Marriage to a Filipino citizen and spousal sponsorship to Canada under the marriage immigration initiative is a complex process. This page is designed to guide you through the spousal sponsorship process and your marriage to Filipino citizen.
Quick Index
Philippines Marriage Sponsorship: A Difficult Process
In most cases, if not all, the couple will end up living in Canada. The process for a Filipino marriage is, unfortunately, a tough and lengthy one. The Filipino government imposes strict requirements on foreigners if they wish to marry a Filipino citizen. Furthermore, getting a hold of the Filipino authorities in Canada is very difficult and if you do get a hold of the authorities, it can be quite confusing to understand all the rules and fees for a marriage in the Philippines, and then sponsoring a Filipino. For any Canadian marrying a Filipino and wishing for their spouse to immigrate to Canada, the process does not end there.
For a Filipino to travel abroad, it is easier said than done. Filipino citizens can have a difficult time entering Canada, as the government does not always make it easy to obtain a visa. This is why, for any Canadian wishing to bring their partner or spouse to Canada, it is recommended that they sponsor them for permanent residence if they want their spouse to live with them in Canada. Sponsoring a person from the Philippines requires that many documents be submitted, which can be lengthy. Anyone trying to do these processes by themselves can get overwhelmed or simply get frustrated and give up.
Help for Canadians Wanting a Filipino Marriage
Is there any help? Yes, there is. Immigroup Inc offers Canadians (and Americans) who have met their true love in the Philippines help with this entire process. They will help you gather documents that are needed, review the application process, and file the application for you.
In 5 years of operation, Immigroup has not had a single application refusal todate.
Marriage in Philippines
If you wish to marry a Philippine citizen in the Philippines, these are the documents you must submit to the Philippine authorities in order to get married in the Philippines. Immigroup can guide you through this process by helping you obtain, prepare, and submit all the documentation required by the Philippine government. Our fees start at $400 + disbursement fees.
These are the documents required by the government of the Philippines in order to get married in the Philippines:
- Your passport with at least 6 months validity and a valid Visa to enter the
Philippines.
- Certificate of no record of marriage
- If applicable, proof that previous marriages have been legally dissolved.
When you arrive in the Philippines you will need to acquire a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry. This is a document you must obtain from the Canadian Embassy in Manila. Only after you have obtained this document can you get married in the Philippines. You may only obtain this document once you have arrived in the Philippines
How Immigroup can help:
Immigroup can help you obtain required identity documents before you travel to
Philippines:
Long Form Birth Certificate
,
Divorce or Marriage
Certificate
, Statutory Declaration, Affidavit,
Canadian Citizenship Card
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Permanent Resident Card
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Passport
, and
Visitor
Visa Application to Canada.
Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry
The following information is provided by the U.S Embassy in Manila and verified
by the Consulate General of the Philippines in Toronto. The same is required for
Canadian Citizens.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this circular relating to the legal requirements
of the Philippines is provided for general information only. Questions involving
interpretation of specific Philippine laws should be addressed to an Attorney.
American diplomatic and consular officers do not have legal authority to perform
marriages.
Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage
Any foreigner who wishes to marry in the Philippines is required by the
Philippine Government to obtain from his/her Embassy a "Certificate of Legal
Capacity to Contract Marriage" before filing an application for a marriage
license. This certification affirms that there are no legal impediments to the
foreigner marrying a Filipino (i.e, that the foreigner is already married to
someone else). Unlike the Philippines, the U.S. Government does not keep a
central statistical registry for births, marriages and deaths and cannot verify
this information. Instead, the Philippine Government accepts an "Affidavit in
Lieu of a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage." Americans may
execute this affidavit at the American Embassy in Manila or the U.S. Consular
Agency in Cebu. Personal appearances of the American citizen applicant cannot be
waived, but the fiance(e) need not be present. Philippine authorities will not
accept any substitute document initiated in the United States.
Filipino Sponsorship
Service for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who wishes to sponsor their
spouse:
What You Will Need to Qualify as a Sponsor
More information is provided when you click on this icon:
To qualify as a sponsor, you must meet the following requirements:
- You intend to marry a Philipino citizen in Philipino and you intend to live in
Canada with him/her
You can also get married in Canada if the person you are planning to marry can
get to Canada. Getting to Canada for people who do not need a visitor visa is
easy. But if you come from a country where a visitor visa to Canada is required,
you chances of being successful are low. When you file a visitor visa
application at a Canadian embassy abroad, most officers lean towards refusing
your application the minute they find out that you are planning to marry a
Canadian or a permanent resident of Canada. However, you must be truthful in the
purpose of your visit.
Important notes:
- Applying for a visitor visa will not affect any other application later on.
- If you have been granted a visitor visa in the past you will have a higher chance of getting the new one.
- If you have been denied a visitor visa in the past your chances of obtaining a visa will be reduced.
- If you have never applied for a visitor visa application before and it is important for both of you to be in Canada, we suggest that you get a professional firm to assist you. Even if our experienced staff helps you, we cannot guarantee the issuance of a visa. (We charge $350-$500 + applicable government fees). On average this will take 2-6 weeks for your application to be processed by the visa office.
Here is a list of all nationals who do not need a visitor visa to Canada:
citizens of Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados,
Belgium, Botswana, Brunei, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Iceland, Ireland, Israel (National
Passport holders only), Italy, Japan, Korea (Republic of ), Latvia (Republic
of), Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Namibia, Netherlands, New
Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, St. Kitts and Nevis, St.
Lucia, St. Vincent, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Solomon Islands, Spain,
Swaziland, Sweden, Slovenia, Switzerland, United States, and Western Samoa.
- OR You intend to sponsor a common-law partner, who is a person who has lived
with you for at least one year
This application is filed only if you can prove that you and your common-law
partner have lived together for at least one year and you are continuing to live
together. Such proof could be in the form of mortgages taken out under both your
names, co-signatures on any leases, joint bank accounts etc.
- You are single and free to marry
- You are over 18 years of age and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada,
living in Canada
- You are not on any social assistance program
- You are not in default of any previous sponsorship
- You are not bankrupt
- You are not in prison
Who can sponsor?
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident is able to sponsor his/her spouse,
common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent children to come to Canada as
permanent residents. Applicants for permanent residence must go through medical
and background screening. Applicants with a criminal record may not be allowed
to enter Canada. Applicants who may pose a risk to Canada’s security are also
not allowed to enter Canada. Lastly, applicants may be denied due to medical
inadmissibility.
Canadian Sponsorship Application
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident is able to sponsor his/her spouse,
common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent children to come to Canada as
permanent residents. Applicants for permanent residence must go through medical
and background screening. Applicants with a criminal record may not be allowed
to enter Canada. Applicants who may pose a risk to Canada’s security are also
not allowed to enter Canada. Lastly, applicants may be denied due to medical
inadmissibility.
Processing Timelines:
Depending on the completeness of your submitted application and its accuracy, processing
may take anywhere from 6 to 18 months.
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Basic Document Checklist
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Filipino citizen |
Sponsor in Canada
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Birth Certificate
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Government issued ID
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Marriage certificate
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Employment records
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Photocopy of valid passport
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Tax documents
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Police certificate
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Proof of relationship to spouse in Cuba |
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Proof of relationship to spouse in Canada
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Sponsorship
application
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Photographs
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Medical clearance
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Application forms for permanent residency
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Download Full Version Here
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Photo of properly completed Sponsorship application
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Average time to complete application by Immigroup: 2-4 weeks
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Fees
Fees are paid in installments; last payment is due before the Sponsorship Application is submitted to CIC. If you need more time to make payments, please speak with our accounting department.
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Priority Processing: $3500 |
For clients who want our most personalized service. Upon receiving all
your documents in a complete package we will dedicate one staff member to put
together your application and file it with the government as quickly as
possible.
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Regular Processing: $2900 |
For clients who want a high level of service but are on a tighter budget. Upon receiving all your
documents in a complete package our team will put together your application and
file it with the government
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Financial Consideration |
If you are making less than $32,000 a year or are a single parent making less than $40,000 (for each
additional child please add $8000) you may qualify for financial consideration
from Immigroup. If you qualify, our fees range between $1700-$2450 and are based
on your income.
Please note: that proof of income will be required in the form of your
recent tax assessments from Canada Revenue Agency and that qualification under
this program is not guaranteed.
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Government Fee:
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Sponsorship and permanent residence application fee
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CDN $550
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Right of permanent residence fee
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CDN $490
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*
additional fees apply for sponsoring dependent children or if translation and
courier are required.
What you can expect from us:
We guarantee that your application will be accurate and complete, and in accordance
with Canadian immigration law.
What is expected of you:
Please provide accurate and correct information and we will do the rest.
FAQ
Can we get married in Canada?
You are able to get married in Canada however your loved one must be able to
come to Canada legally in order for the marriage to Filipino citizen to happen
in Canada. Canada offers many temporary resident visas. Some are study, work, or
visit visas. As long as the person is approved for stay, you may marry in
Canada.
Can I file the Canadian Sponsorship Application here in Canada?
In order for you to submit your application from within Canada, both you and
your spouse must be present in Canada. Please note that if you apply from within
Canada, you may not appeal any negative decisions made on your case by
Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
What happens if the Sponsorship application is denied?
If you applied from outside of Canada, you may appeal the decision. If the appeal
is accepted, CIC will process your file again. You may also reapply if you have
new information that will strengthen your case or you have overcome the reasons
of why your application was refused the first time. If you applied from within Canada,
the decision is final. You may not dispute this decision and your spouse must leave
Canada as soon as his or her temporary visa expires.
I am not working right now; can I still sponsor my loved
one?
In order for you to sponsor your spouse, you must be able to support them financially.
As long as you can prove you are financially stable, you will be allowed to sponsor
your spouse even if you are not working. If you have previously sponsored someone
to come to Canada and they have turned to the government for financial assistance,
you might be prevented from sponsoring another person until you have paid the government
the full amount of any financial aid provided to that person.
They have a few children, can they come to Canada as well?
Yes. The children, who must be under 22 years of age and be dependent on the person
being sponsored, are added as dependents on the permanent residency application
of the person being sponsored. The children must be “dependent” as defined in the
Immigration and Refugee protection Act of Canada.
The person I am marrying has a few children but the children
don’t what to come to Canada right away, can they come on a later date?
As long as they are added as dependents in the sponsored person’s application, medically
examined, and if they are over 18, they pass the background check, they can be sponsored
at a later date. This only applies if they meet the definition of a “dependent child”
according to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
The person I am getting married to in Philippines has a few children from a previous marriage. The other biological parent of the children does not want to give authorization for the children to come to Canada. What will happen?
In this case, it is a matter of who has custody over the children. If you do not have custody and the other biological parent refuses to allow the children to join you in Canada, you may proceed without the children
What are my responsibilities to the Canadian
government with regard to the person I am sponsoring from Philippines?
You must provide financial support for your spouse for three years from the day they become a permanent resident. This means that from the day they become landed permanent residents in Canada, you are responsible for him or her financially. Also, if your spouse has dependents, you must provide financial support for every dependent child for 10 years, or until the child turns 25.
What is a permanent resident of Canada?
A permanent resident of Canada is a person who lives in Canada for at least two
out of every five years. Permanent residents have the right to receive social benefits
that Canadian citizens receive, including health care insurance. Permanent residents
are free to live, work or study anywhere in Canada. They may apply for Canadian
citizenship once they have met the requirements. Permanent residents must pay taxes,
and obey all Canadian laws. Permanent residents cannot vote in Government elections
or run for office.
What is a Canadian citizen?
A Canadian citizen is a person who was either born in Canada or has been granted
Canadian citizenship. In order to apply for citizenship in Canada, a permanent resident
must live in Canada for three out of four years and be able to communicate proficiently
in either English or Brazilian. A Canadian citizen has the right to vote in elections
and to run for office. He or she may also work in high levels of government.
When can my loved one become a Canadian citizen?
Your loved one must have lived in Canada for three out of four years in order to
qualify for Canadian citizenship. Once the residency requirement is complete, he
or she may apply for the right of citizenship. Once his/her application is
approved, he/she will be called for a citizenship test. They will not need to
write the test if they are over the age of 55. This is a test of his/her
English/Brazilian abilities
and knowledge of Canada. Upon passing the citizenship test, the person will be invited
to attend an oath of citizenship ceremony in which he or she will be given their
citizenship certificate.
Do we have to live in Canada?
Yes, there are residency requirements and these are such that the sponsored person
must be present in Canada for 2 out of every 5 years. If the sponsored spouse leaves
Canada for a period longer than 3 years, they will lose their permanent resident
status unless they are accompanied by a Canadian citizen spouse, hired by a Canadian
company or Canadian government abroad.
If we want to visit the United States will a Landed
immigrant in Canada who has an Filipino Passport need a
Visa to the US
?
Yes. Cuba is not under any visa waiver program with the United States and
therefore persons holding a Filipino passport must apply for a US visa before
traveling. This visa can be obtained by applying for a US visa appointment with
the US embassy closest to you.
What is a civil registry?
The civil registry is a government agency that holds records of all births, marriages
and deaths that took place within the country. Each country has a different system
of collecting this information. In Canada, each province has its own civil registry
and is only responsible for recording births, marriages, and deaths that took place
within that province.
For more information about marriage to Filipino citizens,
.please call Immigroup at 1-866-760-2623
USEFUL LINKS
Embassy of the Philippines in Canberra, Australia
1 Moonah Place
Yarralumla,
Canberra, A.C.T. 2600
P.O. Box 3297, Manuka, Canberra, A.C.T.
2603 Canberra, Australia
City: Canberra
Phone: (00612) 6273 2535 to 36
Fax: (00612) 6273 3984, MP: 61-408-735383
Web Site: http://www.philembassy.au.com
Email: cbrpe@philembassy.au.com, canberrape@dfa.gov.ph
MAP
Embassy of the Philippines in Ottawa, Canada
130 Albert Street, Suite 606,
Ontario K1P 5G4
Ottawa, Canada
City: Ottawa
Phone: (1-613) 233-1121
Fax: (1-613) 233-4165
Web Site: http://PhilippineEmbassy.ca
Email: ottawape@dfa.gov.ph
Office Hours: 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon 1:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday to except Philippine holidays and other holidays observed in the City of Ottawa.
MAP
Embassy of the Philippines in Paris, France
4, Hameau de Boulainvilliers
45 Rue du Ranelagh
75016 Paris, France
City: Paris
Phone: (00331) 4414-5700; 4414-5701; 4414-5701; 4414-5704; 4414-5708
Fax: (00331) 4414-5703; 4647-5600
Email: ambaphilparis@wanadoo.fr /
parispe@wanadoo.fr
MAP
Embassy of the Philippines in Berlin, Germany
Uhlandstrasse 97, 10715 Berlin
Federal Republic of Germany
City: Berlin
Phone: (49-0-30) 864-9500, 864-5023, 8649-5012, 8649-5021
Fax: (49-0-30) 873-2551
Web Site:
http://www.philippine-embassy.de
Email: info@philippine-embassy.de /
berlinpe@dfa.gov.ph
MAP
Consulate of Philippines in Dublin, Ireland
8 Georgian Village
Castleknock
Dublin 15 Ireland
City: Dublin
Phone: (+353) 1 215424
MAP
Embassy of Philippines in Rome, Italy
Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 112-114
00136 Rome, Italy
City: Rome
Phone: (3906) 3974-6621
Fax: (3906) 3974-0872
Email: romepe@dfa.gov.ph /
romepe2004@virgilio.it
MAP
Embassy of the Philippines in The Hague, Netherlands
125 Laan Copes Van Cattenburch 2585 EZ
The Hague, Kingdom Of The Netherlands
City: The Hague
Phone: (3170) 360-4820; 360-4821 & 365-8566
Fax: 00-3170-3560030
Email: thehaguepe@dfa.gov.ph
MAP
Embassy of the Philippines in Madrid, Spain
Calle Eresma 2 (Chancery)
Calle Guadalquivir 6 (Consular Section)
28002 Madrid, Spain
City: Madrid
Phone: (3491) 782-3830
Fax: (3491) 411-6606
Web Site: http://www.philmadrid.com
Email: madridpe@dfa.gov.ph
MAP
Embassy of the Philippines in London, Great Britain & Northern Ireland
9A Palace Green
London W8 4QE
United Kingdom
City: London
Phone: (004420) 7937-1600
Fax: (004420) 7937-2925 /
Web Site: http://www.philemb.org.uk/
Email: londonpe@dfa.gov.ph
Office Hours: Mon-Fri: 0900-1300 & 1400-1700
MAP
Embassy of the Philippines in Paris, France
4, Hameau de Boulainvilliers
45 Rue du Ranelagh
75016 Paris, France
City: Paris
Phone: (00331) 4414-5700; 4414-5701; 4414-5701; 4414-5704; 4414-5708
Fax: (00331) 4414-5703; 4647-5600
Email: ambaphilparis@wanadoo.fr /
parispe@wanadoo.fr
MAP
Embassy of the Philippines in Berlin, Germany
Uhlandstrasse 97, 10715 Berlin
Federal Republic of Germany
City: Berlin
Phone: (49-0-30) 864-9500, 864-5023, 8649-5012, 8649-5021
Fax: (49-0-30) 873-2551
Web Site:
http://www.philippine-embassy.de
Email: info@philippine-embassy.de /
berlinpe@dfa.gov.ph
MAP
Consulate of Philippines in Dublin, Ireland
8 Georgian Village
Castleknock
Dublin 15 Ireland
City: Dublin
PPhone: (+353) 1 215424
MAP
Embassy of Philippines in Rome, Italy
Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 112-114
00136 Rome, Italy
City: Rome
Phone: (3906) 3974-6621
Fax: (3906) 3974-0872
Email: romepe@dfa.gov.ph /
romepe2004@virgilio.it
MAP
Embassy of the Philippines in The Hague, Netherlands
125 Laan Copes Van Cattenburch 2585 EZ
The Hague, Kingdom Of The Netherlands
City: The Hague
Phone: (3170) 360-4820; 360-4821 & 365-8566
Fax: 00-3170-3560030
Email: thehaguepe@dfa.gov.ph
MAP
Embassy of the Philippines in Madrid, Spain
Calle Eresma 2 (Chancery)
Calle Guadalquivir 6 (Consular Section)
28002 Madrid, Spain
City: Madrid
Phone: (3491) 782-3830
Fax: (3491) 411-6606
Web Site: http://www.philmadrid.com
Email: madridpe@dfa.gov.ph
MAP
Embassy of the Philippines in London, Great Britain & Northern Ireland
9A Palace Green
London W8 4QE
United Kingdom
City: London
Phone: (004420) 7937-1600
Fax: (004420) 7937-2925 /
Web Site: http://www.philemb.org.uk/
Email: londonpe@dfa.gov.ph
Office Hours: Mon-Fri: 0900-1300 & 1400-1700
MAP
Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, United States
Embassy of the Philippines
1600 Massachusetts Avenue, NW,
Washington DC 20036 USA
City: Washington DC
Phone: (1202) 467-9300/9363
Fax: 00-1202-328-7614 or 467-9417
Web Site:
http://www.philippineembassy-usa.org
Email:
consular@philippineembassy-usa.org
MAP
Canadian Embassy in Makati City, Philippines
Embassy of Canada in Manila, Philippines
Levels 6 to 8, Tower 2, RCBC Plaza
Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
1200
City: Makati City
Phone: (011 63 2) 857 9000 (011 63 2) 857 9001
Fax: (011 63 2) 843 1082
Web Site: http://www.manila.gc.ca
Email:
manil@international.gc.ca,manil-cs@international.gc.ca
Office Hours: Monday to Thursday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Friday 8:00 am to 1:30 pm
MAP
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