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Spousal
Sponsorship

Bring your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to Canada through family class sponsorship.

Overview

Reuniting Families in Canada

Canada's family reunification program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence. The program is designed to keep families together and recognizes the importance of family unity.

Spousal sponsorship requires two simultaneous applications: the sponsor's application (proving ability and commitment to support) and the sponsored person's application for permanent residence. Both must be approved for the process to succeed.

Who Qualifies

Eligibility Requirements

person Sponsor Requirements

  • check_circle Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • check_circle At least 18 years of age
  • check_circle Not in default on previous sponsorship undertakings
  • check_circle Not currently bankrupt, incarcerated, or subject to a removal order
  • check_circle Sign an undertaking to financially support the sponsored person for 3 years

favorite Relationship Requirements

  • check_circle Legally married spouse, or common-law partner (cohabiting 12+ months), or conjugal partner (1+ year committed relationship with barriers to cohabitation)
  • check_circle Relationship must be genuine and not entered into primarily for immigration purposes
  • check_circle Sponsored person must pass medical and security admissibility checks

Not Sure If You Qualify?

Get a personalized eligibility assessment from a licensed RCIC. We will review your profile and recommend the best pathway.

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Documentation

Key Documents Required

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Identity Documents

Valid passports, birth certificates, national identity cards, and citizenship or PR documentation for the sponsor.

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Relationship Documents

Marriage certificate, common-law statutory declaration, or conjugal partner questionnaire, along with proof of relationship history.

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Police Clearances & Medicals

Police certificates from all countries where the applicant has lived for 6+ months since age 18, plus an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) by a designated panel physician.

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Financial Documents

Notice of Assessment, employment letters, pay stubs, and bank statements for the sponsor. No minimum income threshold is required for spousal sponsorship.

Proving Your Relationship

Relationship Evidence Checklist

IRCC officers carefully evaluate whether a relationship is genuine. Strong evidence from multiple categories strengthens your application.

photo_library Photos Together

Dated photos spanning the relationship, including trips, family events, celebrations, and everyday life.

chat Communication Records

Chat logs, call records, video call screenshots, and social media interactions demonstrating ongoing contact.

account_balance_wallet Financial Ties

Joint bank accounts, shared bills, money transfers between partners, and jointly owned property or assets.

flight_takeoff Travel Records

Flight itineraries, boarding passes, hotel bookings, and passport stamps showing visits to each other.

groups Third-Party Letters

Statutory declarations or letters from family and friends attesting to the genuineness of the relationship.

home Cohabitation Proof

Lease agreements, utility bills, mail at the same address, and government documents showing shared residence.

Timeline

Processing Times

~12 months

Inland Applications

For sponsored persons already living in Canada. Open Work Permit available during processing.

~12 months

Outland Applications

For sponsored persons living outside Canada. Processing at the visa office in the applicant's country.

Processing times are estimates based on recent IRCC data and may vary depending on the visa office and application complexity.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Processing times for spousal sponsorship are approximately 12 months for both inland and outland applications. Timelines may vary depending on the visa office and application complexity.
If you apply inland, your spouse can apply for an open work permit while the sponsorship application is being processed. Outland applicants must wait until they arrive in Canada with their permanent residence visa.
Long-distance relationships can qualify under the conjugal partner category if there are significant barriers to cohabitation (such as immigration restrictions). Strong evidence of ongoing communication, visits, and commitment is essential.
No, there is no minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship. However, the sponsor must sign an undertaking to financially support the sponsored person for three years after they become a permanent resident.

Ready to Reunite with Your Partner?

Ivie has helped dozens of couples navigate the sponsorship process successfully. Book a consultation to get started.

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