Spouse and Common-Law Partner Sponsorship in Canada
In this page we will guide you through Canada Spouse Sponsorship. Canada allows individuals who are permanent residents or citizens to sponsor their legal spouse or common-law partner to come to Canada and obtain permanent residency. Each year, around 80,000 applicants apply for Canadian permanent residence through this program.
The spouse sponsorship program is available in two categories: Outland Sponsorship (from outside Canada) and Inland Sponsorship (from within Canada). We will first cover the conditions that apply to both streams and then explain the differences between them.
Table of Contents
Who is considered a spouse under Canadian immigration law?
Spouse (Legal Partner): Someone you are legally married to, with valid official documentation.
Common-law Partner: A person with whom you have lived in a committed relationship for at least 12 consecutive months, supported by sufficient proof.
Conjugal Partner: A serious, committed partner with whom marriage or cohabitation hasn’t been possible due to immigration barriers, cultural restrictions, or other valid reasons.
Eligibility Requirements to Become a Sponsor
Be at least 18 years old
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Reside in Canada or have the intention to return to Canada
Not be receiving social assistance (except for disability-related reasons)
Have the financial ability to provide for the basic needs of the spouse and any dependent children
Sponsor’s Financial Obligations
As a sponsor, you are responsible for providing the following:
Housing and related utilities
Food and personal hygiene items
Clothing and other basic daily needs
Health care costs not covered by public insurance
This commitment begins once the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident and cannot be withdrawn.
Duration of Financial Commitment
Spouse or Partner: 3 years
Dependent Children: Up to 10 years or until they turn 25 (whichever comes first)
Other Relatives: 3 to 10 years
If you fail to meet these obligations, you may be required to repay any social assistance received by the sponsored individual.
Who Cannot Be a Sponsor?
You may be ineligible to sponsor someone if:
You have previously failed to meet a sponsorship undertaking
- You have applied for Canada Spouse Sponsorship in the past 5 years
You are not paying court-ordered child support
You are receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability
You have a criminal record (subject to case-by-case assessment)
You owe money to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
You are currently bankrupt
You are serving a term in prison
Requirements for the Sponsored Person & Proof of Relationship
The person you are sponsoring must:
Be at least 18 years old
Pass medical exams and security/background checks
Both the sponsor and the sponsored individual must be approved by IRCC before a permanent residence visa is issued.
Depending on the type of relationship, different documents may be required. To prove that the relationship is genuine, the following documents can be helpful:
Official marriage certificate
A written story of how you met, included in immigration forms
Photos taken together throughout the relationship
Evidence of shared financial responsibilities (e.g., utility bills or rental agreements)
Proof of the sponsor’s financial capacity
History of communication (calls, messages, social media interactions)
Note: If you fail to provide sufficient evidence of a genuine relationship, your sponsorship application may be refused.
How to Prepare and Submit a Canada Spouse Sponsorship Application
Before starting the process, make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria for the Spouse Sponsorship Program. Then follow these steps:
Complete the required immigration forms
Gather and attach all supporting documents
Pay the government processing fees
Submit the full application package to the address specified by IRCC
Types of Spouse Sponsorship
1. Outland Sponsorship (Outside Canada)
If the sponsored person lives outside of Canada, the application will be processed as an Outland Sponsorship. In this case:
The file will be reviewed by the Canadian visa office in the applicant’s country of residence
The sponsored person will not be eligible for a work permit during the process
2. Inland Sponsorship (Inside Canada)
If both the sponsor and the sponsored person are residing in Canada, they can apply under the Inland Sponsorship category. In this case:
The sponsored person can apply for an open work permit at the same time as submitting the sponsorship application
Once the work permit is approved, they can legally work in Canada while waiting for the final decision on permanent residence
Processing Time for Spouse Sponsorship Applications
The processing time for a spouse sponsorship application is typically around 12 months. However, this timeline can vary depending on:
The specific circumstances of the applicants
The nearest immigration office or visa post to the applicant’s location
The overall workload at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
In many cases, applications submitted from outside Canada tend to be processed faster.
Is an Interview Required?
If the immigration officer has doubts about the genuineness of your relationship, you may be called for an interview.
This interview can involve detailed, unexpected, and sometimes challenging questions. Being unprepared may significantly reduce your chances of success and can lead to a refusal.
Tip: Working with a licensed and experienced immigration professional can greatly increase your chances of success
If you need assistance preparing your spouse sponsorship application, feel free to contact our team at any stage of the process.
Government Fees for Sponsorship of a Spouse, Partner, or Dependent Child (Outside Canada)
| Fee Type | Amount (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship Fee | $75 | Paid by the sponsor |
| Principal Applicant Processing Fee | $515 | Includes permanent residence fee |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | $515 | May be paid upfront or later |
| Dependent Child (if any) | $155 per child | If applicable |
| Medical Examination | $250–$350 (approx.) | Paid to panel physician |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 | Required for most applicants |
Always refer to the official IRCC fee section for the latest updates on application fees.
Spouse Sponsorship Application Process
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Ensure both sponsor and applicant meet the eligibility requirements, including age, legal status, and relationship authenticity.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents
Collect proof of relationship, identity documents, financial proof, and required forms (IMM 5289, IMM 1344, etc.).
Step 3: Submit Application to IRCC
Mail your complete application to the correct IRCC address or submit online via the new permanent residence portal.
Step 4: Receive Acknowledgment & UCI
After submission, IRCC will send an AOR (Acknowledgment of Receipt) and assign a Unique Client Identifier (UCI).
Step 5: Background, Medical & Biometrics
The applicant will be asked to provide biometrics, complete a medical exam, and undergo security/background checks.
Step 6: Decision & PR Approval
If successful, IRCC will issue a COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) or PR visa depending on the applicant’s location.
Step 7: Landing & PR Card
Once landed in Canada, the applicant becomes a permanent resident. A PR card will be issued shortly after arrival.
Spouse Sponsorship in Canada – Key FAQs
What matters most for approval in spouse sponsorship?
Proof that the relationship is genuine and not entered into primarily for immigration. The strongest files tell a clear story and match the documents perfectly.
Inland or Outland — which one is better?
There’s no “best” option for everyone. The right choice depends on where your spouse lives, travel plans, and how you want the file processed.
Can my spouse visit Canada while the application is in process?
Sometimes, yes — but it’s never automatic. The visitor application must still show temporary intent and strong ties. A weak visitor file can hurt overall momentum.
What are the most common reasons spouse sponsorship gets refused?
Inconsistent relationship evidence, missing proof of cohabitation/communication, weak explanations for cultural or timeline gaps, and documents that don’t match forms.
Are proxy marriages accepted by IRCC?
Generally, no. If one spouse wasn’t physically present at the ceremony, it’s usually not recognized for immigration. If you’re unsure, get your marriage format assessed before you file.
If we separate, does it automatically cancel the case?
IRCC looks at whether the relationship is still real and continuing. If the relationship has ended, the case can collapse — and the consequences can be serious depending on the stage.
Can I cancel my sponsorship after submitting?
Yes, you can request withdrawal before a final decision. The timing matters, and so does how it’s communicated.
My sponsorship was refused. Can I appeal?
In many outland refusals, an appeal may be possible through the Immigration Appeal Division. The appeal strategy depends on the refusal reasons and the record.
Can we include dependent children in the application?
Yes, eligible dependent children can usually be included. Make sure the family structure, custody, and documents are consistent from day one.
Does marrying a Canadian automatically give PR?
No. Marriage doesn’t grant status by itself. The sponsorship application still needs to meet IRCC’s legal and evidence requirements.
Have Questions About Spouse Sponsorship?
Get in touch today and receive a complimentary assessment.
