If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to live with you in Canada permanently. The spousal sponsorship program allows couples to reunite and build a future together.
1. Who Can Sponsor a Spouse or Partner?
To be eligible to sponsor, you must:
✔ Be at least 18 years old.
✔ Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
✔ Not be receiving social assistance (except for disability).
✔ Prove that you can financially support your spouse or partner.
✔ Have no criminal record or serious immigration violations.
If you are a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you must prove that you will live in Canada with your spouse after they get permanent residence.
2. Who Can Be Sponsored?
You can sponsor:
- Spouse – Legally married to you.
- Common-law partner – Lived together for at least one year in a marriage-like relationship.
- Conjugal partner – In a committed relationship for at least one year but cannot live together due to immigration or legal barriers (e.g., same-sex relationships in countries where it is illegal).
3. Types of Spousal Sponsorship Applications
There are two main ways to apply for spousal sponsorship:
A. Inland Sponsorship (If Your Spouse Is Already in Canada)
- Your spouse must be living inside Canada on a temporary visa (visitor, worker, or student).
- They can apply for an Open Work Permit while waiting for approval.
- They should not leave Canada during the application process.
B. Outland Sponsorship (If Your Spouse Is Outside Canada)
- Your spouse applies from outside Canada through their home country’s visa office.
- They can visit Canada on a temporary visa while waiting (if approved).
- Processing time may be faster than inland sponsorship in some cases.
4. Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
For Sponsor (You):
- Canadian passport or PR card.
- Proof of financial ability (bank statements, tax returns).
For Sponsored Spouse/Partner:
- Marriage certificate (for spouses) or proof of relationship.
- Birth certificate, passport, and national ID.
- Police clearance certificate (from every country lived in for 6+ months since age 18).
- Medical exam from a designated panel physician.
- Photos, travel history, and proof of past communication (for common-law/conjugal partners).
Step 2: Submit the Sponsorship Application
- Apply online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Pay the application fees (CAD $1,080, including processing and Right of Permanent Residence Fee).
- Upload all supporting documents.
Step 3: Wait for Processing & Updates
- Processing time: Usually 12 months, but it may vary.
- IRCC may ask for an interview or additional documents.
Step 4: Decision and Approval
- If approved, your spouse gets permanent residency (PR).
- If applying from outside Canada, they get a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and must land in Canada before it expires.
5. After Sponsorship Approval
- Your spouse will receive a Permanent Resident (PR) card.
- As a sponsor, you must financially support them for 3 years (even if you separate).
- Sponsored spouses cannot sponsor someone else for at least 5 years.