

• What are the details of your proposal? Who attended, and where did it happen?
• Was your marriage arranged, if so, who arranged the marriage?
• If there was a wedding ceremony, when and where did you get married?
• Who attended the wedding ceremony?
• Did you celebrate all traditional and religious ceremonies of your culture or background? If not, why didn’t you?
• Where did you go on your honeymoon?
• Have you gone on any trips together and for how long?
• When did you and your spouse/partner move in together?

Daily Life as a Couple

• How often do you communicate with your partner/spouse or see each other?
• What are your personal interests?
• What is your spouse/partner’s daily routine? What hobbies do they enjoy doing?
• What does your spouse/partner do for work? How long have they held the position or worked at their company?
• What is your spouse/partner’s salary? Do they support you financially?
• What gifts do you and your spouse exchange?

Relationship with Respective Families

• How did you meet each other’s family members?
• What are the names of your spouse/partner’s family members?
• Where do they live?
• If applicable, how did you meet your spouse/partner’s children from a previous relationship?
• Do you have relatives in Canada? Where do your relatives live?

Overall, it is important to remember key dates when speaking with an immigration officer as you will be expected to remember them. Always be as honest and forthcoming as you can with your officer. They have the power to approve or refuse your application, so it is imperative to treat your officer with respect and not be rude or impatient throughout the process. When preparing for your interview, it is best practice to be well prepared, properly attired, and ready to speak honestly with the officer.

How Can We Help

The Law Office of Matthew Jeffery, has over 20 years of experience in guiding individuals through the entire sponsorship process from start to finish to ensure success. Fill out our Free Sponsorship Assessment form to see if we can help you sponsor your spouse or partner to Canada.