Of the 66,000 persons sponsored as family members in 2007, the majority were spouses.    Citizenship and Immigration Canada has made the processing of spousal sponsorships a priority and accelerates the processing of these applications.

While these applications are processed more rapidly than most categories, this does not mean less attention is given to the forms and documents filed with the application.  Nor does it mean applicants can be careless or lax in the preparation of their materials.  In fact, the opposite is true.

Because this category is one of the most efficient ways to gain permanent residence, it raises the possibility for abuse of this program as a means of entry into Canada.    There are frequent accounts of schemes where people invent false stories and relationships to try and enter Canada through the spousal sponsorship category.   This causes the visa officers to look at each application with a sceptical mind…and sometimes good applications for genuine relationships are refused.

It would be helpful if there was a foolproof test to determine which relationships are genuine and those which are false.  Because such a test does not exist, your forms and documents must put into words the proper information about your relationship so the visa officer can be sure in approving your application.

So, if you are entering into a relationship or getting married with someone overseas, and you foresee that a spousal sponsorship will be needed, we encourage you to plan ahead and to start gathering the evidence you will need later when the time comes to submit your application.   Come see us and we can give you feedback on your strategy.  If you wish, we can review your material or draft the forms with you so your story is clearly presented.

This good planning can help prevent the likelihood of disappointment and frustration at a later time.