Sponsor your Spouse

Bring Your Partner to Canada as a Permanent Resident

Sponsoring your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner is a key program under Canada’s family reunification commitment. This process allows you, as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, to help your partner obtain permanent residency, enabling you to build your life together in Canada.

 

Sponsor your Spouse

Bring Your Partner to Canada as a Permanent Resident

Sponsoring your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner is a key program under Canada’s family reunification commitment. This process allows you, as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, to help your partner obtain permanent residency, enabling you to build your life together in Canada.

 

Eligibility and Purpose

Sponsoring your partner is a significant legal commitment. You must meet specific eligibility criteria and demonstrate that your relationship is genuine and not entered into for immigration purposes.

 
Sponsor Obligations

As the sponsor, you are legally responsible for providing financial support for your partner's basic needs for three years after they become a permanent resident.

Relationship Status

The program applies to spouses, common-law partners, and conjugal partners.

General Requirements (Sponsor)

  • You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.


  • You must be at least 18 years old.


  • You must live in Canada. If you are a Canadian citizen living abroad, you must demonstrate your intention to return to Canada when your partner becomes a permanent resident.


  • You must sign a sponsorship agreement with the Government of Canada, committing to financially support your spouse for a period of three years.

Financial Requirements

Unlike some other immigration programs, there is generally no minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship. However, you must prove you can meet the financial commitment of the three-year undertaking.

Open Work Permit

For inland spousal sponsorship applications, your partner may be eligible to apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada while the permanent residency application is being processed.

Start your immigration journey with confidence

Whether you’re handling it yourself or need guidance throughout, we’re here to support you.
Start with a $49.99 one-on-one consulation.
 

Start your immigration journey with confidence

Whether you're ready to start on your own—or want advice every step of the way—we've got your back.
Start with a $49.99 one-on-one consulation.

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Eligibility Assessment

We assess both your and your partner's eligibility to determine the best sponsorship route (Inland vs. Outland).

Choose the Best Strategy

We assess which immigration program, like the FSWP, is the best fit for your profile to ensure a successful application.

Avoid Costly Mistakes

Our experts meticulously review your application to avoid inconsistencies, missing documents, and other costly mistakes.

Document Compilation

We provide a detailed checklist and assist in gathering all necessary forms and compelling evidence of your relationship.

Relationship Types

The spousal sponsorship program is a two-part application. Both the sponsor (you) and the person being sponsored (your partner) must meet specific eligibility criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Spouse

You are legally married to your partner. The marriage must be legally recognized in the country where it took place.

Common-Law Partner

You are not legally married but have lived with your partner in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months.

Conjugal Partner

You are in a committed, marriage-like relationship for at least one year but cannot live together due to exceptional circumstances beyond your control (e.g., legal or immigration barriers). This is a rare category and requires extensive proof.

In-Canada vs. Outland Sponsorship

Choosing the right sponsorship class is a crucial decision that impacts the application process, travel flexibility, and eligibility for a work permit.


  • In-Canada Class (Inland): This is for couples where the sponsored person is already living with the sponsor in Canada and has a valid temporary status (e.g., visitor, worker, or student). The sponsored person can often apply for an open work permit while the application is in process but should not leave Canada.


  • Family Class (Outland): This is for couples where the sponsored person lives outside of Canada. However, those already in Canada may choose this option if they need the flexibility to travel in and out of the country during the application process.

Spousal Open Work Permit

If your partner is in Canada on a temporary status and you choose the In-Canada sponsorship route, they may be eligible to apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit. This allows them to work for any employer in Canada while waiting for their permanent residency application to be processed.

Sponsoring other family members

Canadian citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to sponsor other close relatives. If you wish to sponsor a child, parent, or other family member, explore the specific requirements and programs available on our dedicated pages for family sponsorship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Most immigration programs designed to attract skilled workers let you include your family in your application for permanent residency in Canada. This includes your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. Additionally, Canada has separate programs where citizens and permanent residents can sponsor certain close relatives for immigration.

While there's no age limit to apply for economic immigration programs, your age will affect your score.  These programs award points based on various factors like education, language skills, work experience, and even having a job lined up in Canada. People between 25 and 35 get the highest score for age, but don't worry!  If you're outside this range, you can make up for it with strong points in other categories.

If you're an international student wanting to study in Canada, you'll need a study permit. To get one, you must first be accepted by a school approved by the Canadian government (called a designated learning institution). You'll also need to show you have enough money to cover your schooling, living costs, and even the ticket back home.

Our commitment is to your success, and we never recommend services unless you genuinely qualify. We believe in open communication and will always explore the most realistic options for your situation. Furthermore, our unwavering support extends beyond the application process. We're with you every step of the way, even in challenging circumstances, ensuring a smooth and successful immigration journey to Canada.

Our team is committed to your success, and we'll explore all realistic pathways to achieve your Canadian immigration goals. We believe in clear communication and will keep you informed throughout the process.

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CanadianVisas.com is operated by Can-Am Immigration Inc., a Canadian immigration consulting firm. We provide access to Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), as well as full representation services and self-guided immigration tools. CanadianVisas.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, except as authorized under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Citizenship Act of Canada.

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