Overview
Understanding Spousal Sponsorship in Canada
Spousal sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence in Canada. This program is designed to keep families together and is one of the most common immigration pathways. However, the application process is complex and refusals are not uncommon.
To sponsor a spouse, you must be at least 18 years old, be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and demonstrate you are not receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability. You must also undertake to provide financial support for your spouse and any dependent children for three years after they become permanent residents.
The sponsored spouse must prove the genuineness of the relationship. Immigration officers look for evidence that the relationship is not primarily for immigration purposes. This includes shared finances, cohabitation, photos, communication records, and knowledge of each other's families. Relationships entered into after a removal order or while the sponsor was married to someone else face additional scrutiny.
If your sponsorship application is refused, you may have the right to appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). The IAD can overturn refusals based on errors or humanitarian and compassionate considerations. Our Vancouver immigration lawyers have successfully represented sponsors and applicants at IAD hearings, reuniting families separated by refusals.
Our Sponsorship Services
- Inland Spousal Sponsorship Applications
- Outland Spousal Sponsorship Applications
- Common-Law Partner Sponsorship
- Conjugal Partner Sponsorship
- Dependent Child Sponsorship
- Open Work Permit for Spouses (Inland)
- Sponsorship Refusal Appeals (IAD)
- Relationship Genuineness Evidence Preparation
- Misrepresentation Defense in Sponsorship
- Federal Court Judicial Review
The Sponsorship Process
Eligibility assessment
We assess both the sponsor's eligibility and the relationship to identify any potential issues and determine the best application stream.
Application preparation
We help you compile a comprehensive application package with relationship evidence, forms, police certificates, medical exams, and supporting documents.
Submission & processing
Once submitted, we monitor your application and respond to any requests for additional information or interviews from IRCC.
Interview (if required)
If an interview is scheduled, we prepare you thoroughly on what to expect and how to present your relationship genuinely and confidently.
Landing & pr
Upon approval, your spouse completes landing as a permanent resident. We guide you through the final steps and what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does spousal sponsorship take in Canada?
Current processing times for spousal sponsorship are approximately 12-15 months for most cases. Inland applications (where the spouse is already in Canada) may allow for an open work permit while waiting. Outland applications (spouse outside Canada) may be faster in some cases. Complex cases involving prior refusals, misrepresentation concerns, or criminal inadmissibility take longer.
Can I sponsor my spouse if I'm on social assistance?
You cannot sponsor if you are receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability. If your social assistance is solely due to a disability, you may still be eligible to sponsor. Income is not otherwise a factor in spousal sponsorship—unlike parent and grandparent sponsorship, there is no minimum income requirement for sponsors of spouses.
What if my sponsorship application is refused?
If your application is refused, you have the right to appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) within 30 days. The IAD is a new hearing where you can present additional evidence and witnesses. The IAD can overturn refusals if it finds errors or if humanitarian and compassionate considerations warrant approval despite the refusal grounds.
What evidence do I need to prove my relationship is genuine?
Strong evidence includes: joint financial accounts/assets, shared lease or mortgage, cohabitation evidence, photos together over time, communication records (texts, calls, emails), evidence of meeting each other's families, travel together, wedding photos/documents, and statutory declarations from family/friends attesting to your relationship.
Can my spouse work while waiting for sponsorship approval?
If your spouse is in Canada and you apply inland, they can apply for an open work permit (OWP) at the same time or after the sponsorship application is submitted. This OWP allows them to work for any employer while waiting for the sponsorship decision. If your spouse is outside Canada (outland), they cannot work in Canada until they become a permanent resident.