Understanding the Spousal Sponsorship Interview: What to Expect and How to Prepare

By Mohsenkhorvash Uncategorized 0 Comments

“A genuine relationship is not just lived — it is documented, communicated, and ultimately defended.”

When applying for spousal sponsorship to bring your partner to Canada as a permanent resident, one of the critical components of the process may involve attending an interview with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This interview allows immigration officers to assess the genuineness of the relationship between the sponsor and the applicant, particularly when the submitted evidence raises questions or when an application triggers concerns under Section 4(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).

While not every couple is called for an interview, it is essential to be prepared in the event that you are.

🔍 Why Does IRCC Conduct Spousal Interviews?

Under IRPR s.4(1), IRCC must be satisfied that the relationship between the sponsor and the applicant is:

Genuine, and
Not entered into primarily for the purpose of acquiring status or privilege under the Act.

If an officer identifies discrepancies, red flags, or insufficient supporting documentation, a personal interview may be required to assess the credibility of the relationship.

📌 Common Topics and Interview Questions

Although it is impossible to predict every question that might arise during your interview, IRCC officers typically inquire about various aspects of your life as a couple. The following non-case-specific list covers common areas explored in a spousal sponsorship interview:

I. Relationship History

How and where did you meet your spouse/partner?
When did your relationship begin?
When did you decide to get married or become common-law partners?
How did your relationship progress (dating, engagement, marriage)?
What was the date and location of your first in-person meeting?

II. Communication and Contact

How do you keep in touch when you are apart?
How frequently do you communicate, and through which methods?
Can you provide examples of your recent communication (texts, calls, emails)?
How often have you visited each other in person?
What dates did these visits occur?

III. Wedding and Ceremonial Details

When and where did your wedding take place?
Was the marriage civil, religious, or traditional?
Who attended the ceremony?
Did you have an engagement or other pre-wedding ceremonies?
Did you go on a honeymoon? If so, where and when?

IV. Cohabitation and Living Arrangements

Do you currently live together? If not, why?
When did you move in together?
Where do you live (address, type of residence)?
What are your plans for living together in the future?
Who else lives in your residence, if anyone?

V. Daily Life and Shared Responsibilities

What is a typical day like for you and your spouse?
Who handles which household chores?
How do you spend your weekends or holidays together?
What activities or hobbies do you enjoy doing together?
What language(s) do you use to communicate?

VI. Financial Aspects

Do you have joint bank accounts or shared credit cards?
Who pays the household bills?
Have you sent or received money from each other?
Do you support each other financially?
Do you own any property or assets together?

VII. Knowledge of Each Other

What is your spouse’s full name and date of birth?
What does your spouse do for work?
What are your spouse’s hobbies or interests?
What is your spouse’s educational background?
What is your spouse’s favorite food, color, or music?

VIII. Family and Friends

Have you met each other’s families?
What are the names of your spouse’s parents and siblings?
Where do your spouse’s family members live?
How often do you communicate with each other’s family members?
Have your families accepted your relationship?

IX. Children

Do you have any children together?
Are there any children from previous relationships?
What role does your spouse play in their life?
Do your children live with you?
Are you planning to have children?

X. Immigration and Legal Matters

Have you previously applied for any type of visa or sponsorship?
Has your spouse been married or sponsored anyone before?
Are you aware of the obligations of the sponsor under Canadian law?
What will you do if the application is refused?
Why do you believe your relationship is genuine?

💼 How We Can Help as an RCIC-IRB

As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) and Licensed Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) Representative, we are professionally authorized to:

Review and assess your case for potential red flags or concerns.
Prepare you and your spouse for the types of questions that may arise, ensuring you respond confidently and consistently.
Organize your documentary evidence to enhance your credibility and substantiate your relationship timeline.
Accompany or represent you, where permitted, to provide legal assistance during the process.
Appeal or respond to procedural fairness letters or negative decisions, if required.

Our goal is to help you present a complete, truthful, and compelling case so that your application stands the best chance of success.

📞 Contact Us Today

If you have received a spousal interview notice or simply want to be proactive in your sponsorship journey, contact our office today for a confidential consultation.

Let us help you navigate this crucial stage of your application with professionalism, care, and legal insight.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration procedures and decisions are highly fact-specific. For guidance tailored to your individual case, please contact us. We are authorized to represent clients before IRCC and the IRB under Canadian immigration law.

Understanding the Spousal Sponsorship Interview: What to Expect and How to Prepare