Are you currently in the process of applying for a Canadian Spousal Visa? If the answer is yes, you’re at the right place. The immigration process can be tough. You have to put together a strong application to be able to sponsor your spouse.
With no prior immigration experience, it can be really difficult to understand the process and prepare all your documents while writing a strong sponsorship letter. Your one small mistake can ruin your entire application. To make this process easier for you, here are five common mistakes that people make with Canadian Spouse Visas and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Form
With the changing immigration environment, there’s often new information that’s required from the applicants. To collect all the information, IRCC updates the forms for the process quite frequently.
Make sure you’re using the right version of the form. To check if your form version is the most recent, check the bottom left hand of the form. You’ll find an IMM number and a date. Once you’ve found this date, make sure to cross-check it with the date of the most recent IMM form on their website.
Mistake 2: Getting IRCC Vocabulary Wrong
To have a successful application, you need to make sure you understand the IRCC jargon correctly. Following is the list of the most important IRCC vocabulary and what does it mean.
- Biometrics– This involves digital fingerprints and a digital photo taken at biometric collection points.
- Low Income Cut-Off (LICO)– This is the minimum income necessary to support your family. It depends on the size of your family unit.
- Departure Order– It’s one of the three removal orders. It requires you to leave the country within 30 days and inform CBSA at the Point of Exit.
- Exclusion Order– It’s one of the three removal orders. It doesn’t allow you to return to Canada for the next year unless you have a successful Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC).
- Deportation Order – It’s one of the three removal orders. It means that you are permanently banned from entering the country unless you’re successful in getting an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC).
- Dependent Children– Your children or children of your spouse under 22 and don’t have a spouse or a partner. They could also qualify as a dependent if they qualify as dependents under other conditions such as disability.
Mistake 3: Submitting Application Under Incorrect Category
There are two categories for submitting your sponsorship form for Canadian spouse visas: Family Class and Spouse or Common Law Partner in Canada Class. Make sure to submit your application under the correct category.
Family Class
This is for the following applicants:
- Those who don’t live in Canada
- Those who live in Canada but won’t be in the country for the process.
- Conjugal partner or dependent children
![Two kids holding up a Canadian flag]()
Spouse or Common Law Partner in Canada Class
This is for the following applicants:
- Those who live in Canada
- Those who have a valid immigration status
- Those who would like to apply for, or already have an open work permit.
Mistake 4: Submitting a Poorly Written Sponsorship Letter
Your sponsorship letter plays a very crucial role in the visa application and, therefore, should be written very carefully. A poorly written sponsorship letter isn’t even worth the paper it’s printed on. Make sure to write a powerful and informative spousal letter. The purpose of this letter is to make sure your relationship is genuine. Make sure your letter is convincing by focusing on the when’s, where’s, and how’s of the relationship.
Mistake 5: Not Getting Your Application Reviewed by Professionals
It’s very important for you to hire legal help on the matter who can guide you through the process. Even if you believe you can handle your application on your own, get it reviewed by professionals. They have the right experience and can point out where you’re going wrong or can do better.
If you want any help with your Canada Spouse Visa, contact Nanda and Associate Lawyers Professional Corporation.  We’re Canadian immigration consultants in Mississauga, Canada, who can help you with your application and process. For a free consultation, visit our website.
