Canada’s Spousal Sponsorship Program is one of the most important immigration pathways for reuniting families. Through this program, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence. However, navigating the process requires a clear understanding of eligibility criteria, application steps, and common challenges.
If you are considering sponsoring your spouse or partner to Canada, this guide will explain everything you need to know, from eligibility requirements to how long the process takes and what to expect along the way.
- Who Can Be Sponsored Under Spousal Sponsorship?
The Spousal Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor:
- Spouses– Legally married partners (marriage must be legally valid in the country where it was performed).
- Common-Law Partners– Couples who have lived together for at least 12 consecutive months in a marriage-like relationship.
- Conjugal Partners– Couples who cannot live together or get married due to circumstances beyond their control (e.g., immigration barriers, legal restrictions in their home country).
- Same-sex relationships are recognized and eligibleunder all categories.
- For marriages conducted outside Canada, the marriage must be legally valid both in the country where it was performed and under Canadian law.
- Who Can Be a Sponsor?
To sponsor a spouse or partner, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a Canadian citizenor permanent resident. (If living abroad, Canadian citizens must prove they will return to Canada once their spouse is granted PR).
- Prove you are not receiving social assistance(except for disability benefits).
- Demonstrate that you can financially supportyour spouse or partner for 3 years after they receive PR.
- Permanent residents must reside in Canada while the application is being processed.
- There is no minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship, but sponsors must prove they can support their partner financially.
- What Are the Two Types of Spousal Sponsorship?
- Inland Sponsorship (Spouse Inside Canada)
If your spouse or partner is already in Canada on a valid temporary status (visitor, worker, or student), you can apply for Inland Sponsorship.
- Your spouse can apply for an Open Work Permitwhile waiting for a decision.
- Your spouse must remain in Canadawhile the application is being processed.
- Risk:If the application is refused, your spouse cannot appeal and may need to leave Canada.
- Outland Sponsorship (Spouse Outside Canada)
If your spouse or partner is living outside Canada, you must apply through Outland Sponsorship.
- Your spouse can travel in and out of Canadaduring processing (but must ensure they meet entry requirements).
- If the application is refused, you can appeal the decision.
- Processing time may be faster in some casescompared to Inland Sponsorship.
- How Long Does Spousal Sponsorship Take?
Processing times vary depending on the volume of applications and individual circumstances.
Estimated processing times as of February 5, 2025:
- Inland Sponsorship:28 months
- Outland Sponsorship:10 months
(IRCC Processing Times)
Factors That Can Delay Processing:
- Incomplete applications or missing documents
- Criminal or medical inadmissibility issues
- Additional document requests from IRCC
- Complex relationship verification
- What Happens After Sponsorship Approval?
Once sponsorship is approved:
- Your spouse/partner receives permanent residence (PR)and a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
- No conditional PR status– Unlike before 2017, sponsored spouses are no longer required to stay in the relationship for two years after receiving PR.
- The sponsor is financially responsible for their spouse for three yearsafter PR approval, even if the relationship ends.
- Sponsored spouses can apply for Canadian citizenship after three yearsof physical presence in Canada within a five-year period.
- How We Can Help You
Spousal sponsorship is a complex and high-stakes process, and mistakes can lead to delays or refusals. Our team specializes in family sponsorship applications, ensuring that your submission is complete, well-documented, and optimized for approval. Contact us today at 204-944-8889 or email us at lawoffice@fridman.ca for personalized support.
References
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Sponsor your spouse, partner or childand Sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependent child
- IRCC Processing Times – Check Application Status
Government of Canada – Open Work Permits for Sponsored Spouses