In May, Canada experienced a 10.7% increase in new permanent residents through its Spousal Sponsorship program compared to April, according to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This follows a 12.6% rise in April, rebounding from a 12.8% dip in March. By the end of May, 29,445 new permanent residents were welcomed under this program, though this is 21.6% fewer than the same period last year. Ontario led with the highest arrivals, followed by significant increases in Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. Based on current trends, Canada might see 70,668 new residents by year-end.
Steady Increase in Spousal Sponsorship
May’s rise in the number of new permanent residents through the Spousal Sponsorship program marks a continuation of the upward trend seen in April. In April, 6,025 spouses and common-law partners gained permanent residency under the program, up from 5,445 in March. This increase followed a notable 12.6% spike in April, bouncing back from a 12.8% decline in March.
Year-to-Date Statistics
By the end of May, Canada had welcomed 29,445 new permanent residents through the Spousal Sponsorship program. Despite the recent increases, this number is still 21.6% lower than the same period last year, when 37,550 spouses and common-law partners were granted permanent residency. If the current rate continues, Canada could see 70,668 new residents through this program by the end of the year, slightly below the 75,260 admitted last year.
Provincial Highlights
Ontario remains the top destination for new residents under the Spousal Sponsorship program, with 14,855 new arrivals in the first five months of this year. Other provinces and territories also saw significant numbers:
| Province | No of Invitation |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 65 |
| Prince Edward Island | 75 |
| Nova Scotia | 370 |
| New Brunswick | 260 |
| Quebec | 3,275 |
| Manitoba | 830 |
| Saskatchewan | 485 |
| Alberta | 3,860 |
| British Columbia | 4,695 |
| Yukon | 30 |
| Northwest Territories | 30 |
| Nunavut | 15 |
Notable Provincial Increases
Newfoundland and Labrador saw the greatest percentage increase in new permanent residents through the Spousal Sponsorship program in May, with a jump of 200%. Saskatchewan experienced a 92.3% increase, and British Columbia saw a 63.6% rise. Despite being the top destination, Ontario actually saw a 15.9% decrease in monthly arrivals under the program in May.
Sponsorship Requirements
There is generally no income requirement to sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner. Sponsors need to show they meet income requirements only if sponsoring a spouse or partner with a dependent child who has children of their own. Sponsors must sign an undertaking promising to provide financial support for the sponsored person’s basic needs, including food, clothing, shelter, everyday living needs, and health care not covered by public health services.
Financial Considerations for Sponsors
Maternity, parental, and sickness benefits paid under the Employment Insurance Act in Canada are considered income for sponsorship purposes. However, other government payments, such as employment insurance and federal training allowances, are not considered income. This distinction is important for potential sponsors to understand as they plan their support.
Processing Times
The current processing time for sponsorship applications for spouses or common-law partners outside Canada and planning to live outside Quebec has improved significantly. It is now down to 10 months, compared to the 20-month processing time in 2022. This estimated time includes the period needed to provide biometrics, assess the sponsor and the person being sponsored, and ensure they meet eligibility requirements.
Canada’s Spousal Sponsorship program continues to see growth, with significant monthly increases in new permanent residents. Despite a lower overall number compared to last year, the steady rise in recent months indicates a positive trend. The program’s improvements in processing times and targeted provincial efforts are helping to attract and support new residents, strengthening Canada’s commitment to family reunification.
Leave a Reply