Spousal Sponsorship Review

| Last Updated: Jan 31, 2024

Table of Contents

Listen to this article

Download Spousal Sponsorship Review Service Here

1:38 What is a spousal sponsorship application?
2:46 Meeting the criteria of your spousal sponsorship application
4:27 Inland Vs. Outland
5:22 Common-law Vs. Marriage
6:10 Haw fast is the application process?
7:20 Can I speed up my application?
9:27 How fast can I complete this application?
10:49 Marriage Papers
11:52 Visitor Visa
15:16 Immigroup service types
18:43 How does payment work?

Have questions? Need answers?
Get a Free Phone Consultation – click here to start

Related Applications:

 

Tip: Looking to hire a professional but knot sure what to look for, read this article.

 

STEP BY STEP GUIDE FOR THE SPOUSAL SPONSORSHIP REVIEW SERVICE

  1. A 30-minute phone consultation to prepare you for your Sponsorship journey (a service that helps you before you start the sponsorship application process)
  2. Full review of your Sponsorship application before filing and application support (a service that helps you throughout the sponsorship application process)

 

PREPARING FOR THE SPONSORSHIP APPLICATION 30-MINUTE PHONE CONSULTATION

  1. Download our sponsorship review order form and assessment questionnaire
  2. Fill everything out and send it to:
    1. Email: [email protected]
    2. Fax: +1-416-640-2620 (not recommended due to poor image quality)
    3. Mail:

      IMMIGROUP
      P.O. BOX 27060 MASONVILL PO
      LONDON, ONTARIO, CANADA
      N5X 3WO

  3. Once we receive your application it will take us 1 to 2 business days to contact you and schedule your phone consultation.
    Your appointment will, on average, take place 5-10 business days after we receive your application. If you are in need of a faster appointment, please indicate this on your intake form.
    Tip: You will be given your appointment time a few days beforehand. Use this time to write down all the questions you have. Here are some examples of questions you might want to ask:

    • What is the processing time within my region? (i.e. within vs outside of Canada)
    • Can we file a visitor visa/work permit while the application is being processed?
    • Can anything speed up the application process? (Only a very completed application can help you quickly move through the approval/refusal process).
    • What supporting documents do I need to pay special attention to?
  4. On the date and at the time of your appointment you will speak to your Immigroup representative. They will have read through your application and will have a solid understanding of your case.
    • Your representative will ask you numerous questions at the beginning of the phone consultation. Answering their questions before asking your questions or discussing other concerns will give your Immigroup representative the information they need to know so that they can provide you with the best advice/recommendations. Remember, your representative has years of experience with the sponsorship application process.
    • Once you’ve answered all your representative’s questions, they will go over which applications you need to fill out, supporting documents you will need, what makes your case weak or strong, timelines, and they will answer any question you may have.

 

Immigroup Spousal Sponsorship Preparation Consultation Terms of Service

  • $282.50 (HST included)
  • We don’t have enough time within the 30-minute consultation to review already completed forms, but you can verbally ask any question you have about the application.
  • We find that within 20 to 25 minutes 95% of our clients have gotten a good grasp of the process. If your case is complex or you just need more time, we charge an extra $35.00 per 10 minutes. Please note, we can only do this if another appointment is not already booked, otherwise you can book a new appointment.
  • If, at any time, you purchase a Full Service Sponsorship Application from Immigroup, we will subtract any fee you have spent so far, as related to Sponsorship. (I.e. the cost of your 30-minute consultation will be subtracted from the cost of the full service.)
  • This 30-minute consultation is just to get you ready for the Sponsorship application process. If you need support while you’re completing the application, please send in your order form and check the box ‘Would you like phone or email access to a Sponsorship specialist (application and questions support)?’ This can be found on page 4 on our order form.
  • This service does not come with legal representation. In other words, when you file the Sponsorship application, your Immigroup immigration specialist cannot check the status of your application or answer a request made by the government on your behalf. That does not mean we cannot help you, it simply means that an extra cost will be added to complete your request.

FULL REVIEW SPONSORSHIP APPLICATION (REVIEW & SUPPORT)

You can start this service even before you have completed the Sponsorship Application. Please read the instructions below:

 

  1. Download our order form and assessment questionnaire
  2. Download the Sponsorship Application here. (Warning this is not the completed package, please see our FAQ’s for complete application set.)
    Tip: You must fill the out application that is unique to the country of your spouse/partner. Please read the FAQ section on how to find your regional applications (if applicable).
  3. Fill everything out and send it to:
    1. Email: [email protected]
    2. Fax: +1-416-640-2620 (not recommended due to poor image quality)
    3. Mail:

      IMMIGROUP
      P.O. BOX 27060 MASONVILL PO
      LONDON, ONTARIO, CANADA
      N5X 3WO

      Tip: The process of completing the entire application and supporting documentation, under normal circumstances, should take you at least 2 to 4 weeks and it is not unusual for it to take longer. Please TAKE YOUR TIME! An extra week could save you a lot of time and money later on in the application process.

  4. Once we receive your application, it could take 1-3 weeks for your representative to thoroughly review and clean up your application, depending on the time of year and our availability.
    Tip: You are going to have a lot of questions while you are putting together Sponsorship package. Start a separate document called ‘Questions for my representative.’ Here you are going to put all your questions. When you submit your package for review also send ALL your questions at once. If you would like on-going support while you are completing the application, we can definitely help you. This service has an extra cost that is charged hourly $225.
  5. Once the application is ready, your Immigroup representative will contact you and schedule a phone consultation, during which you will go over the changes they made to your application and any recommendations they might have to make your application stronger. Usually, these calls last from 20 to 30 minutes.

 

Immigroup Full Spousal Sponsorship Review Terms of Service

  • $847.50 (HST included)
  • Poorly completed applications will have a surcharge that the Immigroup specialist will bring to your attention. At this point you can:
  1. Take the application back and improve upon it, then resend it to the Immigroup representative when all improvements have been made.
  2. Pay an extra fee for your representative to fix your application. This will require frequent phone and email communication between yourself and your representative.
  3. Ask your representative to do the best they can with the time they are given. Things will not be perfect or complete when finished. (Please note: In this situation, your Immigroup representative may not be able to ensure your application is approved by IRCC if you choose this option.)
  • If, at any time, you purchase full-service Sponsorship Application Support from Immigroup we will credit any fee you have spent so far, as related to Sponsorship.  (I.e. the cost of your full review sponsorship application will be subtracted from the cost of the full service.)
  • This service is just a review of your completed application. If you need support while you’re completing the application, please send in your order form and check the box ‘Would you like phone or email access to a Sponsorship specialist (application and questions support)’? This can be found on page 4 on our order form.
  • This service does not come with user representation. In other words, when you file the Sponsorship application, your Immigroup specialist cannot check the status of your application or answer a request made by the government on your behalf. That does not mean we cannot help you, it simply means that an extra cost will be added to complete your request.

 

Additional Services

Immigroup Service Preparing for the Sponsorship application 30-minute phone consultation Full Review Sponsorship Application Full-Service Sponsorship Application
$3500		 Add-on Service Cost
Preparation phone consultation YES NO YES $100
Review of application before filing NO YES YES $550
Email or Phone support while you are completing your application NO NO YES $225 per hour
Fill out the application for you NO NO NO $225 per hour
Review and clean up your Sponsorship Letter NO NO YES $225
Summary Letter NO NO YES $500*
Use of Representative filed, so that we can deal with the government on your behalf.

  • Filling your application with the government (& putting the package together)
  • Deal with the government on your behalf (all correspondence)
  • Application status checks (limit 4)
  • Biometrics & Medical
  • Interview preparation (if requested by the government
 NO NO YES $500
Filing your application with the government (& putting the package together) NO NO YES $150 + courier
Checking the status of your application NO NO YES $150 setup fee (4 checks)
Communicating directly with the government if any request comes in NO NO YES $225 per hour
If an interview is requested, prepping you to get you ready for that interview NO NO YES $225 (1 hour)
Inside Canada Work Permit NO NO NO $500
Urgent filling of your application within 5 to 10 business days NO NO NO $6500*
Extending your visitor/work visa NO NO NO Please call
Mailing a paper version of sponsorship application NO NO NO $50 + courier

*Please read below for Terms of Service in the FAQ section.

 

Spousal Sponsorship Review FAQs

Free Complete Spousal Sponsorship Course

 

Question: Which version of spousal sponsorship application package do I need?

Answer: There are two types of applications:

  1. Within Canada: In simple terms this is only used if both you (the sponsor) and your spouse/partner (the sponsee) are already residing in, and will be filing your application in, Canada.  No appeals.
  2. Outside Canada: This is used if your spouse/parnter (the sponsee) can’t get to Canada or you just feel it is better to file it outside of Canada (i.e. faster processing, no choice, or because it can be appealed if refused the first time). Here you may need different sets of application forms unique to the country you are filing in.

 

PLEASE DOWNLOAD YOUR APPLICATION FORMS

Tip: To open some PDF files you may need to save it to your desktop and then open it.

 

Required Forms for Sponsoring Your Spouse to Canada (please download):

 

Potentially Required Forms for Sponsoring Your Spouse or Partner to Canada:

 

Outside of Canada: You will need the following forms if you are in Canada but your loved one is not.

If you are filing your Sponsorship application outside of Canada, you may need forms unique to your country or region. Here you have two options:

 

Option 1: Follow the instructions below to download your country/region-specific applications.

Notes:

  • “My spouse” (and dependent children, if this applies): choose this is if you are marriage or are going to get married before the Sponsorship application is filed.
  • “My common-law partner” (and dependent children, if this applies). You have lived together for at least one year in the same home.
  • “What country does the person being sponsored reside in?”: Where does your partner live right now?
  • “Do you need to submit documents issued by another country?”: Let’s say your partner lives and work in Mexico, then you would be picking Mexico because you will be filing the application outside of Canada and it will be reviewed by  Canadian government staff  in Mexico.
  • “Add another country”: For example, your partner is living and working in Mexico but holds a Nicaragua passport.

 

Option 2: Ask Immigroup to provide the correct forms for you.

To do this:

  • On the Immigroup Intake Form, on page 3, under ‘What are the main questions you need your representative to answer?’ please write “I need the correct Sponsorship applications for the country of _______________.”
  • Once you’ve written this and completed the rest of the Immigroup forms, send it to us by email, fax, or mail. If we do not send you the correct forms within 2 business days, please email us at [email protected].

 

Question: Who will be reviewing my application?

Answer: 98% of the time your application will be reviewed by a licenced immigration consultant or a licenced paralegal.

  • These folks belong to a professional society called the ICCRC (for consultants) or the Law Society of Upper Canada (for paralegals). These societies regulate this industry.
  • Consultants and paralegals pay their dues yearly, have insurance, and have a panel to review any complaints made about them.
  • Our biggest requirement working with these people are ‘honesty’ and ‘competence’.

 

Question: Can my Sponsorship application be refused?

Answer: Yes. We don’t want to scare you, but incomplete applications or applications missing enough documentary proof of your relationship will be refused or returned to you.

If your application is refused, you have to appeal.

Take a look at what a sponsorship appeal looks like (see photo below). It’s simply a nightmare to deal with and, if you need to file an appeal you will need to hire an expert. This will be very costly. Also, applications like this can only be appealed if your application was filed outside of Canada.

Whole sponsorship appeal

With that said, don’t worry about it. Just take your time with the application, do your homework, and get the level of support that you think is appropriate for your case.

With the right support, your case will be much stronger.

 

Question: What is the average processing time of a Sponsorship application?

Answer: The short answer is approximately one year, but you can check the timelines by following the video instruction below:

Tip: The timeline you find on the government’s website when they start processing your application does NOT show when they received your application. This causes a lot of confusion and it is hard to tell when they will start processing it. (Times vary depending on how busy they are and where your spouse or partner is located.) We’ve seen applications approved in a matter for a few months (outside of Canada) and over a year.

Remember the only thing that slows down a Sponsorship application is how well it is completed. A poorly completed application can take a lot longer to process.

Click here to check the timeline of your application

 

Question: What is the biggest advantage of using Immigroup’s services?

Answer: Anyone can fill out and file an application but to fill it out and file it correctly, thus quickening processing times and reducing the risk of your application being denied, is something that takes time and practise.

Our Immigroup representatives are experienced specialists who can provide you with insightful support, while ensuring that your application is completed accurately – a service that is well worth the cost.

 

Question: I am thinking of using a lawyer, can Immigroup help?

Answer: We can definitely get you a lawyer to review your Sponsorship application, the price starts at CDN$1500 + Taxes. Please contact us for this service. All other services generally come at 50% increase in price from those charged by consultants.

 

Question: Why does Immigroup send so much work to immigration consultants or paralegals and not lawyers?

Answer: It simply comes down to cost.

What most people don’t realize because they are not in the immigration industry is that, even if you are using a lawyer, in most cases, the law clerk or the licensed immigration practitioner that works for the lawyer is the person actually doing the application. The lawyer will review and file. The only exception to this rule is a lawyer that works alone, and most of the time this is because they are just starting in the industry.

If you’d like, we can forward your file to a lawyer, please speak to your Immigroup representative, we know some great people in the industry we trust.

 

Question: Which Immigroup service should I purchase, or can I do it myself?

Answer: If you are thinking of doing it yourself, make sure that the following points apply to you:

If you agreed with everything above, with no hesitation, then you can definitely do this on your own. Or with just our review of your application, for that extra piece of mind.

If you did not agree with everything above, you may want some knowledgeable support. Here are your options:

 

30-Minute Sponsorship Phone Consultation

Before you start a Full Service Sponsorship Application, complete a 30-Minute Phone Consultation with one of our Immigroup representatives (cost with taxes $113).

During this consultation your representative will

  • Go over all the application forms you will need
  • Assess your case and make personalized recommendations
  • Go over all supporting documents you will need to collect
  • Answer any questions you have.

This option is great if

  1. You have no time to research
  2. You are unsure and need some clarity before starting the sponsorship process
  3. You are worried and have questions about your application.

 

Full Review Sponsorship Application ($750.00 + Taxes)

  • Provide a full review of your application before filing it by one of our representatives
  • Fix any mistakes on your application forms and add any missing info
  • Review all supporting documents and point out what you might still be missing
  • Provide a phone review of your application during which your Immigroup representative will recommend any additional ways in which you might strengthen your application
  • Answer any questions you have.

This option is great for:

  1. Anyone doing a Sponsorship application.

Tip: The best option is do the 30-minute phone evaluation first and then the full review. This really is the optimal combo as it will improve the accuracy and strength of your sponsorship application.

 

Full-Service Sponsorship Application Service (cost is $3500 – not including taxes & government fees)

This is really a full service from beginning to end. We do as much for you as possible.

You will still need to fill out the application as you can provide the most details about your relationship with your partner/spouse (the sponsee), but every step of the way your representative will be guiding you throughout the sponsorship process.

This is the only service that comes with full representation of your Sponsorship application, meaning we deal with the government on your behalf.

Make note, since 2005 Immigroup has, up to this point, had no refusals of full service Sponsorship applications.

  1. You have no time to research, fill out endless government forms, and to communicate with the government throughout the sponsorship process
  2. You don’t like applications and need more support to complete a strong application.
  3. You need that extra level of certainty.
Immigroup Service Preparing for the Sponsorship application 30-minute phone consultation$100 Full Review Sponsorship Application$750 Full-Service Sponsorship Application$3500 Add on Service Cost
Beginning phone consultation YES NO YES $100
Review of application before filing NO YES YES $550
Email or Phone support while you are completing your application NO NO YES $225 per hour
Fill out the application for you NO NO NO $225 per hour
Review and clean up your Sponsorship Letter NO NO YES $225
Summary Letter No NO YES $500*
Use of Representative filed, so that we can deal with the government on your behalf.

  • 1. Filling your application with the government (& putting the package together)
  • 2.. Deal with the government on your behalf (all correspondence)
  • 3. Application status checks (limit 4)
  • 4. Biometrics & Medical
  • 5. Interview preparation (if requested by the government
 NO NO YES $500
Filing your application with the government (& putting the package together) NO NO YES $150 + courier
Checking the status of your application NO NO YES $150 setup fee (4 checks)
Communicating directly with the government if any request comes in NO NO YES $225 per hour
If an interview is requested, preparing you for the interview NO NO YES $225 (1 hour)
Inside Canada Work Permit NO NO YES $500
Urgent filling of your application within 5 to 10 business days (most things on the list will be included). Please read terms of service below. NO NO NO $6500*
Extending your visitor/work visa NO NO YES Please call
Mailing a paper version of sponsorship application NO NO YES $50 + courier

Terms of Service: Note: Taxes, government fees and disbursements (i.e., courier) are not included. Taxes will depend on the location of your representative. US, clients usually do not pay taxes and all fees are in Canadian Dollars.

 

Email or Phone support from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant while you are completing your application service – $225 per hour

Please work out the terms of service with your consultant. Usually the way it works is:

  • You email a question about the application or process and they get back to you within 1 business day with the answer.
  • Alternatively: You and your consultant have a date and time every week where you get to go over the application and your questions. Note: This service should not be used for your consultant to do the application for you because usually your scheduled call is for a limited time.

 

Fill out the spousal sponsorship application for you service – $225 per hour (approximately $1200 to $1800)

  • You and your consultant will schedule in a meeting either in person or phone/Skype/Zoom and do the application together (they ask you questions, you give the answer, and they type it for you).
  • Please be ready to make yourself available so the consultant can ask you questions.
  • On average this service takes 8 to 12 hours to complete and takes 2 to 3 weeks.

 

Review and clean up your spousal support letter service – $225

  • Send in your completed letter.
  • The consultant will ask you some questions to add more detail; they will also clean up the grammar and spelling for you.
  • Audio dictation cost an extra $125 to transcribe. NOTE: If the audio is hard to understand the consultant will speak to you on the phone and get the information that way, an extra cost of $225 per hour will apply.

 

Spousal Sponsorship Application Summary Letter service – $500

NOTE: One of the more important documents, and some would say the most important document, in your Sponsorship package. This letter will be the first thing the Canadian immigration officer sees. This letter will clearly answer the biggest question for the officer ‘why do you qualify for a Sponsorship?’ The consultant’s job is to make that argument for you and use all your documents to prove that claim in this letter. A well-constructed letter will be used by the officer to quickly verify all claims in the application, making their job a lot easier and speeding up the decision process.

*This service can only be used with conjunction of a Full-Review service. Otherwise, you must send your complete application so the consultant can understand your case and an additional cost of $400 will apply.

 

Use of Representative for your Spousal Sponsorship Application service: $500

Your consultant will deal with the government on your behalf from the beginning to the very end of the application process and help you navigate everything for you.

  • Filing your application with the government (courier fees are extra).
  • Dealing with the government on your behalf. Anytime they request extra paperwork your consultant will deal with it.
    1. No additional hourly fees will be charged if the request from the government is something your consultant was already aware of.
    2. Extra fees will apply if the request is something the consultant was not aware of or was downplayed in the initial application review.  (I.e. medical, criminal or past immigration issues).
  • Checking the status of your application: Great service to check how your application is progressing and estimating completion. Limit of 4 checks – each additional request is $25
  • Biometrics & Medical: Get the address location and cost from your consultant.
  • Interview preparation (if requested by the government). Up to 1 hour included.
    Note: If you are little panicked about this and feel you need more preparation with your consultant, an additional $225 per hour will apply.
  • Notifying you of the approval and location where your spouse can get their visa.
  • This service costs $500 in conjunction with a full review service. An additional $400 is charged for the consultant to review your application BEFORE accepting you as a client. If you are not accepted, you unfortunately lose the $400 assessment fee. This is to protect the consultants from taking on a fraudulent case.

 

Filing your Spousal Sponsorship application with the government (& putting the package together) $150 + courier fees

Your consultant will properly organize a Sponsorship package and file it with the correct government office.

Tip: did you know stapling your application together is a big no, no, use paper clips instead.

This service does not come with representation. It also does include a summary letter.

 

Communicating directly with the government if any request comes in: $225 per hour

Provided the consultant is already your Representative. At times these requests are unavoidable but responding quickly and answering the request in such a way that satisfies the officer is what we can do for you. On average this takes a few hours of work.

At times this is unavoidable but responding quickly and answering the request in such a way that satisfies the officer is what we can do for you. On average this takes a few hours of work.

 

If an spousal sponsorship interview is requested, preparing you for the interview: $225 per hour.

Note: Usually this tends to depend on a few factors:

  • location (what part of the world is your sponsored spouse from)
  • relationship length,
  • kids vs. no kids,
  • and sometimes seems random

 

Canadian Work Permit application submitted at the time of the spousal sponsorship application or after: $500

Your spouse must already be in Canada.

 

Urgent filing of your application within 5 to 10 business days: $6500

Need this done yesterday? Here we got you covered. We will find someone that will drop everything and work with you to make this happen and get the application filed ASAP.

  • This service pretty much has almost everything included in the above list.
  • You must make yourself available for at least 15 hours and we need access to your sponsored spouse(total 5 hours).
  • Requesting extra documents like, birth, marriage certificates, translation, notarization or apostille services, couriers are all extra.

Note: We simply can’t guarantee filing your application within 10 business days, some things in life are simply out of our control.

 

If you need help in extending student or visitor visas, please speak to your representative for pricing.

Call us at 1-866-760-24-23.

Free Complete Spousal Sponsorship Course

 

Additional Resources:

Take your time and read some of the research articles about your Sponsorship topic:

Must Read

Common mistakes that could cause your spousal sponsorship application to be returned

Family sponsorship application document checklist

Spousal Sponsorship Letter – How to ace it

 

The Basics

When to do overseas vs. inland spousal sponsorship application

Common law partner vs. conjugal partner

Income requirement for Canadian spousal (and other family) sponsorship applications

Sponsoring a spouse with dependent child FAQs

How to prove a common law relationship

Sponsoring a spouse to Canada

 

Related Content

How to prove single status for marriage abroad

Limits to family sponsorship liability: How much could you owe?

What to do when your spousal sponsorship fails

How to get visa invitation letter for Canada in 5 easy steps

Gathering documents for foreign countries

International marriage and documents you will need

How to download and use Adobe acrobat for CIC forms

Divorce rates of sponsored couples vs. Canadian couples

Where is your foreign spouse really from?

 

Nationality

Bringing your American Partner to Canada

Bringing your Mexican spouse or partner to Canada

Bringing your Jamaican spouse to Canada

Bringing your Brazilian fiancé to Canada

Bringing your Vietnamese spouse or partner to Canada

Bringing your Filipino spouse to Canada

Free Complete Spousal Sponsorship Course

People who read this

Also find these contents interesting

Certificate of Departure (IMM 0056)

Find my Immigration Application

Citizenship Certificate Through a Canadian Parent

Visitor Visa