In the latest news, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data for 2023 unveils a remarkable surge in the number of spousal sponsorship and common-law partners who embraced Canadian immigration. The statistics indicate a substantial 17.2% increase, with 75,185 new permanent residents welcomed through the spousal sponsorship program, compared to 64,145 in the previous year.
The spousal sponsorship program’s outstanding performance significantly outpaced the overall growth in Canada’s immigration, which recorded a 7.8% rise, reaching 471,550 new permanent residents from 437,595 in the previous year. Notably, the last quarter of 2023 witnessed an exceptional 27.4% increase in the number of spouses and common-law partners compared to the same period in 2022.
Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, continued to lead the way by welcoming 39,820 spouses as new permanent residents in the past year. Other provinces and territories also played a pivotal role in spousal immigration, with each contributing to the cultural and demographic mosaic of the nation.
Spousal Sponsorship Program
Let’s delve into the provincial breakdown of new permanent residents under the spousal sponsorship program:
- Newfoundland and Labrador – 205
- Prince Edward Island – 135
- Nova Scotia – 935
- New Brunswick – 510
- Quebec – 6,995
- Manitoba – 2,100
- Saskatchewan – 1,360
- Alberta – 10,290
- British Columbia – 12,670
- Yukon – 90
- Northwest Territories – 60
- Nunavut – 15
Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta experienced substantial increases in spousal sponsorships, with growth rates of 29.3%, 25%, and 25.9%, respectively. In contrast, Quebec saw a decline of 23.7% in spousal sponsorships, reflecting a unique trend in the francophone province.
Heading north, the Yukon witnessed an impressive growth of 28.6% in spousal sponsorships, showcasing the program’s impact even in the Far North. Similarly, the Northwest Territories welcomed 20% more spouses and common-law partners as new permanent residents. However, Nunavut experienced a 25% decline, albeit from a small base in 2022.
When a Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsors a spouse or common-law partner, it entails a commitment to provide financial support for the sponsored individual’s basic needs. This includes aspects such as food, clothing, shelter, and other everyday living expenses, as well as dental and eye care not covered by public health services. Importantly, this commitment remains valid even in the face of changing circumstances, including divorce, separation, or relocation to another province or country.
Key considerations for sponsors include understanding that maternity, parental, and sickness benefits under the Employment Insurance Act contribute to the sponsor’s income. However, other government payments like employment insurance and federal training allowances are not considered as part of the income assessment.
In a positive development, IRCC has improved the processing times for sponsorship applications, reducing it to 12 months for spouses or common-law partners currently outside the country and planning to reside outside Quebec. This marks a significant enhancement from the 20-month processing time recorded in 2022.
As we celebrate the profound impact of spousal immigration on Canada’s societal fabric, these heartening trends underscore the nation’s commitment to fostering family reunification and creating a diverse, inclusive, and vibrant community for all.
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