Spousal immigration applications continue to be accepted and processed

Spousal immigration applications still continue to be accepted and processed despite COVID-19. The government of Canada has announced that sponsorship applications for spouse and common-law partner– both in Canada as well as overseas – will still be accepted and processed.

Sponsoring a partner for Canada immigration is still possible even with the coronavirus special measures in place. The Canadian government continues with its efforts for refinement of COVID-19 measures. 

Incomplete applications not to be denied

mmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [IRCC] continues to accept and process new applications for Canadian permanent residence.  IRCC may also accept incomplete applications submitted during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Applicants need not delay submitting an application due to their inability to get a required document with the disruptions in services due to COVID-19.

If a new application for spousal or common-law sponsorship is to be filed shortly and the documentation is incomplete, the applicant will be expected to submit a detailed letter of explanation explaining the delays caused by COVID-19 measures.  Incomplete applications to be taken in are reviewed in 90 days. If the application is still incomplete even after 60 days, IRCC can request for the missing documents. An additional 90-days’ deadline will be given.

Eligibility as sponsor not to be affected by collection of social assistance

Generally, applicants receiving social assistance may be considered ineligible for sponsoring their spouse or common-law partner.  However, being laid off recently and receiving social assistance – such as Employment Insurance benefits – will not make a sponsor inadmissible.  There are various other benefits which may not render a sponsor ineligible, such as – child care subsidies etc. 

Exemption from travel restrictions

In view of COVID-19, Canada announced [on March 18], travel restrictions prohibiting the entry of foreign nationals into the territory of Canada. The travel ban is in place until June 30, 2020. 

Immediate family members of Canada citizens or Canada PR are exempt from the travel restriction. Spouses and common-law partners are taken to be immediate family.

Despite the coronavirus special measures, it is business as usual in Canada immigration. Draws continue to be held from the federal Express Entry pool. Provinces also continue to hold draws under the Provincial Nominee Program [PNP].

If you are looking to Migrate, Study, Invest, Visit, or Work Overseas, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No. 1 Immigration & Visa Company. If you found this blog engaging, you may also like …

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