US to Canada

[MistahFixIt]

Hello everyone,

My wife currently lives in the United States, and I want to sponsor her to live here in Canada with me. The problem is, I have no idea wether or not I qualify to sponsor her. The 'demonstrate the financial ability to provide the Family Sponsorship Immigrant and dependents with their essential needs' is especially concerning, considering I am not terribly well-off at the moment, in terms of financial ability.

Is there a definite amount per year that I have to meet, or is it on a 'case-by-case' basis? Any insight you can provide would be greatly appreciated :3

[Leon]

As a spouse, you are exempt from income requirements.  There are other things that could stop you from sponsoring, for example if you are on social assistance or have a criminal record.

[MistahFixIt]

I am not on any social assistance that I am aware of (Employment Insurance and the like, right?)

I do, however, get a 'Low Income GST/HST Credit' every three months. I don't know if this counts; I never applied for it, the government just sends it to me. I don't know why.

And I have never been charged, much less convicted, of a criminal offense.

Thank you for the prompt response. Now we can set the wheels of progress in motion, so to speak.

[TinaP]

Hi,
To get GST/HST is okey. Just collect all the documents/e-mails/photos of all ceremonies/ etc. You have to give agreement that you will give financial support to your wife for 3 years if she can't manage to earn. She can not get EI for three years and if she takes, then you have to give the money to gevernment as far as I know. But those things are very far! Just prove that your marriage is genuine and it would be okey.

[top2]

hello TinaP i don't understand when you said "....she can not get EI for three years....." why not ? because i think social assistance and Employment Insurance is two different thing.  yes you are right , in 3 years period if she get social assistance he have to pay back that money. if i am wrong let me know thx and happy new year for everybody

[Leon]

EI is not like social assistance.  It's more like insurance.  You have to pay into it to have the right to take it so I don't know if that counts for something you have to pay back.  Welfare is social assistance, that is when you don't qualify for EI but go the government and ask for money anyway.  I also heard of a sponsor who was made responsible for an ex husbands disability payments.

[MistahFixIt]

Okay thanks guys. New questions regarding the perpetually confusing maze of paperwork and legal red tape :P

In the adorable 'Welcome to Canada' information package thing, it mentions that the immigrating party 'must also bring with you enough money to cover living expenses such as rent, food, clothing and transportation for a six-month period.'

This confuses me, as I know as part of my Sponsorship Agreement, I sign a statement declaring that I will cover the applicant's living expenses and such. Does the 6 months funds still apply, or as a sponsored applicant, does this not apply?

[Leon]

They are talking about the skilled worker program.  If you come in as a skilled worker without a job offer, you have to bring funds for 6 months living in case you don't get a job right away.  When you sponsor someone, you are responsible for them

[jambaloni]

As a spouse, you are exempt from income requirements.  There are other things that could stop you from sponsoring, for example if you are on social assistance or have a criminal record.

A criminal record will not prevent you from sponsoring anyone.  It's a bit more specific than that.