A little about my situation. My husband and I got married October 18, 2008 and did the U.S. immigration (I'm Canadian, he's American). I'm a conditional resident here in the U.S. We've been talking a lot about moving back to Canada (I miss it a ton!) and would like to start the process.
A few questions:
- Since we live and work in the U.S., can I still sponsor him from here?
- How do I prove that I will re-establish myself in Canada when I don't have a job yet?
- Are my parents able to sponsor my husband since I'm a citizen already?
Thanks everyone! So begins the long journey the opposite way north!!!
Hi moosker, welcome to rtc.
1. Yes, you can sponsor him even though you live in the US, since you are a citizen.
2. From the guide:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information...3900E2.asp
Sponsors not residing in Canada must provide evidence that they reside exclusively outside Canada on the date of giving the undertaking and will reside in Canada at the time their sponsored spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner and/or children become permanent residents of Canada.
Evidence that they will reside in Canada may include one or more of the following:
- letter from an employer;
- letter of acceptance to a Canadian educational institution;
- proof of having rented/bought a dwelling in Canada;
- reasonable plans for re-establishing in Canada or severing ties to the other country.
So, if you don't have a job yet, but own a house, that's easy. Alternatively, simply write down a description of your plans for re-establishing yourselves in Canada. Where will you live, and what ties / connections do you have there, what will you do, where will you be looking for work, how will you finance the move and support yourselves while you get re-established. Just explaining your plans in reasonable detail is sufficient. Any additional proof, e.g. showing that you have savings for the move or researched potential employers will help. They're not looking for cast-iron proof, just satisfaction that you're serious about moving back to Canada once he's granted PR.
3. No, your parents can't sponsor him.
Good luck, and post any more questions that come up (there will be many). Someone will answer, even if it isn't straight away.
Matthew
Your parents can, however, write a letter (get it notarized) indicating their support by providing housing, etc., until you can get settled again. There is no need for them to sponsor him, or co-sign a sponsorship, because there is no minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorships. You can do it on your own - you just have to substantiate your plans to resettle in Canada with him when he gets PR. They are just looking to make sure that citizens do not sponsor family members to Canada from abroad and not come back with them. In sponsoring, you sign an agreement to provide for the basic necessities and support of your spouse for three years. If you do not accompany him to Canada, you cannot honour that commitment - and family members who end up in Canada without support are at a greater risk of applying for social assistance benefits - which the Canadian government does not want to see. That's the reason they require that you prove your intent to resettle.