Vancouver, BC —

Family reunification remains a central pillar of Canada immigration. Among the most important pathways is the Spousal and Common-Law Partner Sponsorship Program, which enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their partners for Canada PR (permanent residence).

At Caerus Immigration, we recently supported a couple from Hong Kong in navigating this program. Their experience highlights the key requirements, documentation, and challenges that many applicants face when preparing a Canada visa application under the spousal sponsorship category.

A Real-Life Example: Love Across Borders

Our client, a Canadian citizen originally from Hong Kong, immigrated to Canada in the 1990s and later became naturalized. After moving back to Hong Kong for work, she met her partner through a mutual friend. He had previously lived in the U.S. before settling in Hong Kong.

The couple built a strong relationship over 10 years of living together. In their late 30s, they decided that moving to Canada offered greater long-term opportunities, stability, and the possibility of raising a family with the benefits of Canada PR.

Despite their long-term partnership, the sponsorship process required careful preparation to meet IRCC’s strict requirements.

Sponsorship Eligibility

To qualify as a sponsor under the Canada spousal sponsorship program, the sponsor must:

· Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Indian Act.

· Be at least 18 years old.

· Commit to a financial undertaking, agreeing to support their partner (and dependent children, if any).

When Sponsorship May Be Refused

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may refuse applications if the sponsor has:

· Certain criminal convictions.

· Unpaid immigration loans.

· An undischarged bankruptcy.

· Sponsored a spouse/partner within the last 3 years.

For Hong Kong couples, proving the sponsor’s intention to return to Canada is one of the most common challenges when living abroad.

Applicant Eligibility

The spouse or common-law partner being sponsored must:

· Be at least 18 years old.

· Pass medical exams and security screenings.

· Prove that the relationship is genuine and not primarily for the purpose of obtaining a Canada visa.

Even couples with years of cohabitation must prepare strong documentation to avoid being flagged as a marriage of convenience.

Inland vs. Outland Applications

Applicants can file in two ways:

· Outland sponsorship: Processed outside Canada (e.g. Hong Kong visa office). Suitable for couples still living abroad. Requires strong evidence of intent to resettle in Canada.

· Inland sponsorship: Processed within Canada. Best for couples already living together in Canada. Inland applicants may apply for an Open Work Permit while waiting.

Our Hong Kong couple applied through the outland process, as they were still residing overseas.

Hong Kong-Specific Documentation

Applicants from Hong Kong often face additional document requirements:

· Birth certificates.

· Household register (hukou) if applicable.

· Absolute nisi decree for divorced applicants.

· Proof of cohabitation (joint leases, utility bills, financial accounts).

In our case, 6 years of shared leases and bills provided strong evidence of a genuine partnership.

Proving Intention to Reside in Canada

Canadian citizens abroad must prove their plan to return once the Canada PR visa application is approved. Strong supporting evidence includes:

· Canadian job applications or offers.

· Lease agreements or property purchases.

· Opening Canadian bank accounts.

· Terminating employment or housing in Hong Kong.

Our clients provided realtor communications, job recruiter emails, and joint Canadian bank accounts — all of which helped their application succeed.

Police Certificates & Security Checks

All applicants must provide police clearances for every country lived in for more than six months since age 18.

For Hong Kong:

· A Certificate of No Criminal Conviction (CNCC) is required, but only issued after a direct IRCC request.

· Additional certificates (e.g. FBI check) are needed for time spent in other countries.

This step can delay a Canada visa application, so early preparation is key.

Processing Timelines

Although IRCC lists 12 months as the standard, actual timelines vary:

· Outland applications: ~13 months on average.

· Inland applications: Up to 36 months.

In this case, our clients received approval in just 6 months — faster than the posted average.

Once approved, applicants receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) and must “land” in Canada before it expires.

Key Takeaways for Hong Kong Couples

1. Plan early: Collect all required documents well in advance.

2. Document your relationship: More proof means fewer questions from IRCC.

3. Show Canadian ties: Strong evidence of intent to resettle is crucial.

4. Prepare for police checks: Expect additional steps for Hong Kong/China.

5. Track deadlines: Watch CoPR expiry dates carefully.

Final Thoughts

The Canada spousal sponsorship program is one of the most important family reunification streams under Canada immigration. For couples in Hong Kong, the process can feel daunting, but with the right guidance, it is absolutely achievable.

At Caerus Immigration, we help clients with every step of the process — from building a strong Canada visa application package to preparing evidence of Canadian resettlement.

📩 Ready to sponsor your spouse or partner? Contact us today at mark@caerusimmigration.com for expert guidance.

💡 Explore more immigration options: whether through Canada student visa, working holiday visa Canada, or business immigration streams like the Start-Up Visa, Caerus Immigration provides tailored solutions for your journey.

Spousal Sponsorship from Hong Kong: A Real-Life Case and Key Insights