In a bid to improve client service, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is completely digitizing the application submission process for Canada’s inland and outland spousal and common-law partner sponsorship programs.
Until September 23, 2022, IRCC had previously allowed online applications to be submitted for permanent immigration programs like spousal sponsorship but also gave applicants other methods of applying for these programs. Now, inland and outland spousal and common-law partner sponsorship applications will only be accepted online.
According to the IRCC, turning to an entirely online system “gives clients more flexibility to apply from their devices and allows them to receive immediate confirmation that they have successfully submitted their application.” This will be facilitated through the already-active Permanent Residence Portal, which has already allowed some immigration hopefuls to submit their applications for other programs online since March 31, 2021.
Note: Applicants requiring accommodations and unable to use the online system, can contact IRCC to request an alternative submission format. If no such request, any applications that are not submitted online after the transition dates (more on that below) will be returned to applicants.
IRCC has provided the following schedule for when each Canadian permanent immigration program/category will follow suit with Spousal Sponsorship by transitioning to an online-only application system.
September 23, 2022: Provincial nominee program (non-Express Entry); Quebec-selected skilled workers; Sponsoring a spouse or partner; Sponsoring a dependent child; Sponsoring an eligible relative; Sponsoring an orphaned sibling, niece or nephew, or grandchild; Adopting a child through the immigration process; Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
October 7, 2022: Quebec-selected investors; Quebec-selected entrepreneurs; Self-employed people (Quebec)
October 14, 2022: Agri-food pilot; Start-up visa; Temporary resident permit holders applying for permanent residence
October 21, 2022: Home Support Worker Pilot; Home Child Care Provider Pilot (reopens to new applications on January 1, 2023); Humanitarian and compassionate grounds; Self-employed people (federal)
October 28, 2022: Atlantic Immigration Program
