How to Sponsor Your Spouse or Partner for Canadian Immigration: A Simple Guide

Sponsoring a spouse or partner for Canadian immigration is one of the most common ways families reunite in Canada. After economic immigration, family sponsorship is the second-largest category for newcomers. In 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plans to welcome 114,000 new permanent residents through family sponsorship, including spouses, children, dependents, parents, and grandparents.

What is Spousal Sponsorship?

Spousal sponsorship allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to bring their foreign spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to Canada. The sponsored person can eventually become a permanent resident of Canada.

There are two main ways to apply for spousal sponsorship:

1. Inland Sponsorship – Applying from inside Canada.
2. Outland Sponsorship – Applying from outside Canada.
   
   

Who Can Sponsor a Spouse or Partner?

To sponsor a spouse or partner, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident living in Canada.
• Not be in prison, bankrupt, under a removal order, or facing serious criminal charges.
• You also cannot have been sponsored as a spouse yourself within the last five years.
  
  

Sponsors must also commit to supporting their spouse financially. This means ensuring their basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, and health care (including dental and eye care not covered by public health), are met for up to three years, even if the relationship ends.

Types of Relationships for Sponsorship

IRCC recognizes three types of relationships for sponsorship:

• Spouse: Legally married.
• Common-law partner: Living together for at least 12 consecutive months in a marriage-like relationship.
• Conjugal partner: A committed relationship lasting more than 12 months but living together was not possible due to reasons like immigration barriers or cultural/religious beliefs.
  
  

How Long Does Spousal Sponsorship Take?

IRCC aims to process both Inland and Outland sponsorship applications within 12 months.

Inland Sponsorship

Inland sponsorship is for couples who are already living in Canada. The foreign partner must have valid temporary resident status, such as a visitor visa, work permit, or study permit. If you apply for Inland sponsorship, the sponsored partner may also be eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), which allows them to work while waiting for their permanent residence application to be processed.

For Inland sponsorship, the couple must live together when applying. Conjugal partners cannot use this pathway. It’s also important to note that IRCC advises applicants not to leave Canada during the application process, as re-entry might not be guaranteed if a visitor visa is required.

Outland Sponsorship

Outland sponsorship is an option for couples who cannot live together in Canada. This pathway is available for spouses, common-law partners, and conjugal partners who meet the eligibility requirements. The sponsored partner can live abroad or travel back and forth to Canada while waiting for a decision.

Outland sponsorship is also a good option for those who may need to leave Canada during the application process. Many sponsors live in Canada, while their foreign spouse or partner lives abroad.