Permanent resident outside Canada + Spouse sponsorship

[amanderrific]

Hi, I received my PR status last year - I entered Canada last May 2012 and left the following month. I've been outside canada for more than a year and planning to go back in february 2014 for good. Now I was just wondering if I would be having any problems with the immigration since I stayed outside Canada for more than a year? I also got married while outside Canada but didn't change my status from single to married in any of my documents, would that be an issue once I sponsor him and would I be able to sponsor him immediately after let's say a month after my arrival in Canada? Thank you

 

[Leon]

There's no problem staying outside for more than one year. You are allowed up to 3 years outside Canada in a 5 year period so that's fine.

As long as you were not married when you landed as a PR, you got married after that, then there is no problem. You can apply to sponsor your partner, however, even though there is no specific income requirement to sponsoring a spouse, it would help if you have a job by the time you apply because immigration wants to know that you will not end up going on welfare when your husband gets here.

As a PR, you must also be residing in Canada to sponsor your husband if you want to leave Canada for a trip, make it short. If immigration finds that you are no longer in Canada and they believe you are not residing in Canada, they will cancel your application.

 

[amanderrific]

Thanks Leon! I was also wondering, do I need to have my own apartment to sponsor my husband? I'll be staying with my family til I get a full time job

 

[Leon]

No, you don't need an apartment.

 

[frege]

Hi, I received my PR status last year - I entered Canada last May 2012 and left the following month. I've been outside canada for more than a year and planning to go back in february 2014 for good. Now I was just wondering if I would be having any problems with the immigration since I stayed outside Canada for more than a year? I also got married while outside Canada but didn't change my status from single to married in any of my documents, would that be an issue once I sponsor him and would I be able to sponsor him immediately after let's say a month after my arrival in Canada? Thank you

The only way this would be a problem would be if you had lived with your now-husband for a period of twelve consecutive months at any time before May 2012.