Spouse and Common-Law Partner Sponsorship

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse or common-law partner to immigrate to Canada. This is one of the most common family sponsorship categories and has high approval rates when applications are properly prepared.

Who Can Be Sponsored

Spouse

Legally married to the sponsor
Marriage must be valid under Canadian law and law of place where it occurred
Both opposite-sex and same-sex marriages recognized

Common-Law Partner

Living together in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 continuous months
Can be opposite-sex or same-sex
Must demonstrate cohabitation and relationship genuineness

Conjugal Partner

In a committed relationship for at least 1 year
Unable to live together or marry due to significant barriers
Must prove relationship is genuine and committed

Canadian citizen or permanent resident
At least 18 years old
Residing in Canada (citizens can sponsor from abroad if planning to return)
Not receiving social assistance (except disability)
No defaults on previous sponsorship undertakings
No serious criminal convictions

Application Options

Inland Sponsorship

Partner is living in Canada with valid status
Partner can apply for open work permit
Processed within Canada
Limited appeal rights (Federal Court only)

Outland Sponsorship

Partner is living outside Canada
Can also be used if partner is in Canada
Processed through visa office abroad
Full appeal rights to Immigration Appeal Division

The Application Process

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Confirm sponsor and applicant meet all requirements.

Step 2: Gather Documents

Sponsor Documents:

Proof of Canadian status
Government-issued ID
Financial documents (if required)

Applicant Documents:

Passport and photos
Birth certificate
Police certificates
Medical exam results

Relationship Evidence:

Wedding photos and documents (if married)
Photos together at different times
Communication records
Joint financial documents
Joint lease/utility bills
Travel records together
Affidavits from family and friends

Step 3: Submit Application

Submit sponsorship and permanent residence applications together.

Step 4: Processing

IRCC assesses:

Sponsor eligibility
Relationship genuineness
Applicant admissibility

May include interviews for either or both parties.

Step 5: Decision

If approved, applicant receives permanent residence.

Processing Times

Spouse/partner (outside Canada): 10-12 months
Spouse/partner (inside Canada): 12-14 months

Financial Requirements

Unlike parent/grandparent sponsorship, there is no minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship. However, you must:

Agree to provide basic needs support
Sign a 3-year undertaking

Common Challenges

Relationship Genuineness

IRCC scrutinizes relationships to prevent marriage fraud. Strong evidence includes:

Documentation of time spent together
Communication records
Joint financial responsibilities
Photos with family and friends

Previous Marriages

Must provide proof that previous relationships have ended (divorce certificates, death certificates).

Inadmissibility

Some applicants may be inadmissible due to:

Criminal record
Medical issues
Misrepresentation

How We Can Help

Our spousal sponsorship services include:

✓ Eligibility Assessment - Confirm eligibility for both parties ✓ Strategy Selection - Choose inland vs. outland pathway ✓ Document Preparation - Complete application packages ✓ Relationship Evidence - Guidance on proving genuine relationship ✓ Open Work Permits - For inland sponsorship applicants ✓ Interview Preparation - If required by IRCC ✓ Inadmissibility Issues - Address criminal or medical concerns ✓ Appeals - Immigration Appeal Division representation