Canadian Marriage Visa: How to Obtain Canadian Citizenship Through Marriage
Canadian Marriage Visa: How to Obtain Canadian Citizenship Through Marriage
Canada, known for its snow-capped mountains and pristine lakes, has become a popular destination for individuals seeking to live and work abroad. For those that have found love with a Canadian citizen, obtaining Canadian citizenship through marriage can become a reality.
The Canadian Marriage Visa, commonly referred to as a spousal sponsorship, is a legal process that allows a foreign spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to permanently live and work in Canada. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to obtain Canadian citizenship through marriage and answer some frequently asked questions about the process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Canadian Marriage Visa
1. Determine Your Eligibility: To be eligible for a Canadian Marriage Visa, you must be married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. If you are in a common-law relationship, you must have lived with your Canadian partner for at least one year.
2. Prepare Your Application: The first step in preparing your application is completing the forms necessary to sponsor your spouse or common-law partner for Canadian citizenship. These forms can be found on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website. Once you have completed the forms, you must submit them to the CIC along with the required documents, including proof of marriage or common-law relationship, police clearance, and medical examination.
3. Wait for Approval: Once you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for the CIC to approve it. The processing time for a Canadian Marriage Visa varies depending on your country of residence but can take up to 12 months.
4. Receive Your Visa: If your application is approved, you will receive a visa that allows you to enter Canada as a permanent resident. Once you have arrived in Canada, you can apply for Canadian citizenship after three years of residency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canadian Marriage Visa
Q: Can I work while my Canadian Marriage Visa application is being processed?
A: Yes, you can apply for an open work permit while your Canadian Marriage Visa application is being processed.
Q: Do I need to provide a police clearance from every country I have lived in?
A: Yes, you must provide a police clearance from every country you have lived in for more than six months in the past ten years.
Q: Can I apply for Canadian citizenship immediately after receiving my Canadian Marriage Visa?
A: No, you must live in Canada as a permanent resident for at least three years before you can apply for Canadian citizenship.
Q: Can I sponsor my same-sex partner for a Canadian Marriage Visa?
A: Yes, Canada recognizes same-sex marriage and common-law relationships.
Q: Do I need to provide a medical examination for my Canadian Marriage Visa application?
A: Yes, you will need to undergo a medical examination to ensure that you are in good health and do not have any medical conditions that could pose a risk to public health.
Conclusion
Obtaining Canadian citizenship through marriage is a legal process that allows a foreign spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to permanently live and work in Canada. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article and submitting the necessary documents to the CIC, you can make your dream of obtaining Canadian citizenship through marriage a reality.
FAQs Section
Q: How long will it take to obtain a Canadian Marriage Visa?
A: The processing time for a Canadian Marriage Visa varies depending on your country of residence but can take up to 12 months.
Q: Can I apply for Canadian citizenship if my Canadian Marriage Visa application is denied?
A: No, you must be approved for a Canadian Marriage Visa before you can apply for Canadian citizenship.
Q: Can I bring my children with me when I apply for a Canadian Marriage Visa?
A: Yes, you can include your dependent children in your Canadian Marriage Visa application.
Q: Is there a fee for the Canadian Marriage Visa application?
A: Yes, there is a fee for the Canadian Marriage Visa application. The current fee is $1,050CAD.
Q: Can I apply for a Canadian Marriage Visa if I am already in Canada on a visitor’s visa?
A: Yes, you can apply for a Canadian Marriage Visa while you are in Canada on a visitor’s visa. However, you must have legal status in Canada at the time of your application.