Canada spousal sponsorship for Bangladeshi nationals
What this visa is
The Canadian Spousal Sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to become a permanent resident of Canada. This is a permanent immigration route, not a temporary visa. If approved, the sponsored person can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada without restriction.
This guide covers the process for Bangladeshi nationals being sponsored to join a partner who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Who can apply
You can apply under this program if you are:
- Legally married to your sponsor
- In a common-law relationship and have cohabited continuously for at least twelve months
- In a conjugal relationship with your sponsor for at least one year and are unable to live together due to circumstances beyond your control
You must be aged 18 or over. Your relationship must be genuine and not entered into primarily for immigration purposes.
Who can sponsor
The sponsor must be:
- A Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Aged 18 or over
- Residing in Canada, or a Canadian citizen who intends to reside in Canada when the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident
The sponsor must not be receiving social assistance (other than for disability), must not have defaulted on a previous sponsorship undertaking, and must not be undischarged bankrupt or subject to a removal order.
Financial requirement
There is no minimum income requirement to sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner. The sponsor does not need to demonstrate a specific salary or savings level.
The sponsor must sign a legally binding undertaking to financially support the sponsored person for three years from the date they become a permanent resident. During this period, the sponsor is responsible for repaying any social assistance the sponsored person receives from the government.
Language requirement
There is no English or French language requirement for spousal sponsorship. The sponsored person does not need to pass a language test to obtain permanent residence through this route.
Medical examination
All applicants must undergo an immigration medical examination conducted by an IRCC-approved panel physician. Panel physicians are available in Dhaka and other major cities in Bangladesh. Use the IRCC panel physician locator to find the nearest approved clinic and book your appointment in advance.
The examination must be completed within the validity window IRCC specifies. If processing extends beyond that window, a repeat examination may be required.
Police certificates
Bangladeshi nationals must provide a police clearance certificate from the Special Branch of the Bangladesh Police. IRCC provides country-specific instructions on the exact process for Bangladesh at the time of application. The clearance is typically obtained through the Special Branch in Dhaka.
You must also provide police certificates from every other country you have lived in for six months or more since the age of 18.
Documents needed
Sponsor’s documents:
– Proof of Canadian citizenship (passport, citizenship certificate) or permanent residence card
– Completed sponsorship application forms
Applicant’s documents:
– Valid Bangladeshi passport
– Marriage certificate: for Muslim marriages, the Nikahnama registered with the local Registrar of Marriages. For civil marriages, the certificate from the relevant registry. Ensure the document is the official registered version.
– National ID card or birth certificate as additional identity documentation
– Two passport-sized photographs meeting IRCC specifications
– Immigration medical examination results from a panel physician
– Police clearance certificate from the Special Branch and certificates from any other country lived in for six months or more since age 18
– Completed application forms and checklists as specified by IRCC
Both parties:
– Evidence of genuine relationship: photographs together, communication records, evidence of visits, shared finances, joint accounts, or joint property
– If either party has been previously married: a divorce certificate or death certificate ending that prior marriage
Documents in Bengali must be accompanied by certified English or French translations.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through the IRCC secure portal. There are two streams:
Outland application: The sponsored person applies from outside Canada. The application is processed by the Canadian visa office responsible for Bangladesh.
Inland application: The sponsored person is already in Canada on a valid temporary status (visitor visa, study or work permit). They apply from within Canada. Inland applicants can request an open work permit while the application is in progress.
Costs and processing times
Sponsorship fee: CAD $85
Principal applicant processing fee: CAD $570
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD $515
Biometrics: CAD $85
Total government fees: CAD $1,255. Additional costs include the immigration medical examination, police clearance fees, certified translations, and legal fees if using a representative.
Check current processing times on the IRCC website before applying.
After approval
Once approved, the sponsored person receives a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa. They must travel to Canada before the COPR expiry date and confirm their permanent residence at a port of entry.
After landing, a permanent resident card is issued. As a permanent resident, you can live and work anywhere in Canada. After three years of physical presence within a five-year period, you may be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.
FAQs
Our Nikahnama was completed by the Qazi but not registered with the local Registrar. Is it valid?
IRCC requires the officially registered version of the Nikahnama. If your marriage has not yet been registered with the local Registrar of Marriages, complete this step before applying. The registration process in Bangladesh typically involves the Qazi and local authorities.
Do all documents need to be translated?
Yes. All documents in Bengali or any other language other than English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation. Use a qualified translator who certifies the accuracy of the work.
Is there a right of appeal if refused?
Yes. Refusals can be appealed to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD), which considers both legal merits and humanitarian factors. Legal advice before filing an appeal is recommended.
Can dependent children be included?
Yes. Dependent children under 22 can be included in the sponsorship application. Each dependent requires their own medical examination and documentation.
Should we use an immigration consultant?
While not required, many Bangladeshi applicants choose to work with a regulated Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC) or immigration lawyer to help organise the application and relationship evidence correctly.