If you’re a Pakistani citizen looking to join your spouse in Canada, applying for a Canada Spouse Visa is an excellent way to reunite with your loved one. The process of obtaining a spouse visa can be detailed and requires several steps, including meeting eligibility criteria, submitting the necessary documents, and understanding the processing timelines. In this article, we will walk you through the complete process of obtaining a Canada Spouse Visa from Pakistan, including the requirements, the processing time, and the documents needed for your application.
What is the Canada Spouse Visa?
The Canada Spouse Visa allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residence in Canada. This visa is a part of Canada’s Family Sponsorship Program and is designed to keep families together by enabling spouses to live, work, and study in Canada.
To apply for a Canada Spouse Visa from Pakistan, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and go through a specific process that will include submitting documents and passing a background check, among other steps.
Canada Spouse Visa Requirements for Pakistan
Before you begin your application, it’s essential to understand the Canada Spouse Visa requirements for Pakistan. These requirements ensure that both the sponsor (Canadian citizen or permanent resident) and the applicant (the spouse) meet the necessary criteria to successfully immigrate to Canada. The main requirements include:
1. Eligibility of the Sponsor:
- The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
- The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
- The sponsor must be able to provide financial support to the spouse and prove they can meet the sponsorship obligations. This means the sponsor must demonstrate they have sufficient income or assets to support the applicant and ensure they don’t rely on government assistance.
- The sponsor must not have a criminal record or be involved in any legal issues that may affect their ability to sponsor a spouse.
2. Eligibility of the Sponsored Spouse:
- The sponsored spouse must be legally married to the sponsor or in a common-law relationship for at least one year.
- The marriage must be legally valid and recognized under Pakistani law and Canadian law.
- The sponsored spouse must pass a medical exam and obtain a police clearance certificate to prove they have no criminal record.
3. Proof of Relationship:
- You need to provide substantial evidence that your relationship with your spouse is genuine and not entered into for the sole purpose of immigration. Evidence may include photos, communication records, joint bank accounts, or affidavits from family and friends.
Canada Spouse Visa Processing Time in Pakistan
The Canada Spouse Visa processing time in Pakistan can vary depending on the specific case and the workload at the visa office. On average, the processing time for spouse sponsorship applications is around 12 to 24 months. However, several factors can affect the overall timeline, including the complexity of the case, the completeness of the application, and any additional security checks or medical requirements.
Factors Affecting Processing Time:
- Application completeness: Missing documents or incomplete applications can delay the process.
- Background checks: Security and criminal record checks can take additional time, especially if the applicant has lived in multiple countries.
- Medical and police checks: The time required to schedule and process medical exams and police certificates can impact the timeline.
- Visa office workload: The volume of applications being processed by the visa office in Pakistan may affect the processing speed.
You can check the processing times on the official Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to get the latest updates on processing timelines.
List of Documents Required for Canada Spouse Visa
Submitting the correct documents is crucial for a successful Canada Spouse Visa application. Here is the list of documents required for Canada spouse visa for Pakistani citizens:
1. Application Forms:
- Application for Permanent Residence (IMM 0008)
- Sponsorship Application (IMM 1344)
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
- Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409), if applicable
2. Proof of Citizenship or Permanent Residency (for the Sponsor):
- A copy of Canadian passport or Canadian birth certificate (for Canadian citizens).
- A copy of permanent resident card (for permanent residents).
3. Proof of Relationship:
- Marriage certificate: A certified copy showing the legal marriage under Pakistani law.
- Photos, chat history, and communication logs: These will serve as evidence of your ongoing relationship.
- Affidavits from family members or friends who can attest to the genuine nature of your relationship.
4. Identity and Civil Documents:
- Passport copies: Both the sponsor and applicant must provide valid passport copies.
- National identity cards (for the Pakistani applicant).
- Birth certificates for both the sponsor and applicant.
5. Medical Exam:
- A medical exam is required for the applicant to ensure that they meet the health standards set by Canada. You must schedule the medical exam with a panel physician approved by IRCC.
6. Police Clearance Certificate:
- The sponsored spouse must provide a police clearance certificate from Pakistan and any other countries they have lived in for six months or more since the age of 18.
7. Proof of Financial Support:
- Evidence of income from the sponsor, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from the employer to prove they can financially support their spouse.
8. Passport-sized Photographs:
- Recent passport-sized photographs of the sponsor and the applicant.
9. Other Documents:
- Any other documents that can help prove the authenticity of the relationship, such as joint property documents, joint bank statements, etc.
Canada Family Visa Requirements for Pakistani Citizens
If you’re applying for a Canada Family Visa from Pakistan, it’s important to ensure that you meet the family visa requirements. While these requirements are similar to the spouse visa requirements, family sponsorship can also include other relatives like children, parents, and grandparents. Some of the key requirements include:
- Sponsor’s eligibility: You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and meet the financial requirements to support your family member.
- Proof of family relationship: You need to submit appropriate documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or adoption papers to prove the relationship.
- Financial capacity: You must show that you can support your family members without them needing social assistance from the Canadian government.
- Health and background checks: Your family members must pass medical and criminal background checks to ensure they are admissible to Canada.
Total Expense for Canada Immigration from Pakistan
The cost of applying for a Canada Spouse Visa from Pakistan can vary depending on the type of application, number of applicants, and additional services. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the total expenses for Canada immigration from Pakistan:
1. Sponsorship Fees:
- Sponsorship application fee: CAD 75 (for the sponsor).
- Permanent residence application fee: CAD 475 (per applicant).
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD 500 (for the applicant).
2. Medical Examination:
- The cost of the medical exam can vary but generally ranges from PKR 10,000 to PKR 20,000, depending on the medical center.
3. Police Clearance Certificate:
- The fee for obtaining a police clearance certificate is typically PKR 2,000 to PKR 5,000.
4. Language Proficiency Test:
- If required, the cost of taking a language proficiency test like IELTS is usually around PKR 20,000 to PKR 25,000.
5. Miscellaneous Expenses:
- Translation services: If any documents are in Urdu or another language, they may need to be translated into English or French, which can cost an additional PKR 5,000 to PKR 10,000.
- Courier fees: For submitting documents, you may incur courier or postage costs.
In total, the expense for a Canada Spouse Visa application can range from CAD 1,500 to CAD 2,000, depending on the specifics of your case and the number of dependents.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to process a Canada Spouse Visa from Pakistan?
- The processing time can range from 12 to 24 months, depending on various factors such as the completeness of the application, security checks, and medical results.
2. Can I apply for a Canada Spouse Visa on my own?
- Yes, you can apply on your own by submitting your application through the official IRCC website. Many people choose to seek assistance from an immigration consultant, but it is not required.
3. What documents do I need to submit for a Canada Spouse Visa?
- You will need to submit documents such as marriage certificates, identity documents, police clearance certificates, medical examination reports, and proof of financial support.
4. What are the Canada Spouse Visa requirements for Pakistani citizens?
- The requirements include proving your relationship with your spouse, ensuring the sponsor can support the applicant financially, and completing health and background checks.
Conclusion
The Canada Spouse Visa offers an excellent opportunity for Pakistani citizens to reunite with their spouses in Canada. By meeting the eligibility requirements, submitting the necessary documents, and understanding the processing time and expenses, you can navigate the immigration process more efficiently. While the process can take time, the rewards of living with your spouse in one of the world’s most welcoming countries are well worth the effort.
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