Spousal sponsorship applications are one of the more complex types of immigration applications as they require substantial supporting documentation and multiple forms for each the sponsor and the principal applicant.
Unfortunately, this leaves room for many errors that can result in your application being returned or refused. Today, we’re going to share an overview of the most common mistakes that can lead to a spousal sponsorship refusal.
Top Reasons for Spousal Sponsorship Refusal
1. Incomplete Application Forms
There are approximately 200 questions in a spousal application package. You need to answer every single question accurately and consistently. If you miss a single question, your application may be refused - even if it’s something as simple as checking a box “yes” or “no”.
2. Outdated Application Forms
IRCC updates their immigration forms periodically and you must submit the newest version of the form in your application. Be sure to visit the IRCC website (not third-party websites) to find the most up to date version of the form. It’s also a good idea to double-check before submitting your application to make sure a new version of the form hasn’t become available since you filled it out.
3. Unsigned forms
If you leave a signature line blank, this will likely lead to your application being returned or refused. Even if everything else about the application is perfect - one missed signature can lead to your entire application being rejected.
4. Incorrect Information in Forms
If you fill the form with the wrong information, or you put different information on different forms, this is a red flag. For example, if three forms ask for the date you entered the relationship, you should put the same date on each of those forms. Inconsistent information can cause an officer to be suspicious about your application and in turn, refuse it.
5. Lack of Sufficient Documentation
There is a list of documentation you must include in your application. For example, if you’re submitting an in-Canada application, you will need proof that you are living at the same address. If you don’t include any or enough documents to show this, the application could be rejected.
6. Failure to Pay the Application Fees
You must pay the application fee in order for IRCC to process your application. It may seem obvious but many people forget this step.
7. You Mailed Your Spousal Sponsorship Application to the Wrong Address
Sponsorship applications must be mailed in - you cannot apply online. You need to make sure you send the application to the correct address in order for it to be accepted. IRCC has offices in different areas of Canada and each office processes different types of applications. Double-check before your apply.
8. Incorrect Photo Specifications
You must include PR photos with your application. IRCC has specifications about the size and composition of the photos; if you don’t meet these requirements, they may refuse your application.
9. Mixing up the Principal Applicant and the Sponsor
Again, this seems obvious but it’s important that you double-check that you have filled all of the principal applicant information and the sponsor information correctly. We have had clients come to us with a refused application because the Canadian Citizen/Permanent Resident entered their information as the principal applicant rather than the sponsor.
10. Country-Specific Requirements not Included or Incorrect
Out-of-Canada applications have country-specific requirements in terms of documentation and forms. You need to include these documents and forms in addition to the other documents and forms required for a sponsorship application. Be sure to check if there are any requirements specific to you or your partner’s country of residence/birth/citizenship.
In sum, spousal sponsorship applications leave much room for error. It’s important to read over all of the forms and application requirements to ensure that you don’t make simple mistakes that could jeopardize your application. If you require assistance with a sponsorship application, you can book a consultation with us to discuss your options further.
Our Services
Calver and Associates is a leading provider of Canadian Immigration services in Durham Region. We serve clients in Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, and beyond. Our Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant has over 10 years of experience in Canadian Immigration law and over four years of experience serving those in the Oshawa area.
We can provide assistance with applications for both temporary and permanent residency in Canada. We handle applications for study permits, permanent residency, family class sponsorship, visitor visas, work permits, and Canadian citizenship. We also handle criminal inadmissibility cases by developing remedies for refusal.
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