Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to become a permanent resident of Canada. Spousal sponsorship is part of the family class and, unlike parent and grandparent sponsorship, generally has no minimum income requirement – making it one of the most accessible family immigration routes.
On This Page, You Will Find:
- Who can sponsor a spouse or partner
- The difference between spouse, common-law and conjugal partners
- Inland vs outland sponsorship
- The spousal open work permit
- Fees and processing times
- The sponsor’s financial responsibilities
- Frequently asked questions
Who Can Sponsor a Spouse or Partner?
To be an eligible sponsor, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a person registered under the Canadian Indian Act.
- If you are a citizen living abroad, show that you intend to live in Canada when your partner becomes a permanent resident (permanent residents must be living in Canada to sponsor).
- Not be receiving social assistance, except for reasons of disability.
- Not be in default of a previous sponsorship undertaking or immigration loan, and not be subject to a removal order or certain criminal prohibitions.
You and the person you sponsor must sign a sponsorship agreement in which you commit to providing for their basic needs, and they commit to trying to support themselves.
Spouse, Common-Law or Conjugal Partner?
- Spouse – you are legally married, and the marriage is legally valid where it took place and under Canadian law.
- Common-law partner – you have lived together in a conjugal relationship continuously for at least 12 months.
- Conjugal partner – you have been in a committed relationship for at least 12 months but could not live together or marry because of exceptional circumstances (for example, immigration or marital-status barriers). This category is generally only for partners living outside Canada.
Inland vs Outland Sponsorship
There are two ways to apply:
- Inland – used when the sponsored partner is already in Canada with valid temporary status. Its main advantage is that the partner can apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (see below) while the application is processed.
- Outland – processed through a visa office responsible for the applicant’s home country, even if the partner is physically in Canada. Its advantages include greater freedom to travel during processing and a full right of appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division if the application is refused.
The Spousal Open Work Permit
Once IRCC has received and acknowledged an eligible inland application, the sponsored partner can apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP). This lets them work for almost any employer in Canada while they wait for a decision on permanent residence, helping couples stay financially secure during processing.
Fees and Processing Times
Government fees for a typical spousal sponsorship total roughly CAD $1,300, made up of the sponsorship fee, the principal applicant processing fee, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) and biometrics. The RPRF is refunded if the application is refused. Processing times vary and are updated regularly; recent estimates for applications outside Quebec have ranged from roughly a year to two years, with Quebec applications taking longer because of additional provincial processing. Always check IRCC’s official processing-times tool for the current estimate before you apply, and see our page on Canada immigration processing times.
The Sponsor’s Financial Responsibilities
By signing the undertaking, you agree to be financially responsible for your sponsored partner for three years from the day they become a permanent resident. There is normally no minimum income requirement for spousal, common-law or conjugal sponsorship. However, if the person you sponsor has a dependent child who has children of their own, an income requirement may apply.
How to Apply
In broad terms: confirm you and your partner are eligible; gather proof of your relationship and identity documents; complete the sponsorship and permanent residence application together; pay the fees; submit biometrics; and respond promptly to any requests from IRCC. Spousal sponsorship is one of several ways to immigrate to Canada, and it can lead to eventual Canadian citizenship.
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
Is there an income requirement to sponsor a spouse?
No, in most cases. Spousal, common-law and conjugal partner sponsorship generally has no minimum income requirement. The main exception is if your partner has a dependent child who also has children, in which case an income test may apply.
Can my spouse work while we wait?
Yes, if you apply inland. After IRCC acknowledges an eligible inland application, your partner can apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit, allowing them to work for almost any employer in Canada during processing.
How long does spousal sponsorship take?
Processing times change and depend on whether you apply inland or outland and whether the sponsored person is destined for Quebec. Recent estimates outside Quebec have ranged from roughly one to two years. Check IRCC's official processing-times tool for the current figure.
What is the difference between inland and outland sponsorship?
Inland applies when the partner is already in Canada with valid status and allows an open work permit, but travel during processing can be risky. Outland is processed through a visa office, permits freer travel and preserves a full right of appeal if refused.
How long am I financially responsible for my partner?
As a sponsor, you undertake to support your spouse or partner for three years from the date they become a permanent resident, regardless of any change in your relationship during that time.
Can I sponsor a partner if I live outside Canada?
Canadian citizens can sponsor from abroad if they show they will return to live in Canada once their partner becomes a permanent resident. Permanent residents must be living in Canada to sponsor.