Three years ago I was sponsored to come to Canada by my spouse. We are divorced and I want to sponsor my new spouse. Can I?
No, not right now, but in a few years. In March 2012, the Government of Canada introduced a new rule that prevents formerly sponsored spouses from sponsoring a new spouse for the five (5) years following the date that they themselves became permanent residents. This means that if you received permanent residence (“landed”) on January 1, 2009, for example, you may not apply to sponsor your new spouse until after January 1, 2014.
The Government anticipates that this new regulation will help prevent and deter immigration fraud and so-called ‘marriages of convenience’ or ‘marriages for immigration purposes’.
Our lawyers are skilled at compiling strong applications packages for all types of immigration matters. If you would like assistance in filing a spousal sponsorship application and want to know more about how the regulations may affect you, please feel free to contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers.