Updated on March 24, 2026 by canadian immigration experts
Canada is known for its welcoming attitude towards immigrants and its family reunification policies. The Canadian Spousal Sponsorship program is one such policy that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for immigration to Canada. In this article, we will discuss how the Canadian Spousal Sponsorship immigration process works.
What Are The Eligibility Requirements For Canadian Spousal Sponsorship
To be eligible for the Canadian Spousal Sponsorship program, the sponsor and the sponsored spouse or common-law partner must meet certain requirements. The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and must be able to demonstrate that they can financially support their spouse or common-law partner. The sponsored spouse or common-law partner must be at least 18 years of age and must not be inadmissible to Canada due to criminal or medical reasons.
Canadian Spousal Sponsorship Application Process
The Canadian Spousal Sponsorship application process involves two main stages: sponsorship and immigration. The first step is for the sponsor to submit a sponsorship application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The application must include all required forms and supporting documents, including proof of the sponsor’s Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, proof of their relationship with their spouse or common-law partner, and proof of their financial ability to support their spouse or common-law partner.
Once the sponsorship application is approved, the IRCC starts reviewing an immigration application submitted to IRCC simultaneously with the sponsorship application, including all required forms and supporting documents, such as police clearance certificates, medical exams, and proof of language proficiency.
Application Processing Times
The processing times for the Canadian Spousal Sponsorship program can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the volume of applications received by IRCC, the completeness of the application, and the complexity of the case. As of April 2023, the estimated processing times for the spousal sponsorship program are:
- For in-Canada sponsorship applications: 12 to 15 months
- For out-of-Canada sponsorship applications: 9 to 12 months
- For permanent residency applications: 6 to 12 months
It’s important to note that these are only estimated processing times and actual processing times may be longer or shorter.
The Cost Of Canadian Spousal Sponsorship Program
There are fees associated with the Canadian Spousal Sponsorship program, including the sponsorship fee and the permanent residency fee. As of April 2023, the fees are:
- Sponsorship fee: CAD 565
- Permanent residency fee: CAD 490 for the principal applicant and CAD 150 for dependent child
There may also be additional fees for services such as medical exams, police clearance certificates, and language proficiency tests.
The Canadian Spousal Sponsorship program is a valuable option for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who want to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for immigration to Canada. While the process can be complex and the fees can be high, the benefits of family reunification and building a life together in Canada are worth the effort.
By understanding the eligibility requirements, application process, processing times, and costs associated with the Canadian Spousal Sponsorship program, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s the right option for you and your loved one.
