Sponsoring a spouse for immigration to a new country is a significant step in bringing your partner to live with you. However, as with any legal process, there are costs involved. In this article, we will break down the various fees and financial obligations associated with sponsoring a spouse. Whether you are planning to sponsor your spouse in the United States, Canada, the UK, or Australia, understanding these costs will help you better prepare for the process.
Understanding the Role of a Sponsor
Before delving into the costs, it’s important to understand the role of the sponsor in a marriage-based immigration process. A sponsor is a citizen or permanent resident of the country where the spouse is seeking to immigrate. The sponsor is responsible for supporting the spouse financially during the application process and, in many cases, for a set period after the spouse’s arrival. Sponsorship usually involves submitting applications to government agencies, attending interviews, and covering certain expenses.
The spouse being sponsored will typically apply for a visa or residency permit to enter and stay in the country. In many cases, a sponsorship petition is a two-part process, including both a petition for sponsorship and the visa or residency application.
1. United States: Spouse Sponsorship Costs
In the United States, sponsoring a spouse for a green card (permanent residency) can be a complex but manageable process. The costs involved typically include application fees, legal fees (if applicable), medical exams, and any additional expenses. Here’s a breakdown of the main costs:
Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130)
The first step in the process is filing a Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130). This form establishes the relationship between the sponsor (you) and the spouse. The filing fee for Form I-130 is $535.
Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) or Consular Processing Fees
If your spouse is already in the U.S. on a valid visa, they can apply for a green card through Adjustment of Status (Form I-485). The filing fee for Form I-485 is $1,140, plus a biometric services fee of $85 (for applicants aged 14 to 79).
If your spouse is outside the United States, they will need to go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. The consular processing fee is $325, but additional fees may apply, including the visa application fee and medical examination costs.
Medical Examination
A medical examination by an approved doctor is required for most applicants. The cost of the medical exam varies depending on the country, but it typically ranges between $100 and $500.
Attorney Fees
While hiring an attorney is not required, many people choose to do so to help navigate the complicated paperwork and immigration laws. The fees for hiring an immigration lawyer can range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the complexity of your case.
Other Possible Costs
Translation services for documents not in English.
Travel expenses for interviews or visits to consulates.
Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) may require additional documentation or financial evidence, which could result in extra costs for acquiring such documents.
2. Canada: Spouse Sponsorship Costs
In Canada, sponsoring a spouse for permanent residence involves submitting an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The fees are relatively straightforward but can vary depending on whether the spouse is living inside or outside of Canada.
Sponsorship and Processing Fees
The basic sponsorship application fee is $75. However, there are additional fees for the spouse’s application for permanent residence:
Principal applicant fee: $475
Right of permanent residence fee: $515
Dependent child fee (if applicable): $150 per child
If your spouse is applying from outside Canada, there may be additional costs for medical exams, police certificates, and biometrics.
Medical Examination
Similar to the U.S. process, your spouse will need to undergo a medical exam by a physician approved by IRCC. The cost of the exam typically ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the country.
Police Certificates
If your spouse has lived in a country other than their home country for six months or more since the age of 18, they may need to provide police certificates. These certificates usually involve a small fee (around $25 to $50).
Biometrics
Your spouse will also need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photos) as part of the application process. The biometrics fee is $85 per person.
Attorney Fees
Like in the U.S., hiring an immigration lawyer in Canada can help streamline the process. Legal fees can range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the case.
3. United Kingdom: Spouse Visa Sponsorship Costs
Sponsoring a spouse for a visa in the UK is an involved process that includes several fees and requirements. It is crucial to meet all the eligibility criteria to ensure that the sponsorship application is successful.
Spouse Visa Application Fee
The standard fee for applying for a spouse visa is £1,538 (for applications made from outside the UK). If the application is made within the UK, the fee is £1,048 for in-country applications. If you are applying for an extension of stay, the fee can range from £1,033 to £1,543 depending on the specifics of the application.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
In addition to the application fee, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This fee gives your spouse access to the National Health Service (NHS). The IHS for a spouse visa is £1,560 for a 2.5-year visa or £3,120 for a 5-year visa.
Financial Requirements
One of the key requirements for sponsoring a spouse in the UK is that you must meet a minimum income threshold to prove you can support your spouse financially. The minimum income requirement is £18,600 per year for most sponsors. Additional costs may arise if you need to prove income or provide extra documentation to meet the financial requirement.
Additional Fees
Biometrics fee: £19.20 for a biometric residence permit.
Translation fees for documents not in English.
Attorney Fees
The cost of hiring an immigration lawyer in the UK is typically between £500 and £2,500 depending on the complexity of the case.
4. Australia: Spouse Visa Sponsorship Costs
Australia’s spouse visa process involves two primary application pathways: the temporary partner visa (subclass 820) and the permanent partner visa (subclass 801). The costs associated with these visas are substantial, but they are necessary to bring your spouse to Australia.
Partner Visa (Subclass 820 and 801) Fees
Temporary partner visa (subclass 820) fee: AUD 7,850
Permanent partner visa (subclass 801) fee: AUD 4,285 (paid when the permanent visa is granted).
These fees are typically paid in one installment when submitting the application.
Additional Costs
Medical examinations (required for all applicants over 16 years old): Costs vary but generally range from AUD 300 to AUD 500.
Police certificates: Costs depend on the country but usually fall between AUD 20 to AUD 50.
Translations: You may need to have documents translated, which can cost between AUD 30 to AUD 100 per document.
Attorney Fees
Hiring a migration agent or lawyer in Australia can help ease the complexity of the application. The cost for these services can range from AUD 1,000 to AUD 3,000, depending on the complexity of the case.
Conclusion
Sponsoring a spouse for immigration can be an expensive process, but the benefits of bringing your partner to live with you are invaluable. Each country has its own set of fees and requirements, so it’s crucial to research and plan ahead. The overall cost for sponsorship includes application fees, medical exams, legal services, and additional expenses such as police certificates and biometrics.
By understanding the costs involved, you can better prepare financially for the process and ensure a smoother experience for both you and your spouse. Always consult with an immigration lawyer or expert if you need guidance on the specific requirements in your country of residence.
Related topics:
- How Much Money Do You Need for a UK Ancestry Visa?
- How Much Does It Cost to Marry an Immigrant?
- How Much Does an Immigration Attorney Cost?
