If you wish to apply for a wife, husband, conjugal, de facto partner or same sex partner visa to bring your loved one to Canada, it is advisable to be aware of possible complications. Substantial delays in processing times, additional investigation, time-consuming administrative processing, and even a denial of your permanent resident visa application are likely to occur if one or more of the following issues apply to your situation. Issues that may complicate the family sponsorship application process include:

• Significant age difference between the foreign partner and Canadian sponsor.
• Poor English skills of foreign spouse or partner.
• Prior attempts by the sponsor to bring a foreign national to Canada.
• Prior attempts by foreign spouse or partner to obtain a visa of any type to come to Canada, or gain entry into Canada, if the partner committed a material misrepresentation during the interview, such as making false statements to immigration officials or providing fraudulent documents.
• Partner was previously in Canada and overstayed her/his visa.
• Partner was previously deported (removed) from Canada.
• Insufficient proof of relationship (lack of supporting documentation).
• Unstable financial situation of Canadian sponsor.
• Spouse or partner has a criminal record.
• Spouse or partner has a communicable disease (HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis etc.)
• Canadian sponsor has criminal history (domestic violence, child abuse, sexual offense).
• Canadian sponsor is in receipt of social assistance (except disability).

You will require legal aid if one or more of these issues is applicable to your case. To learn more about potential problems, and whether or not you are likely to be able to successfully obtain a permanent residence visa on behalf of your foreign spouse or partner, please contact our Canadian visa department for a free consultation and a Canadian resident visa eligibility assessment.