Spousal sponsorship

[Joey-Jo]

To add to my post above, I also ran this question re whether money over a certain amount is subject to tax through AI and it said:

"No, you generally don't pay tax on cash you declare at the airport when entering or leaving a country
(like the US or Canada); you pay duty and taxes only on goods that exceed personal exemptions, but you must declare large amounts of currency (over $10,000 USD/CAD) to avoid seizure and penalties, as declaration is for anti-money laundering, not income tax. The declaration confirms the money isn't from illegal sources, but you must prove its legitimate origin if asked"

 

[MARIE43]

Hi All / @armoured -

Is it true that when my wife comes to Canada as a PR for the first time, she can bring as much cash as she wants at both the Indian airport and the Canadian airport, and it will be completely non-taxable?

Planning to bring approximately $30K CAD in cash.

Yes, your wife can bring $30,000 CAD in cash to Canada as a new PR, but she must declare it to Canadian Border Services (CBSA) upon arrival because it's over the C$10,000 limit, and it's generally non-taxable in Canada if it's personal funds (not business income), but she must prove it's legally obtained and be prepared to show it as proof of funds for settlement; she must also check India's limits for taking cash out.

Key Points for Canada:

●Declaration is Mandatory: Anything C$10,000 or more (Canadian or foreign currency) must be declared at the port of entry.
No Upper Limit (With Declaration): You can bring more than C$10,000, but you must declare it to avoid fines and seizure.

●Proof of Funds: As a new PR, she might need to show this cash as proof she can support herself initially, so having bank statements or source-of-funds documentation is smart.

●Taxation: Personal funds brought in are generally not taxed as income in Canada, but it's essential they are legitimate funds from her (e.g., savings).

Key Points for India (Leaving):

Check RBI Rules: India's Reserve Bank of India (RBI) (RBI) has limits on how much foreign currency residents can take out. You'll need to check their current guidelines for residents leaving India with cash.

Recommendation:

●Check Indian Customs/RBI Rules: Ensure she's not violating any Indian regulations by carrying that much cash out.
Declare in Canada: At the Canadian airport, she must fill out the CBSA declaration form and state the amount.

●Documentation: Have evidence (bank statements, gift deeds if applicable) showing where the money came from.

Consider Alternatives: Bank transfers are often safer and easier than carrying large amounts of physical cash, though cash is permitted.

 

[Canada Moose]

@armoured / @legalfalcon -

Is it necessary to use the GCKey OR can I manage with PR portal and Application tracker?

FYI - I have tried linking my application to GCKey numerous times but it didn't work out.

I have heard a lot of contradicting replies from people on this subject - some have said you absolutely need to have GCkey, others have mentioned its not a deal-breaker.

 

[Tarhata YU]

it's been 2 years since we applied, still on background verification ( since January) I'm feeling hopeless.
we applied for tourist visa on Nov 11, 2025 no update since Nov 13 ( completed biometrics)

 

[Canada Moose]

it's been 2 years since we applied, still on background verification ( since January) I'm feeling hopeless.
we applied for tourist visa on Nov 11, 2025 no update since Nov 13 ( completed biometrics)

Have you considered 'mandamus'?

 

[Tarhata YU]

Have you considered 'mandamus'?

no. i have rep but i feel like i am more updated than my rep. Can rep request for follow up? I did contact my MP couple months ago and replied that the application is still on security screening.

 

[Canada Moose]

no. i have rep but i feel like i am more updated than my rep. Can rep request for follow up? I did contact my MP couple months ago and replied that the application is still on security screening.

I think representative can follow-up.

 

[PradipSaha]

Hi, if an Outland Principal Applicant (PA) is residing in Canada with the sponsor (PA's spouse) on a TRV & has received the AOR for the corresponding submitted Outland Spousal Sponsorship application, then can the PA continue to reside in Canada on implied status beyond the stay duration specified in the earlier submitted & approved TRV application? If yes, can this stay duration be more than 6 months?

Please be informed that in this context the PA, in the role of a TRV applicant has mentioned in the TRV application that she will be staying with her spouse for a period of 4 months & during this stay, the spousal sponsorship application was submitted & the AOR was received, so can the PA submit an IRCC web form & contact CBSA stating that based on this implied status, she is extending her stay beyond the stay duration specified on her earlier approved TRV application? Also, please note that the UCI generated based on the approved TRV application, is the same UCI which will be mentioned on the spousal sponsorship application forms respectively.

Kindly suggest

 

[armoured]

Kindly suggest

I think it would be easier to just apply to extend your stay. I'm not sure it's strictly necessary, but rather than worry about whether the implied status is sufficient, etc., just apply (routinely granted I understand for those with spousal apps) and be certain you are not out of status.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/extend-stay.html

 

[PradipSaha]

I think it would be easier to just apply to extend your stay. I'm not sure it's strictly necessary, but rather than worry about whether the implied status is sufficient, etc., just apply (routinely granted I understand for those with spousal apps) and be certain you are not out of status.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/extend-stay.html

Thanks @armoured for the prompt response, what is the eligibility criteria for applying for a visitor record, apart from the fact that the PA is seeking a stay extension? Does the PA need to show further or similar home country strong ties to get her visitor record application approved?

 

[armoured]

Thanks @armoured for the prompt response, what is the eligibility criteria for applying for a visitor record, apart from the fact that the PA is seeking a stay extension? Does the PA need to show further or similar home country strong ties to get her visitor record application approved?

I suggest simply reading the instructions and looking at the form. These are routinely granted to those visiting spouses, esp when spousal spnosorship apps are in progress. By 'routinely' I mean they do not make this difficult nor impose particularly high bars for those already in the country. Just mention the spousal app in progress and give app or UCI# as appropriate. If ever asked, just tell the truth - you will leave if not permitted to stay, but if your PR app is approved, you will stay.

 

[PradipSaha]

I suggest simply reading the instructions and looking at the form. These are routinely granted to those visiting spouses, esp when spousal spnosorship apps are in progress. By 'routinely' I mean they do not make this difficult nor impose particularly high bars for those already in the country. Just mention the spousal app in progress and give app or UCI# as appropriate. If ever asked, just tell the truth - you will leave if not permitted to stay, but if your PR app is approved, you will stay.

Thanks @armoured

 

[Aaryaarora1990]

Has anyone submitted their passport at VFS Mumbai for Spouse PR visa? If so, in how many days did you receive it back?