r/ImmigrationCanada

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to hear from anyone who has been in a similar situation and would really appreciate your experiences.

I came to Canada as a refugee in 2019. My refugee claim was accepted, and I became a permanent resident in March 2023. I eventually became a Canadian citizen in February 2026.

I travelled back to my home country in July 2026 and got married there. I’m now preparing to apply for spousal sponsorship for my wife to come to Canada.

I’m especially interested in hearing from anyone who has had a similar timeline — for example, someone who came to Canada as a refugee, became a PR and then a Canadian citizen, travelled back to their home country after becoming a citizen, got married there, and subsequently sponsored their spouse.

If you’ve been through something similar, I’d really appreciate it if you could share:

• How did your spousal sponsorship application go?

• Did IRCC ask you any additional questions because you had previously been a refugee?

• Did travelling back to your home country or getting married there cause any complications?

• How long did your wife’s application take?

• Were there any documents or issues you wish you had prepared for in advance?

I understand that every case is different, but hearing from people who have actually gone through a similar situation would give me a much better idea of what to expect.

Any experiences, advice, timelines, or even things you wish you had known beforehand would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much in advance to everyone who takes the time to share.

For context...

I (39m) just attained my proof of Canadian Citizenship via Bill C-3. My wife (34F) are looking to relocate to the great white north from Denver, Colorado. We also have 2 children (9F and 16F).

My big concern is the fact that my wife has VERY limited English. She (and the rest of us) all speak Spanish. I want to know that she will be comfortable or have the support to learn more English. (Thats a big reason to move in the first place... it isnt fun living in fear from ICE even though youre completely legal)

I have qualifications for different options for jobs. I have an extensive casino background and am currently working in the medical field (sleep technology). She on the other hand has held jobs in restaurants and as a hotel housekeeper.

Where should we go? Home is wherever you make it, but is there a part of Canada that sounds like it might be a good fit?

Let's hear it! Thanks everyone!

Any idea why it's taking so long or what to expect?

I have Canadian citizenship but live in the US. I have a baby who has a US passport, but is technically a Canadian citizen as well through me. I have applied for a Canadian citizenship certificate for them but as you know the delay is multiple years to get one.

We want to visit family in Canada for a short trip. The rules say Canadian citizens have to enter Canada on a Canadian passport, but there is an exception where US passport holders can enter using a US passport which should cover the baby.

However, there also seems to be a requirement to carry proof of Canadian citizenship when entering with a US passport, and the only proof I have for baby is my birth certificate (born in Canada) and their birth certificate listing me as parent. The consequence for not having evidence seems to be having to go through immigration screening. Since we are just visiting temporarily, it seems like it might be ok if the baby goes through screening as a US citizen.

Will we run into any issues if we try to enter Canada and present the baby's US passport? Should I even try to present evidence that baby is a Canadian citizen, or should I just let them enter as a US visitor? If they enter as a US citizen will this complicate them receiving their Canadian citizenship certificate later?