IRCC Concerns About Age Requirements in Spousal Sponsorship

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) require both the sponsor and the person being sponsored to meet certain age requirements in a spousal or partner sponsorship application.

A sponsor must generally be at least 18 years old to sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner. If the sponsor is under 18, they do not meet the basic eligibility requirements to submit a sponsorship application.

Age can also affect whether the sponsored person qualifies under the relationship category being used. For example, IRCC may review whether the marriage or partnership is legally recognized and whether both parties were legally able to enter the relationship.

If age-related information is unclear, inconsistent, or does not match civil documents such as birth certificates, passports, or marriage records, IRCC may request additional documents or explanations before continuing to process the application.

Applicants should make sure that dates of birth, marriage dates, and other civil-status information are accurate and consistent throughout the application.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How old does a person have to be to sponsor a spouse in Canada?

A sponsor must generally be at least 18 years old to sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner.

2. Can someone under 18 submit a spousal sponsorship application?

Generally, no. A person under 18 does not meet the minimum age requirement to act as a sponsor.

3. Can age affect whether a marriage is recognized for immigration purposes?

Yes. IRCC may consider whether the marriage was legally valid and whether both parties had the legal capacity to marry.

4. What documents can IRCC use to verify age?

IRCC may review: 

·         Passports

·         birth certificates

·         marriage certificates

·         identity documents

·         other civil-status records to confirm the ages and identities of the applicant and sponsor.

To discuss more about age and eligibility requirements in a Canadian spousal sponsorship application, book your appointment with a Canadian immigration lawyer now.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.