Sponsorship of a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependent child living outside Canada — Part 2: The immigrant’s guide (IMM 3999)

Frequently asked questions

Should I hire a lawyer or consultant?

All the information you require to complete your application is in this application kit. If you have questions or need clarification, you may contact us (see the Contact Information section). You may also choose to obtain the help of a representative if you need additional advice or support. We will process your application in the same manner, whether or not you have a representative.

You must complete the Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476) and send it with your application if:

• you are paying a representative to help you complete your application; and/or
• you wish to authorize us to discuss your application with someone other than yourself.

Do I need a passport or travel document?

You and your family members must have valid passports or travel documents. If any of the documents are to expire soon, you should renew them and provide copies of the new passport or travel document to the office processing your application. Diplomatic, official, service or public affairs passports cannot be used to immigrate to Canada. You must have a valid regular or private passport when you arrive. The validity of your visa may be affected by the validity of your passport.

How long do I have to complete the application and send it in?

You should complete the forms and return them as soon as possible to your sponsor, along with all supporting documentation. Your sponsor cannot submit the sponsorship forms until he or she receives your application.

Do professionals need registration and licensing to work in Canada?

In Canada, approximately 20 percent of occupations are regulated (for example, nurses, engineers, teachers, electricians) to protect the health and safety of Canadians. People who want to work in regulated occupations need to obtain a license from a provincial regulatory body. Licensing requirements often include education from a recognized school, Canadian work experience and completion of a technical exam. Fees for exams can be costly and are the responsibility of the applicant. Final assessment by the provincial authority can only be made once you are in Canada with permanent resident status.

Contact the appropriate regulatory body for additional information.

How long is a permanent resident visa valid?

A permanent resident visa is issued for a period not exceeding the earlier of

• the expiry date of the medical results for you and your family members or
• the expiry date of your or your family members’ passport.

Permanent resident visas cannot be extended once issued. If applicants do not use the visas within their validity period, they must re-apply for immigration to Canada. Their sponsor will have to submit a new sponsorship application and pay new processing fees.

My child is in the sole custody of my former spouse. Do I need to include this child in my application?

You must list this child on your application for permanent residence, but the child does not need to be examined if you do not have custody or responsibility for the child through either a written agreement or a court order. However, if the child is not examined, you cannot sponsor him or her as a member of the family class in the future, regardless of changes to custody or living circumstances. If you want to preserve your right to sponsor this child in the future, you may wish to have him or her examined as part of your application.

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