Bringing your spouse to Canada should be simple. You’re married. You have a life together. But when it comes to immigration? It’s a long, detailed process that can take months—or even years—if you don’t do it right.
The spousal sponsorship Canada program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residency. But not every application gets approved. Some couples face rejections due to missing documents, weak proof of relationship, or simple mistakes in the forms.
If you want to avoid delays and denials, this guide will walk you through the exact steps to sponsor your spouse and bring them to Canada as fast as possible.
1. Who Can Sponsor Their Spouse in Canada?
To qualify as a sponsor, you must meet these basic requirements:
✔️ Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
✔️ Be at least 18 years old
✔️ Not be receiving social assistance (except for disability)
✔️ Show proof you can financially support your spouse
Can You Sponsor If You Live Outside Canada?
✔️ Citizens can sponsor from outside Canada (but must move back when the spouse arrives).
❌ Permanent residents must live in Canada at the time of sponsorship.
🚀 Pro Tip: If you were sponsored as a spouse yourself, you cannot sponsor a new spouse for five years after getting PR.
2. Who Can You Sponsor?
Canada allows sponsorship for three categories:
1. Spouse (Legally Married)
✔️ Must provide a marriage certificate (from any country)
✔️ If married outside Canada, the marriage must be legally recognized in both countries
2. Common-Law Partner
✔️ Must prove you’ve lived together for at least 12 months
✔️ Documents like shared lease agreements, bills, or joint bank accounts are required
3. Conjugal Partner (Special Cases Only)
✔️ For couples who cannot live together or marry due to legal, religious, or immigration barriers
✅ Example: If your home country does not allow same-sex marriage and you cannot live together legally, this category may apply.
3. Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship: Which One Is Right for You?
Option 1: Inland Sponsorship (Your Spouse Is Already in Canada)
✔️ Your spouse can stay in Canada while the application is processed
✔️ They may qualify for an Open Work Permit (can work while waiting for PR)
❌ Cannot leave Canada during processing (leaving can cancel the application)
✅ Best for: Couples already living together in Canada.
Option 2: Outland Sponsorship (Your Spouse Is Outside Canada)
✔️ Your spouse stays outside Canada while waiting for PR
✔️ Can visit Canada on a temporary visa (if approved)
✔️ Usually faster processing times than inland sponsorship
✅ Best for: Couples where one spouse is still living abroad.
🚀 Pro Tip: If your spouse is in Canada on a visitor visa, study permit, or work permit, apply for inland sponsorship + an open work permit to stay together.
4. How to Apply for Spousal Sponsorship in Canada
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
✔️ Marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship
✔️ Passports and national IDs
✔️ Police clearance certificates from all countries lived in for 6+ months
✔️ Medical exam results (done by an IRCC-approved doctor)
✔️ Proof of genuine relationship (photos, messages, call logs, travel records, etc.)
🚀 Pro Tip: Weak relationship proof = application delays. Submit strong evidence to avoid suspicion.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
You must submit your application online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Application Fees:
✔️ Sponsorship Fee: CAD $75
✔️ Processing Fee: CAD $490
✔️ Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD $515
✔️ Biometrics Fee: CAD $85
Total: Around CAD $1,165
✅ Tip: Pay all fees upfront to speed up processing.
Step 3: Wait for Approval & Updates
Once submitted, IRCC will:
✔️ Review your relationship documents
✔️ Request biometrics and medical exams (if not submitted)
✔️ Conduct a background check
🕒 Processing Time: 10–12 months (faster for outland applications)
🚀 Pro Tip: Inland applicants can apply for an Open Work Permit, letting your spouse work in Canada while waiting.
5. What Can Delay or Get Your Application Denied?
Many couples face delays or denials because of simple mistakes. Avoid these common errors:
🚫 Missing Proof of Relationship → IRCC wants to see real proof that your marriage or relationship is genuine. Submit wedding photos, travel records, joint bank statements, chat logs, and letters from friends/family confirming your relationship.
🚫 Incorrect Forms or Incomplete Applications → Even one missing signature can delay your application for months.
🚫 Weak Financial Proof → You don’t need a high income, but you must prove you can support your spouse without government assistance.
🚫 Criminal or Immigration Issues → If your spouse has a criminal record or was previously denied entry to Canada, they may need special approval.
6. Can Your Spouse Work While Waiting for PR?
Yes—but only for inland applications.
✔️ Apply for an Open Work Permit alongside the PR application.
✔️ Processing takes 4–5 months, but it allows your spouse to work legally in Canada while waiting.
✅ Tip: This is one of the biggest benefits of inland sponsorship—your spouse doesn’t have to wait months without income.
7. What Happens After PR Is Approved?
Once approved, your spouse will:
✔️ Receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
✔️ Land in Canada as a permanent resident
✔️ Be eligible for healthcare and social benefits
✔️ Start the countdown to Canadian citizenship (after 3 years of residency)
🚀 Pro Tip: After getting PR, your spouse must stay in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) in a 5-year period to maintain their status.
Final Thoughts: Is Spousal Sponsorship Worth It?
The spousal sponsorship Canada process takes time, effort, and patience—but it’s the best way to bring your partner to Canada permanently.
If you follow the process correctly, submit strong relationship proof, and avoid common mistakes, you can get your spouse’s PR approved within a year.
Love shouldn’t be separated by borders. If your spouse is waiting, start the application now and bring them home sooner.
