Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence in Canada, provided they meet specific eligibility requirements.
On This Page, You Will Find:
- Eligibility criteria for spousal, common-law, and conjugal partner sponsorship
- Differences between spouse, common-law, and conjugal partner sponsorship
- Step-by-step spousal sponsorship application guide
- List of required documents for sponsorship
- Inland vs. outland sponsorship explained
- Sponsor’s financial responsibilities
- Frequently asked questions about the process
Who Can Sponsor a Spouse, Common-Law or Conjugal Partner?
To be eligible to sponsor, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
- If a Canadian citizen living abroad, show intent to return to Canada when your partner becomes a permanent resident
- Not be a permanent resident living outside Canada
- Not be receiving social assistance, except for reasons related to disability
- Be financially responsible for the sponsored person for 3 years after they gain permanent residency
You and the sponsored person must sign a sponsorship agreement. This agreement confirms that:
- You will provide for your partner’s basic needs
- Your partner will make every effort to support themselves and their dependents
Is There an Income Requirement?
There is usually no income requirement for sponsoring a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner.
However, if your partner has a dependent child who has one or more children of their own, you must meet minimum income thresholds.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
Sponsored individuals must pass medical, criminal, and background checks. You can sponsor:
Spouse:
- Must be legally married to you
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Can be of any gender
Common-Law Partner:
- Not legally married to you
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have lived with you continuously for at least 12 months in a conjugal relationship
- Proof includes shared property or lease, utility bills, joint accounts, or official documents showing the same address
Conjugal Partner:
- Not legally married to you
- Not living with you due to exceptional legal or social barriers
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have been in a committed relationship with you for at least 1 year
- Must reside outside Canada
Reasons you may not be able to live together include immigration restrictions, religious or cultural barriers, sexual orientation, or persecution.
Choosing the Right Application Class
Family Class (Outland):
Use this class if:
- The person being sponsored lives outside Canada
- The person is in Canada but plans to leave before the application is finalised
- You are sponsoring a conjugal partner
Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class (Inland):
Use this class if:
- The person lives with you in Canada
- They have valid temporary status in Canada
- They wish to apply for an open work permit during processing
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Canadian Spousal Sponsorship Immigration
1. Confirm Eligibility:
Ensure that both the sponsor and sponsored spouse meet the eligibility requirements. The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, not receiving social assistance (unless for disability), and capable of financially supporting the spouse. The spouse must meet admissibility criteria, including medical and criminal checks.
2. Determine Application Type (Inland or Outland):
Decide whether to apply for inland sponsorship (if the spouse is living in Canada) or outland sponsorship (if the spouse is outside Canada). Inland applicants may qualify for an Open Work Permit, while outland applicants can travel during the application process.
3. Gather Required Documents:
Prepare the necessary documents, which include:
- Proof of sponsor’s citizenship or permanent residency
- Marriage certificate (for spouses) or proof of common-law relationship
- Police certificates and medical exam results for the sponsored spouse
- Proof of a genuine relationship, such as photos, messages, or travel history
- Financial documents, tax returns, and proof of income for the sponsor
4. Complete the Application Forms:
Download and fill out the sponsorship and permanent residence application forms from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Ensure all forms are filled accurately, as errors can cause delays or rejection.
5. Pay Application Fees:
The application fees include a sponsorship fee, processing fee, and a right of permanent residence fee (RPRF). You may also need to pay for biometrics and police certificates. Pay online through the IRCC website and keep the receipt for your records.
6. Submit the Application Package:
Review the completed forms and documents thoroughly. Ensure nothing is missing or incorrect. Submit the entire application package to the IRCC office specified in the instructions, either by mail or online, depending on the application type.
7. Submit Biometrics (if required):
The sponsored spouse may be required to submit biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) after the application is submitted. You will receive instructions from IRCC on how and where to submit biometrics.
8. Track the Application:
After submission, you will receive an acknowledgment of receipt from IRCC. Use the IRCC online tool to track the status of your application. Be prepared to provide additional documents or attend an interview if requested by immigration authorities.
9. Medical and Criminal Background Checks:
The sponsored spouse must undergo a medical exam by a panel physician approved by IRCC and submit police certificates from every country where they have lived for six months or more since the age of 18.
10. Decision and Permanent Residency:
Once the application is approved, the sponsored spouse will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if outland, a permanent resident visa. The spouse can then enter Canada as a permanent resident, and the sponsor’s financial obligations begin.
FAQ: Sponsoring a Spouse or Partner
1. Can I sponsor my partner if I live outside Canada?
Yes, but only if you are a Canadian citizen and can show that you intend to return to Canada once your partner becomes a permanent resident.
2. What’s the difference between inland and outland sponsorship?
Inland applies to partners already living in Canada; outland is for those outside Canada. Inland applicants may apply for an open work permit.
3. Can same-sex couples apply for sponsorship?
Yes. Same-sex spouses, common-law, and conjugal partners are treated equally under Canadian immigration law.
4. How long does sponsorship take?
Processing times vary, but spousal sponsorship typically takes 12 months. Inland and outland timelines can differ.
5. What happens if the relationship ends during the sponsorship period?
If the relationship breaks down within the 3-year undertaking period, the sponsor is still financially responsible for the sponsored partner, even if they separate.
