Spousal Sponsorship Educational & Religious Incompatibilities

[Sukhbir Singh]

I am a Canadian citizen and I recently got married to someone in India and now I want to sponsor her to Canada. While I was reading about the spousal sponsorship application process on the IRCC website, I came across a section which explained that differences in religion, education, culture, financial background, family dynamics can be considered as “red flags” or they can cause issues in the application process. My wife for example has completed a Phd. in Chemistry and my education level is only grade 12. Moreover, my wife is a Hindu and I am a Sikh by religion. Before I submit my spousal sponsorship, I want to know how can I address/explain these potential “red flags” or differences between me and wife to IRCC? Do you think me and my wife will be called for an extensive interview by the visa office?

[Rajpal (Admin)]

Pursuant to IRPR section 4(1), a foreign national’s spousal sponsorship application shall be refused if:

– The relationship was entered into primarily for the purposes of acquiring any status or privilege in Canada; or

– The marriage is not genuine.

A visa officer at the visa post will make a decision on your spousal sponsorship application upon considering all the facts of the case. Having differences such as age and culture does not necessarily mean that your spousal sponsorship will be refused. I would suggest that you explain the circumstances of your relationship in the appropriate sections of application and in a cover letter. Please get advise from a professional immigration consultant or lawyer for further information who deal with such matters on a regular basis. An immigration professional or a lawyer can write detailed submissions and can refer to related case laws.