How to Sponsor a Spouse From Pakistan

Embarking on the journey to sponsor your spouse or partner from Pakistan to Canada opens up a world of opportunities and challenges. The spousal sponsorship application process is a complex endeavor that requires careful attention to detail and adherence to immigration laws. However, with the right guidance and support, you can navigate this unique pathway and bring your loved one to Canada.

Uniting Hearts across Borders

Celebrating diversity and love, Canadians embrace the prospect of intercultural marriages. If you have found your soulmate in Pakistan, you can embark on a remarkable journey to legally bind your lives together. In Pakistan, marriages can be solemnized through the district court with the presence of a judge or conducted by a local maulvi or priest. Women must affirm through an affidavit that they are not currently married, while divorcees or widows/widowers should provide relevant documents such as divorce decrees or death certificates. Ensuring compliance with the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, lawyers are often invited to officiate the ceremony. All marriage certificates must bear the stamp of approval from the Pakistan Foreign Office, further attesting to the authenticity of your union.

Requirements for Sponsoring a Pakistani Spouse to Canada

Sponsoring your spouse from Pakistan to Canada comes with specific criteria that must be met to ensure a smooth immigration process. To sponsor someone, you must be at least 18 years old and either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident. You should currently reside in Canada or demonstrate your intent to relocate after a successful application. Financial responsibility is a crucial aspect of sponsorship, as you must prove your ability to provide for your spouse and any dependent children.

Bring Your Spouse to Canada

Exclusions to Sponsorship

While sponsoring your Pakistani partner is a joyous occasion, certain circumstances may render you ineligible for sponsorship. You cannot sponsor a spouse or partner if you have sponsored someone within the past 3 years, filed for bankruptcy, received social assistance in the past, failed to fulfill immigration-related financial obligations, have a history of sexual or violent criminal offenses, were sponsored as a spouse or partner less than 5 years ago, are currently serving a sentence, or are under a removal order.

The Commitment of Sponsorship

As the sponsor, you undertake the responsibility of ensuring the well-being of the sponsored person for up to 3 years upon their arrival in Canada. In the event that the sponsored person or their dependents receive social welfare benefits during this period, you are obliged to repay any funds received. Making a commitment to assist the sponsored person during their settlement in Canada, you will be required to complete various forms that guarantee your support.

Potential Reasons for Application Denial

Although the journey of spousal sponsorship is a promising one, there are circumstances that may result in the denial of your application. Applications may be rejected if the relationship is found to be non-genuine, merely established to facilitate immigration to Canada. Additionally, failure to meet the financial requirements, omission of required supporting documents, or the sponsored person's inability to meet medical or security/criminal background checks may also result in inadmissibility to Canada.

Navigating the Path with Expertise

Acknowledging the intricacies and challenges of the spousal sponsorship process, it is highly recommended to seek the assistance of a professional immigration lawyer. The Law Office of Matthew Jeffery, renowned for its expertise in sponsoring spouses from Pakistan, can provide invaluable guidance. With their assistance, you can ensure the collection of all necessary documents, accurate completion of forms, and compliance with unfamiliar laws and regulations. Let us support you on this remarkable journey, helping your spouse from Pakistan become a permanent resident in Canada.