How to Sponsor a Spouse From France

Are you ready to embark on a journey with your French partner or have you already taken the leap? The Family Sponsorship category offers a wonderful opportunity to sponsor your spouse for permanent residency in Canada, setting the stage for their path to Canadian citizenship. Navigating the complexities of this process requires the expertise of an experienced immigration lawyer who can provide valuable guidance and support.

Embracing Love in France

To begin your exciting journey, you'll need to apply for a French Schengen Visa, which grants you entry into France. The duration of your stay will be determined by the visa officer, typically with a maximum stay of 90 days. It's important to note that the entire marriage process generally takes between 1 to 2 months.

To marry your beloved French partner as a Canadian citizen, you will need to gather the necessary documents from Canada. You'll need to visit the local French town hall, known as the Mairie, in your partner's place of residence. Submit the required documents and apply for permission to marry, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in your lives together.

Bring Your Spouse to Canada

Bringing Your Spouse to Canada

Here's how our immigration lawyer can assist you:

• Develop a personalized strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.
• Review and collect supporting documentation to establish the authenticity of your relationship.
• Prepare you and your spouse for any requested interviews.
• Submit expert legal submissions to support your sponsorship application.

Communicate with immigration authorities on your behalf to ensure a smooth process and prevent any delays.

If you're seeking an immigration lawyer with expertise in spousal sponsorships, Matthew Jeffery has over 20 years of experience and a high success rate. To determine if you qualify for spousal sponsorship, fill out our FREE Sponsorship Assessment form.

Waiting for Matrimony

Anticipation builds as you eagerly await your wedding day, usually scheduled within 1 to 2 months from the date of your permission to marry application. The town hall will forward your application to the French government, and if there are no objections, your permission to marry will be granted after a mandatory waiting period. This waiting period allows for the publication of the marriage banns and ensures a smooth process.

Post-Nuptial Obligations

Immediately after your wedding ceremony, it is crucial to visit the relevant French government office armed with the original Marriage Certificate and other necessary documents. There, you will apply for a long-stay visa for your spouse, allowing them to reside in Canada while their permanent residency application is being processed. The processing time for the permanent residency application varies but can take around 1 to 2 years.

Essential Documents for Marrying a French Spouse

A translated copy of your original Birth Certificate, authorized by a notarized translator.

If this is your first marriage, a declaration from the appropriate Canadian government authority affirming your single status (translation into French is necessary).

In the case of a divorce, the final/absolute Divorce Decree or a Divorce Certificate.

Clear, legible copies of your passport, including visa and identification pages, certified by a lawyer.

Unmasking the Consequences of Fraudulent Spousal Sponsorship

The Canadian Immigration and Citizenship (CIC) agency is vigilant against fraudulent marriages aimed at exploiting benefits or financial gains. If the authorities determine that your marriage lacks authenticity, your spouse's permanent residency application may be denied (or revoked if previously obtained), and you could face a permanent ban from sponsoring individuals into Canada.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Given the intricacies and time-consuming nature of the sponsorship process, it is crucial to seek legal representation when sponsoring your spouse from France to Canada. The Law Office of Matthew Jeffery provides invaluable expertise to ensure your application proceeds without errors. Even a minor oversight could jeopardize your journey.

Take the first step today and contact us at (416) 944-3267 or toll-free at 866-886-8014 for a complimentary consultation as you embark on this remarkable path of love and togetherness.