If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for Canadian permanent residency (PR). This is one of the most straightforward ways to bring your loved one to Canada. You can also sponsor your partner’s dependent children as part of the application.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about spousal sponsorship, including:
- Who is eligible to sponsor and be sponsored;
- The difference between inland and outland sponsorship;
- The financial commitments involved; and
- How to apply for spousal sponsorship.
Let’s get started!
Who Can Sponsor a Spouse or Partner?
To sponsor your spouse or partner, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a registered Indian;
- Prove you can financially support your family; and
- Not be receiving social assistance (except for disability).
If you’re a permanent resident, you must be living in Canada. Canadian citizens living abroad must show they plan to return to Canada once their partner gets PR.
Who Cannot Sponsor?
You may be disqualified from sponsoring if you:
- Were sponsored yourself within the last 5 years;
- Are still financially responsible for a previous spouse you sponsored;
- Have unpaid immigration loans or court-ordered support payments;
- Have a criminal record involving violence or sexual offences; or
- Are in jail or under a removal order.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
You can sponsor your:
- Spouse: Legally married partner.
- Common-law Partner: Someone you’ve lived with in a conjugal relationship for at least 1 year.
- Conjugal Partner: A partner you’ve been in a relationship with for at least 1 year but cannot live with or marry due to legal, religious, or immigration reasons.
Your partner must be 18 years or older and admissible to Canada.
Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship
There are two ways to sponsor your partner:
1. Inland Sponsorship
- For partners already living in Canada.
- Both you and your partner must stay in Canada during the application process.
- Your partner can apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) while waiting for PR.
- Processing time: 28 months.
2. Outland Sponsorship
- For partners living outside Canada.
- You and your partner can travel in and out of Canada during the process.
- Processing time: 10 months.
Financial Commitments
When you sponsor your partner, you sign an undertaking agreement to financially support them for a specific period:
- Spouse or Partner: 3 years.
- Dependent Child Under 22: 10 years or until they turn 25.
- Dependent Child Over 22: 3 years.
You must ensure your partner does not need government financial assistance. If they do, you’ll have to repay the amount.
Application Fees
Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
- Sponsorship Fee: $85
- Principal Applicant Processing Fee: $545
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $575
- Biometrics: $85
- Total: $1,290
Additional fees apply if you’re sponsoring dependent children.
How to Apply for Spousal Sponsorship
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you and your partner meet the requirements.
- Gather Documents: Collect marriage certificates, proof of relationship, and financial documents.
- Submit Application: Apply online through the IRCC portal.
- Pay Fees: Pay the required fees.
- Wait for Processing: Processing times vary based on the type of sponsorship.
Spousal Sponsorship Interview
In some cases, you and your partner may be asked to attend an interview. This usually happens if IRCC has concerns about your relationship. Be prepared to answer questions about:
- How you met;
- Your partner’s family and background; and
- Your future plans together.
Bring documents like marriage certificates, photos, and communication records to prove your relationship is genuine.
Why Choose Spousal Sponsorship?
Spousal sponsorship is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to bring your partner to Canada. It allows you to reunite with your loved one and build a life together in Canada.
If you’re ready to start the process, consider scheduling a Sponsor your family for Canadian immigration consultation with an immigration professional.
