Increase in Spousal Sponsorship Canada Immigration Numbers Expected to Reach One-Third by Year’s End
Canada has seen a significant increase in spousal sponsorship immigration numbers, with a projected 33.7% increase by the end of this year compared to last year. The latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveals that 6,215 new permanent residents were welcomed through spousal sponsorship in July, almost the same level as the previous month. By the end of July, Canada had already opened its doors to 50,015 new permanent residents through this immigration program, marking a 21.6% increase compared to the first seven months of 2022.
Based on the current trend, Canada is expected to receive a total of 85,740 new permanent residents through spousal sponsorships by the end of this year. This projected level of immigration surpasses the target set by Ottawa for spousal sponsorships for this year. In its Immigration Levels Plan 2023 – 2025, Ottawa has set an upper limit of 84,000 new permanent residents under programs to sponsor spouses, partners, and children. The target for this year specifically is 78,000 new permanent residents.
Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, has seen the highest number of arrivals under the spousal sponsorship program, with 26,270 spouses making it their home in the first seven months of this year. Other provinces and territories have also attracted significant numbers of new permanent residents through spousal sponsorship, including Quebec with 5,335, Alberta with 6,430, and British Columbia with 8,545.
When a Canadian citizen or permanent resident chooses to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner to immigrate to Canada, they must sign an undertaking to provide financial support for the sponsored person’s basic needs. This includes food, clothing, shelter, and other everyday living expenses. The agreement cannot be canceled, even in the event of divorce, separation, or financial difficulties.
It is worth noting that certain government payments, such as maternity, parental, and sickness benefits under the Employment Insurance Act, are considered income and contribute to the eligibility of sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner. However, other payments, like employment insurance and federal training allowances, are not considered income.
In terms of processing times, the current estimated processing time for sponsorship applications for spouses or common-law partners outside the country and planning to live outside of Quebec is now 13 months. This is a significant improvement compared to the 20-month processing time last year. The processing time includes biometrics, assessment of the sponsor and the sponsored person, and eligibility checks by immigration officials.
Overall, the increase in spousal sponsorship immigration numbers in Canada is expected to continue throughout the year. With a projected 33.7% increase compared to last year, Canada is opening its doors to more individuals seeking to join their spouses or common-law partners in the country. This increase reflects the importance of family reunification and highlights Canada’s commitment to facilitating immigration through various programs and initiatives.
Legal Opinion:
The increase in spousal sponsorship immigration numbers in Canada, as projected by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), raises several legal considerations.
Firstly, it is important to note that spousal sponsorship immigration falls under the purview of Canadian immigration laws and regulations. The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and its associated regulations outline the requirements and processes for sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner to immigrate to Canada.
Under IRPA, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who wishes to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner must sign an undertaking to provide financial support for the sponsored person’s basic needs. This undertaking is legally binding and cannot be canceled, even in the event of divorce, separation, or financial difficulties. It is crucial for sponsors to understand their legal obligations and responsibilities before entering into such an undertaking.
Furthermore, the eligibility criteria for sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner includes demonstrating the ability to financially support the sponsored person. The IRCC considers certain government payments, such as maternity, parental, and sickness benefits under the Employment Insurance Act, as income that contributes to the sponsor’s eligibility. However, it is important to note that other payments, like employment insurance and federal training allowances, are not considered income for this purpose.
In terms of processing times, it is encouraging to see a significant improvement compared to previous years. The current estimated processing time for sponsorship applications for spouses or common-law partners outside the country and planning to live outside of Quebec is now 13 months, which is a notable reduction from the 20-month processing time last year. It is important for applicants to be aware of these processing times and plan their immigration accordingly.
The projected increase in spousal sponsorship immigration numbers reflects Canada’s commitment to family reunification and facilitating immigration through various programs and initiatives. It is important for the Canadian government to continue monitoring and managing this increase effectively to ensure the smooth integration of new permanent residents into Canadian society.
In conclusion, the increase in spousal sponsorship immigration numbers in Canada raises important legal considerations related to the obligations and responsibilities of sponsors, eligibility criteria, and processing times. It is crucial for individuals involved in the spousal sponsorship process to seek legal advice and guidance to ensure compliance with Canadian immigration laws and regulations.