Canadian citizens or permanent residents who meet certain conditions can sponsor their spouse, common-law or conjugal partner to become permanent residents of Canada.
On this page, you will find:
- Who is eligible to sponsor a spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner for Canadian immigration.
- Differences between sponsoring a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner.
- Step-by-step guide for the spousal sponsorship application process.
- Required documents for spousal sponsorship applications.
- Explanation of the inland and outland spousal sponsorship streams.
- Financial obligations of the sponsor during and after the sponsorship process.
- Frequently asked questions about spousal sponsorship, including eligibility and processing times.
Who Is Eligible To Sponsor Their Spouse, Common-Law or Conjugal Partner?
Sponsors must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Canadian citizens living outside Canada must show they plan to live in Canada when the sponsored person(s) become permanent residents.
- Permanent residents living outside Canada cannot be sponsors.
- Be able to prove they are not receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability.
- Be able to provide for the basic needs of those being sponsored.
To sponsor a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, the sponsor must be financially responsible for the sponsored person(s) for at least 3 years from when they become permanent residents.
This includes providing financial support and repaying any social assistance received by the sponsored person(s) at that time.
The sponsor and the sponsored person(s) must also undertake a sponsorship agreement meaning:
- The sponsor will provide for the basic needs of the sponsored person(s).
- The sponsored person(s) will try to support themselves and any family members.
Income Requirement
In most cases, there is no income requirement to sponsor a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner.
Sponsors only need to show they meet income requirements if sponsoring a spouse or partner that has a dependent child, and their dependent child has 1 or more children of their own.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
The person being sponsored and their family members must pass background, security and medical checks.
Spouse
A spouse can be either sex and must be:
- Legally married to the sponsor.
- At least 18 years old.
Common-Law Partner
A common-law partner can be either sex and must:
- Be not legally married to the sponsor.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have been living with the sponsor for at least 12 consecutive months in a conjugal relationship without any long periods apart.
Proof of a common-law relationship includes:
- Shared ownership of residential property.
- Joint leases or rental agreements.
- Bills for shared utility accounts.
- Important documents showing the same address, such as driver’s licenses or insurance policies.
- Identification documents.
Conjugal Partner
A conjugal partner can be either sex and must:
- Be not legally married or in a common-law relationship with the sponsor.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have been in a relationship with the sponsor for at least 1 year.
- Live outside Canada.
- Be not able to live with the sponsor in their country of residence or marry the sponsor because of significant legal and immigration reasons, such as marital status, sexual orientation or persecution.
Choosing The Class of Application
- To sponsor a conjugal partner, submit an application under the Family Class. These applications are processed outside Canada.
- To sponsor a spouse or common-law partner, the application can be submitted under the Family Class or the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class.
When To Apply Under The Family Class
- If the person being sponsored lives outside Canada.
- If the person being sponsored currently lives with the sponsor in Canada but doesn’t plan to stay in Canada while the application is being processed.
- If the person being sponsored is the conjugal partner of the sponsor.
When To Apply Under The Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class
- If the spouse or common-law partner lives with you in Canada.
- If the spouse or common-law partner has valid immigration status in Canada.
- If the spouse or common-law partner would like to apply for and qualifies for, an Open Work Permit so that they can work while the application is being processed.
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.
