Canada Spousal Sponsorship

Canada’s Spousal Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent
residents to sponsor their spouse or partner for permanent residence (PR) to Canada.
This program is designed to reunite families and help couples build a life together in
Canada.

If you are married to or in a committed relationship with a foreign national, spousal
sponsorship may be the most direct and reliable pathway to Canadian permanent
residence.

What Is Spousal Sponsorship?

Spousal sponsorship is part of Canada’s Family Class Immigration Program. It allows
eligible sponsors to bring their spouse or partner to Canada as a permanent resident.

Once approved, the sponsored spouse or partner can:

• Get direct permanent resident status in Canada
• Live and work anywhere in Canada
• Access healthcare and social benefits
• Apply for Canadian citizenship once eligible

Who Can Sponsor a Spouse or Partner?

To sponsor your spouse or partner, you must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Reside in Canada (or plan to return if you are a Canadian citizen living abroad)
• Within the past 3 years, yourself not sponsored for PR by someone (only family class
PR counts)
• Not receiving any social assistance (except for disability reasons)
• Agree to financially support your spouse for 3 years after they become a permanent
resident

Who Can Be Sponsored Under Spousal Sponsorship?

You can sponsor your partner if they fall under one of the following categories:

1. Legally married in Canada or any other country
You are legally married, and the marriage is legally valid both in Canada and in the country
where it took place. Marriage certificate accepted by IRCC is required
2. Common-Law Partner
You have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 consecutive months.
Additional proofs of co-habilitation are required
3. Conjugal Partner
You have been in a committed relationship for at least one year but cannot live together or
marry due to exceptional circumstances (such as legal or immigration barriers).

Two types of applications

Inland vs. Outland Spousal Sponsorship
Inland Sponsorship

• Sponsored spouse is already in Canada
• Eligible to apply for an open work permit while the application is in process
• Must remain and maintain legal status in Canada during processing of the
application

Outland Sponsorship

• Sponsored spouse lives outside Canada
• Often faster for certain countries and for certain cases.

Choosing the right stream depends on your personal situation, country of residence of your
spouse and immigration goals.

Processing Time for Spousal Sponsorship

IRCC has recently updated the processing time for Spousal sponsorship applications:

The average processing time for Inland spousal sponsorship is approximately 21
months, (if you and your spouse intend to live outside Quebec)

But processing time for outland applications can be very fast from outside Canada/ in
some recent cases only 3 to 6 months.
In outland application chances of interview are likely high than inland application

Though timelines may vary depending on:

• Application completeness
• Country of residence
• Volume of applications
• Any complications (Age gap, divorce e.t.c)

Common Reasons for Spousal Sponsorship Refusals

• Insufficient proof of a genuine relationship
• Inconsistent information in forms and documents
• Missing or incorrect paperwork
• Previous immigration or sponsorship violations
• Misrepresentation (intentional or accidental)

Proper documentation and professional review are critical to avoiding delays or refusals
and interviews

Why Work With an Immigration Professional?

Spousal sponsorship applications require strong relationship evidence and strict
compliance with immigration regulations. An experienced immigration firm can:

• Assess your eligibility accurately
• Organize and present strong relationship evidence
• Prepare error-free applications
• Communicate with IRCC on your behalf
• Minimize delays and risks

Start Your Spousal Sponsorship Journey Today

Canada’s spousal sponsorship program offers couples a meaningful opportunity to reunite
and build a future together. With the right guidance, the process can be smooth and stressfree.