Canadian Immigration for Couples: The Ultimate Guide to Spousal Sponsorship

Introduction

Are you a Canadian citizen or permanent resident looking to bring your spouse or partner to Canada? Spousal sponsorship is one of the most effective pathways for your loved one to obtain permanent residency in Canada. This guide will walk you through the process, eligibility requirements, costs, and real-life scenarios where spousal sponsorship plays a crucial role.

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Who Can Sponsor Their Partner?

To qualify as a sponsor under Canada’s spousal sponsorship program, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act.

• Be financially capable of supporting your partner’s basic needs.

• Not be receiving social assistance (except for disability support).

Special Considerations for Sponsors

• If you’re a permanent resident, you must be residing in Canada.

• If you’re a Canadian citizen living abroad, you must prove you’ll return to Canada once your partner receives PR.

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Who Can Be Sponsored?

As a sponsor, you can apply for your:

• Spouse (legally married partner).

• Common-law partner (must have lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 months).

• Conjugal partner (must have been in a serious relationship for over a year but unable to marry due to legal, religious, or immigration barriers).

Additional Requirement: The sponsored partner must be at least 18 years old and admissible to Canada.

Proof of Relationship Requirements

• Spouse: Marriage certificate, photos, joint financial accounts, or shared property.

• Common-law Partner: Proof of cohabitation, joint bills, shared lease, or utility records.

• Conjugal Partner: Proof of emotional and financial dependency, legal barriers preventing cohabitation, and communication records.

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Types of Spousal Sponsorship

1. Inland Sponsorship

This category is for couples already living together in Canada.

• The sponsored partner must remain in Canada during the application process.

• Eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), allowing them to work while waiting for PR approval.

• Processing time: Approximately 28 months.

Real-World Use Case

Maria, a software engineer from Spain, is in Canada on a visitor visa. She and her Canadian husband apply under inland sponsorship while she continues working with a spousal open work permit.

2. Outland Sponsorship

This category applies when the sponsored partner is outside Canada.

• Processing continues even if the sponsor and applicant travel.

• Faster processing times than inland sponsorship.

• Processing time: Approximately 10 months.

Real-World Use Case

Raj, an IT consultant from India, is engaged to a Canadian citizen, Lisa. They apply for outland sponsorship while Raj continues his job in India and visits Canada occasionally on a tourist visa.

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Quebec-Specific Rules

Residents of Quebec must follow additional steps:

• Submit applications to both IRCC and MIFI (Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration).

• Sign an undertaking agreement with Quebec.

• Cap on applications: Only 13,000 family sponsorship applications accepted between June 2024 and June 2026.

• Processing time: 34-36 months.

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Sponsorship Undertaking and Financial Responsibilities

Legal Obligation

When you sponsor your partner, you sign a legally binding undertaking to support them financially.

• Duration of Financial Support:

  • Spouse/Common-law/Conjugal partner: 3 years from the date of PR approval.

  • Dependent child under 22: 10 years or until they turn 25 (whichever comes first).

  • Dependent child over 22: 3 years.

What Happens if the Relationship Ends?

Even if you separate or divorce, the financial commitment remains in effect. You cannot withdraw sponsorship obligations after approval.

Real-World Use Case

Sarah sponsors her husband, Alex. After a year, they separate, but Sarah remains financially responsible for Alex for two more years as per the sponsorship undertaking.

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Spousal Sponsorship Interview

Not all applications require an interview, but IRCC may request one if there are concerns about the validity of the relationship.

Common Interview Questions

• How did you meet your partner?

• What are your partner’s hobbies and interests?

• How do you communicate daily?

• Have you met each other’s families?

• What was your wedding like?

Required Documents:

• Marriage certificate

• Communication records (texts, calls, emails)

• Photos and videos together

• Proof of joint financial responsibility

• Proof of cohabitation

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Fees and Costs

Fee Type	Amount (CAD)
Sponsorship Fee	$85
Principal Applicant Processing Fee	$545
Right of Permanent Residence Fee	$575
Biometrics	$85
Total	$1,290

Additional Costs:

• Dependent child: $170 per child.

• Medical exams and police clearance (varies by country).

• Legal or consultant fees (if applicable).

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Conclusion

Spousal sponsorship is one of the most straightforward paths to Canadian permanent residency, but it requires careful planning and documentation. Understanding inland vs. outland sponsorship, financial commitments, and legal requirements can make the process smoother.

If you’re planning to sponsor your spouse or partner, ensure your application is strong with well-documented proof of relationship and financial stability.

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Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration policies may change over time. Consult an immigration expert or official IRCC sources for the most up-to-date information.