Spousal sponsorship is a Canadian immigration program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residency (PR) in Canada. The program is designed to keep families together and ensures that sponsored individuals can live, work, and study in Canada without needing a separate visa or permit.
There are two types of spouse sponsorship:
- Inland Sponsorship – The spouse is already in Canada on a valid visa and can apply for an Open Work Permit while the PR application is in progress.
- Outland Sponsorship – The spouse is outside Canada, and the application is processed through their home country’s visa office.
Sponsors must prove their genuine relationship, be financially stable to support their spouse, and commit to a three-year financial responsibility after the PR is granted.
Process to Obtain Spouse Sponsorship
✅ Step 1: Check Eligibility
- The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or PR, at least 18 years old, and not receiving social assistance (except for disability).
- The relationship must be legally recognized as marriage, common-law (12 months of cohabitation), or conjugal (genuine relationship but unable to live together due to circumstances).
✅ Step 2: Gather Required Documents
- Marriage certificate (if married) or proof of common-law/conjugal relationship.
- Sponsor’s proof of income (NOA, employment letter, bank statements).
- Photos, travel history, messages, and other proof of genuine relationship.
- Police clearance and medical examination for the sponsored spouse.
✅ Step 3: Submit Application & Pay Fees
- Complete the spouse sponsorship application through IRCC’s website.
- Pay the processing fee (CAD $1,080) and biometric fee (if required).
- Submit all supporting documents online or via paper application.
✅ Step 4: Application Processing & Decision
- IRCC will assess the relationship, eligibility, and background checks.
- Processing times vary (12-18 months on average).
Necessary Documents for Spouse Sponsorship
✅ Sponsor’s Canadian passport or PR card
✅ Marriage certificate or proof of relationship
✅ Proof of cohabitation (lease, bills, bank statements, etc.)
✅ Photos, chat logs, call records as proof of relationship
✅ Police clearance from all countries lived in for 6+ months
✅ Medical examination from an IRCC-approved panel physician
FAQ Related To Spousal Sponsorship
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident 18 years or older can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner if they meet financial and legal requirements.
Yes, if you are a Canadian citizen living abroad, you can sponsor your spouse, but you must prove that you plan to return to Canada once PR is granted. PR holders must be residing in Canada to sponsor.
Processing times vary, but it typically takes 12-18 months. Inland applications may take longer due to work permit processing.
Yes! If applying from within Canada, your spouse can apply for an Open Work Permit, allowing them to work while waiting for PR approval.
If your application is rejected, you may appeal the decision (if applying from outside Canada) or reapply with stronger supporting documents.
Yes, but you must wait five years after becoming a permanent resident before sponsoring a new spouse.
Yes! You must provide wedding photos, communication records, joint financial statements, travel history, and any other proof showing your relationship is genuine.
It depends on the severity of the charges. Certain criminal convictions may make you ineligible to sponsor unless you have received a legal pardon.
