Sponsoring a live-in caregiver as my common-law spouse in Canada

by Greg
(Oshawa, ON, Canada)

Dear Sharon

My wife came to Canada as a live-in Caregiver. Unfortunately she worked with a less than ethical agency, and when she got here she had no employer. She had no place to live, so since we had started dating I told her that she could live with me. She was able to find an employer briefly, but they got placed outside of the country and so she was without employer again. At this point she became pregnant and was unable to find another employer. After our child was born, it only made sense for her to look after our child. We have since had another child.

My wife does not even come close to meeting the 24 month requirement for the Live-in Caregiver program. She has been living with me, for 3 years, and I have fully supported her, including claiming her on my taxes. We have joint bank account and all of the other things that a couple has.

I am in the process of sponsoring her, doing the paperwork, and am not sure how I should be going about it--I have concerns and want to ensure that my wife, and mother of our children, stays here with us forever.

What family class program should I be applying under? Are there any special considerations I need to deal with before or while I am applying. Immigration is a scary process, especially when it is someone that is the focal point of your life. Any assistance/guidance is greatly appreciated!

Best regards,

Greg