Spousal Sponsorship for Permanent Residency
Reunite with your spouse or common-law partner in Canada through the Spousal Sponsorship program
Program Purpose
The Spousal Sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residency, reuniting families and allowing partners to live together permanently in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors
To sponsor your spouse or partner, you must meet these requirements
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsored Person
Relationship Status
Must be legally married to the sponsor or in a common-law or conjugal relationship
Background Checks
Must pass background, security, and medical checks
Admissibility
Cannot be inadmissible to Canada for criminal, security, or health reasons
Types of Sponsorship Applications
Outland Sponsorship
For spouses living outside Canada
Allows the applicant to travel in and out of Canada while the application is processed
Must respect visa requirements when traveling
Inland Sponsorship
For spouses already living together in Canada
Allows the applicant to apply for an open work permit while the application is being processed
Applicant must remain in Canada during processing
Application Process
Follow these steps to submit your spousal sponsorship application
Obtain Application Package
Download the appropriate application package from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website based on whether you're applying inland or outland
Prepare Required Documents
Gather proof of genuine relationship (photos, communications, joint agreements), marriage certificate, legal documents, and identity documents
Complete Application and Pay Fees
Fill out all forms accurately. Fees include sponsorship fee, principal applicant processing fee, and right of permanent residence fee if applicable
Submit Application
Ensure all forms are filled out accurately and submitted with supporting documents and fees to IRCC
Processing
Application processing times vary, with Outland typically faster than Inland. You may be contacted for additional information or an interview
Important Considerations
Financial Undertaking
Sponsors must sign an undertaking committing to financially support the spouse or partner for 3 years
Fraud Prevention
Applications are carefully scrutinized to prevent fraud. Ensure all information is truthful and accurate
Genuine Relationship
Supporting documentation should clearly demonstrate the genuineness of your relationship
Maintain Relationship
Must maintain relationship status during the application process
Benefits of Spousal Sponsorship
Permanent Residency
Grants permanent residency to sponsored spouse or partner, allowing them to live, work, and study in Canada
Social Benefits
Access to social benefits similar to Canadian citizens, including healthcare and education
Family Reunification
Build your life together in Canada without separation or temporary status limitations
Path to Citizenship
Permanent residents can eventually apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements
Restrictions & Conditions
Must maintain relationship status during the entire application process
Must adhere to any conditions placed by IRCC, such as living together (for inland applications)
Sponsor is financially responsible for the sponsored person for 3 years, even if the relationship ends
Providing false information can result in application refusal and potential ban from future applications
Inland applications are for spouses already living in Canada and include the option to apply for an open work permit while waiting. Outland applications are for spouses living outside Canada, and may sometimes process faster in certain cases.
Traveling outside Canada during an inland application carries risk, since you may need a valid document to re-enter and there's no guarantee of return. We advise clients carefully before any travel during processing.
Common-law partners must generally show at least 12 months of cohabitation, but married spouses do not need to live together to qualify, as long as the marriage is genuine and legally valid.
If refused, we review the reasons provided by IRCC and advise whether an appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division is appropriate, or whether reapplying with stronger evidence is the better path forward.