Spouse Sponsorship Canada: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Everything you need to know about the Canada spouse sponsorship application process — eligibility criteria, required documents, processing times, and expert tips for a successful application.
12–24 months
Typical Processing Time
~$1,080 CAD
Government Fees
3 years
Undertaking Period
None
Minimum Income Required
What Is Spouse Sponsorship Immigration to Canada?
Spouse sponsorship is a Canadian immigration program under the Family Class that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for Canadian permanent residence. It is one of the most accessible routes to Canadian PR for foreign nationals who are married to or in a committed relationship with a Canadian.
The program is administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and is governed by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). Both the sponsor and the sponsored person must meet specific eligibility criteria, and the couple must demonstrate that their relationship is genuine.
Whether you are applying from inside Canada (inland) or from outside Canada (outland), this guide explains the complete Canada spouse sponsorship step-by-step process so you can apply with confidence.
Eligibility Criteria for Spouse Sponsorship in Canada
Both the sponsor and the sponsored person must meet the following requirements.
Sponsor Requirements
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- At least 18 years of age
- Living in Canada (citizens abroad must intend to return)
- Not subject to a removal order (if a PR)
- Not bankrupt or in default on a previous undertaking
- Not convicted of certain violent or sexual offences
- Not receiving social assistance (except for disability)
Sponsored Person Requirements
- Legally married to the sponsor (spouse)
- OR in a genuine common-law partnership for 12+ months
- OR in a conjugal relationship if unable to live together
- Not inadmissible for serious criminality or security reasons
- Not already a Canadian citizen or PR
- Passes required medical examination
- Not previously subject to an exclusion or removal order
How to Apply for Spouse Sponsorship in Canada: Step by Step
Follow these 7 steps to complete your Canada spouse sponsorship application successfully.
Confirm Eligibility
The Canadian sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, not subject to a sponsorship bar, and able to meet the basic financial requirements. The sponsored spouse or common-law partner must be legally admissible to Canada.
Gather Your Documents
Collect identity documents (passports, birth certificates), proof of relationship (photos, communication records, joint accounts), police clearances, medical examination results, and the sponsorship undertaking forms.
Choose Inland or Outland
Inland applications are for couples where the sponsored partner is already in Canada. Outland applications are processed at the visa office in the sponsored person's home country. Each route has different processing times and implications.
Submit the Application Package
Complete and submit the sponsorship application (IMM 1344) and the sponsored person's permanent residence application simultaneously. Pay the required government fees — sponsorship fee, principal applicant processing fee, and right of permanent residence fee.
Biometrics and Medical Exam
After submission, IRCC will request biometrics from the sponsored spouse. A medical examination by a designated physician is also required. Ensure all health requirements are met early to avoid delays.
IRCC Review and Decision
IRCC assesses both the sponsorship approval and the sponsored person's PR application. They may request additional documents or schedule an interview. Processing times vary by application type.
Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
Once approved, the sponsored spouse receives a Confirmation of Permanent Residence and, if outside Canada, a permanent resident visa to enter Canada. If inland, they confirm PR status at a Canadian port of entry.
Spouse Sponsorship Document Checklist for Canada
Missing documents are the most common cause of delays and refusals. Use this checklist to ensure your application package is complete.
- Valid passport copies (all pages) for both sponsor and sponsored person
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence status for the sponsor
- Marriage certificate or proof of common-law or conjugal relationship
- Photographs together (various dates and locations)
- Communication records (texts, emails, call logs)
- Proof of joint finances (bank accounts, leases, property)
- Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409) if applicable
- Police clearance certificates from all countries lived in for 6+ months
- Completed medical examination by IRCC-designated physician
- Sponsorship application (IMM 1344)
- Application for Permanent Residence (IMM 0008)
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
- Generic Application Form (IMM 0008DEP) for dependent children
- Proof of payment of all government fees
All documents not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation. Do not send originals unless specifically requested by IRCC.
Spouse Sponsorship Canada Processing Time
Processing times for spouse sponsorship in Canada depend on whether you apply inland or outland, the visa office processing your application, and the completeness of your submission.
Outland Applications
12–24 months
Processed at the visa office in the sponsored person's home country. The sponsored person can travel freely during processing.
Inland Applications
12–24 months
Sponsored person stays in Canada during processing. May be eligible for an open work permit. Cannot easily leave Canada without risking the application.
* Processing times are estimates based on IRCC data and may change. Check the official IRCC website for current times.
Tips for a Successful Spouse Sponsorship Application in Canada
Expert advice from RSTM Immigration's licensed consultants to maximize your chances of approval.
Start gathering relationship evidence early — the more documentation the better.
Ensure all documents are translated into English or French by a certified translator.
Do not misrepresent any information on your application — misrepresentation results in a 5-year bar.
Double-check fee amounts before payment — IRCC fees change periodically.
Track IRCC processing times regularly and apply when times are favourable.
Respond to any IRCC requests for additional information promptly and completely.
If your relationship is new, document everything digitally — emails, social media, travel together.
Consider hiring a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) for complex cases or previous refusals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility criteria for spouse sponsorship in Canada?
To sponsor a spouse, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or older, not be in default of a previous sponsorship undertaking, not be subject to a removal order (if a PR), not be bankrupt, and not have been convicted of certain violent or sexual offences. Your spouse must be genuinely married to you and otherwise admissible to Canada.
How long does spouse sponsorship processing take in Canada?
Processing times vary. Outland spousal sponsorship typically takes 12–24 months. Inland applications can take a similar period, though the sponsored partner can usually remain in Canada and may be eligible for an open work permit while waiting. IRCC publishes current processing time estimates on their website.
Can I get Canadian PR through spouse sponsorship?
Yes. Spouse sponsorship is one of the most common pathways to Canadian permanent residence. Once the application is approved, the sponsored spouse becomes a permanent resident of Canada with full rights to live, work, and study anywhere in the country.
What is the difference between inland and outland sponsorship?
Inland sponsorship is for couples where the sponsored partner is physically in Canada at the time of application and wants to remain during processing. Outland sponsorship is processed at the visa office in the sponsored person's country and typically allows the sponsored person to travel freely during processing.
Can my spouse work in Canada while the sponsorship is being processed?
If you apply inland, your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit (OWP) concurrent with the PR application. This allows them to work for any employer in Canada while the application is pending.
What are the most common reasons spouse sponsorship applications are refused?
Common refusal reasons include insufficient proof of a genuine relationship, incomplete documentation, sponsor inadmissibility or a sponsorship bar, failure to meet financial requirements, or misrepresentation. Working with a regulated immigration consultant significantly reduces the risk of refusal.
Do I need a minimum income to sponsor my spouse in Canada?
Unlike sponsoring parents or grandparents, there is no minimum income requirement for sponsoring a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner. However, the sponsor must sign an undertaking agreeing to financially support the sponsored person for three years.
Ready to Reunite With Your Spouse in Canada?
Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) have successfully guided hundreds of families through the spouse sponsorship process. Let us build a strong application for you.