Spousal Sponsorship
Spousal Sponsorship Canada
Sponsor Your Spouse or Partner for Permanent Residency in Canada
The Spousal Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent children to obtain permanent residency in Canada. This program is part of Canada’s Family Class immigration and is designed to reunite families while ensuring the relationship is genuine and not solely for immigration purposes.
Through this program, qualified sponsors can bring their loved ones to Canada, where they will gain access to health care, employment opportunities, and a pathway to Canadian citizenship.
Why Choose Spousal Sponsorship?
- Reunite with Your Loved Ones → Bring your spouse or partner to Canada legally and safely.
- Pathway to PR → Once approved, your spouse or partner becomes a permanent resident.
- Flexible Relationship Types → Eligible for spouses, common-law partners, and conjugal partners.
- Dependent Children Included → Children under 22, or dependent children with special needs, can be sponsored alongside the main applicant.
Eligibility Criteria
Sponsor Requirements:
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- At least 18 years old.
- Reside in Canada, or demonstrate intent to return to Canada if living abroad.
- Not receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability.
- Able to provide financial support for basic needs.
- Must not have defaulted on previous sponsorship obligations.
Applicant (Person Being Sponsored) Requirements:
- At least 18 years old.
- Must meet Canada’s requirements for admissibility, including health, security, and legal standards.
- Must be in a genuine relationship with the sponsor.
Recognized Relationship Types:
- Spouse → Legally married and recognized under Canadian law.
- Common-law partner → Lived together continuously for at least 12 months.
- Conjugal partner → Relationship of at least 12 months but cannot live together due to circumstances beyond control.
Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship
| Feature | Inland Sponsorship | Outland Sponsorship |
|---|---|---|
| Location of Applicant | Already in Canada | Outside Canada |
| Processing Time | 12–15 months | 10–13 months (may vary by country) |
| Travel | Limited – must remain in Canada | More flexible |
| Work Permit | Potential for open work permit | Not available |
| Appeal Options | Potential appeal to IAD if status is maintained | Limited |
→ Choose Inland Sponsorship if: your spouse/partner is already in Canada and wants to remain during processing.
→ Choose Outland Sponsorship if: your spouse/partner is outside Canada or needs faster processing or travel flexibility.
Required Documents
For Sponsor:
- Canadian passport or PR card
- Proof of residence in Canada
- Employment/financial documents (e.g., pay stubs, Notice of Assessment)
- Signed Sponsorship Undertaking (IMM 1344)
For Sponsored Person:
- Passport
- Completed Permanent Residence Application (IMM 0008)
- Birth certificate
- Police certificates
- Medical examination confirmation
Proof of Relationship:
- Marriage certificate (spouses)
- Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409)
- Joint financial documents (bank statements, leases)
- Photos, travel records, social media evidence, affidavits from friends/family
All documents not in English or French must have certified translations.
Spousal Sponsorship Agreement
The sponsor signs an undertaking promising to provide financial support for three years from the date the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident. This includes:
- Basic needs support
- Repayment of provisional social assistance if used
- Responsibility applies regardless of changes in the relationship
Quebec has additional provincial requirements and undertakings.
Common Red Flags
Immigration officers review applications carefully to ensure relationships are genuine.
Red flags may include:
- Very short relationships
- Large age gaps
- Inconsistent information
- Lack of shared history or knowledge
- Sponsor receiving social assistance
Tip: Provide strong evidence and explanations to address potential red flags.
How We Support You
At Shreehari Immigration, we guide clients through every step of spousal sponsorship:
- Eligibility assessment → Determine if you qualify to sponsor or be sponsored.
- Step-by-step application support → Documentation, forms, and submission guidance.
- Relationship evidence strategies → Help you prove your relationship is genuine.
- Provincial and federal advice → Including Quebec-specific requirements.