Canada Spousal Visa Guide 2025
Learn how to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner for Canadian permanent residency. Explore eligibility, documents, processing times & FAQs about spousal sponsorship in Canada.
If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner outside Canada, spousal sponsorship Canada could be an option for you to sponsor them under the Family Class or under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class .
Eligibility Criteria for Spousal Sponsorship in Canada
While the eligibility of the sponsor (the Canadian citizen or permanent resident) is crucial, the person being sponsored (the spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner) must also meet specific requirements to be approved for permanent residence in Canada.
Key Eligibility Requirements for the Sponsored Person:
✅ Sponsor Requirements:
Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Must be 18 years of age or older
Must reside in Canada, or if a citizen living abroad, must demonstrate intent to return to Canada when the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident
Cannot be receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability
Must be able to provide financial support for basic needs of the sponsored individual
Cannot have defaulted on previous sponsorship undertakings, immigration loans, or court-ordered child/spousal support
✅ Applicant Requirements (Person Being Sponsored):
Must be at least 18 years old
Must not be inadmissible to Canada due to criminality, security risks, or health issues
Must be in a genuine relationship with the sponsor that is not primarily for immigration benefits
💡 Relationship Types Recognized for Sponsorship:
Spouse: Legally married and recognized under Canadian law
Common-law partner: Living together continuously for at least 12 consecutive months
Conjugal partner: Exceptional cases where the couple cannot live together or marry due to circumstances outside their control
Source – canada.ca sponsor-your-spouse-common-law-partner-conjugal-partner-dependent-child
Do You Automatically Get Permanent Residency if You Marry a Canadian Citizen?
No, marrying a Canadian citizen does not grant automatic permanent residency in Canada. This is a common misconception.
Even after marriage, your partner must formally sponsor you through the spousal sponsorship process under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) guidelines. The Canadian government carefully assesses:
The genuineness of the relationship
Whether the sponsor meets financial and legal criteria
If the sponsored person is admissible to Canada
📌 Important: Immigration officers are trained to detect relationships that may be formed primarily for immigration purposes. Evidence of a legitimate relationship is essential.
What Happens After Marrying a Canadian?
If you marry a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they may sponsor you through:
Inland spousal sponsorship (if you’re in Canada)
Outland spousal sponsorship (if you’re outside Canada)
Once approved, you receive Permanent Resident (PR) status, which includes access to:
Health care coverage
The right to work and study
Pathway to citizenship after fulfilling residency obligations
One of the most critical aspects of a spousal sponsorship application is proving to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that your relationship is genuine and not solely for the purpose of gaining Canadian immigration status. IRCC takes this requirement extremely seriously, and applications are often refused if the officer is not convinced that the relationship is authentic.
What Evidence You Can Provide To Prove Your Relationship is Real?
To convince IRCC that your relationship is genuine, you will need to provide a wide range of evidence demonstrating the authenticity of your relationship. The more evidence you can provide, the stronger your application will be. Here are some examples of evidence you can include:
Photos Together: Photos showing you and your partner together over time, in different locations, and with family and friends. The photos should show the evolution of your relationship and demonstrate that you are a couple.
Communication Records: Copies of emails, text messages, letters, and social media messages exchanged between you and your partner. These records should show the nature of your communication and the depth of your connection.
Travel Records: Copies of plane tickets, hotel reservations, and other travel documents showing that you have traveled together.
Joint Financial Accounts: Statements from joint bank accounts, credit cards, or other financial accounts that you share with your partner.
Joint Ownership of Property: Documents showing that you jointly own property, such as a house or a car.
Affidavits from Friends and Family: Letters from friends and family members who can attest to the genuineness of your relationship. The affidavits should provide specific details about how they know you as a couple and what they have observed about your relationship.
Evidence of Shared Responsibilities: Documents showing that you share responsibilities, such as household chores, childcare, or caring for pets.
Detailed Relationship Timeline: A detailed timeline outlining the key events in your relationship, from when you first met to the present day. This timeline should include dates, locations, and specific details about your relationship.
Evidence of Support During Difficult Times: Evidence that you have supported each other through difficult times, such as illness, job loss, or family emergencies.
Social Media Presence: While not determinative, a shared social media presence (e.g., couple photos, relationship status updates) can provide additional supporting evidence.
Gifts and Cards: Photos or copies of cards and gifts exchanged between you and your partner.
Phone Records: Detailed phone records showing frequent communication between you and your partner.
Common Address: Proof that you live at the same address (lease agreement, utility bills, etc.).
Spouse Visa Red Flags: That IRCC Looks For
IRCC officers are trained to identify potential red flags that may indicate a marriage of convenience. Some common red flags include:
Large Age Gaps: Significant age differences between the sponsor and the sponsored person can raise suspicion.
Short Relationships: Relationships that are very short in duration may be viewed with skepticism.
Lack of Shared History: A lack of shared experiences, memories, and photos can suggest that the relationship is not genuine.
Cultural or Language Barriers: Significant cultural or language barriers can make it difficult to establish a genuine relationship.
Inconsistent Information: Inconsistencies in the information provided by the sponsor and the sponsored person can raise red flags.
Lack of Knowledge About Each Other: A lack of basic knowledge about each other’s lives, families, and backgrounds can suggest that the relationship is not genuine.
Previous Immigration Violations: If either the sponsor or the sponsored person has a history of immigration violations, it can raise concerns about their intentions.
Sponsor Receiving Social Assistance: While not an automatic bar, it raises concerns about the sponsor’s ability to financially support their spouse.
Overcoming Red Flags:
If your relationship has any of these red flags, it is important to address them proactively in your application. Provide a clear and compelling explanation for the red flag and provide as much supporting evidence as possible to demonstrate that your relationship is genuine. Get in touch with our Spouse visa experts in Canada to help you out.
What Is Spousal Sponsorship Agreement
The Canada Spousal Sponsorship agreement is an agreement signed by the sponsor and the person being sponsored. It’s an agreement that:
- The sponsor will cater to the basic needs of the sponsored person
- The spouse or partner you sponsor will do their best to provide for themselves and their family members
- If you reside in Quebec, there are Quebec’s immigration and sponsorship requirements that you must meet to become a sponsor. The province of Quebec also assesses your finances and requires you to sign an additional undertaking with the province.
- Prove that the relationship you’re having with the person you want to sponsor is real:
- Spouse: Prove you’re legally married and be at least 18 years of age
- Common-law partner: must be at least 18 years of age and have lived together continuously for at least one year – provide proof of your common-law relationship
- Conjugal partner: at least 18 years of age and have been in a relationship for at least 1yr. You have to prove that you couldn’t live together as common-law partners or get married.
Duration of the Undertaking:
The undertaking period for spousal sponsorship is three (3) years from the date your sponsored spouse/partner becomes a permanent resident of Canada. This means that you are financially responsible for them for three years, regardless of any changes in your relationship status.
Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship: Which is Right for You?
When applying for spousal sponsorship, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to apply through the Inland Sponsorship process or the Outland Sponsorship process. The best option for you will depend on your individual circumstances and priorities.
What is Inland Sponsorship?
Definition: Inland Sponsorship is when the person being sponsored (the spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner) is already living in Canada and applies for permanent residence from within Canada. They are typically in Canada on a visitor visa, work permit, or study permit.
What is Outland Sponsorship:
Definition: Outland Sponsorship is when the person being sponsored is living outside of Canada and applies for permanent residence from outside of Canada.
Which Option is Right for You?
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Inland Sponsorship | Outland Sponsorship |
| Location of Applicant | Already in Canada | Outside of Canada |
| Processing Time | Generally Slower | Potentially Faster |
| Travel | Limited - Must Remain in Canada | More Flexible - Can Generally Travel |
| Work Permit | Potential for Open Work Permit | No Open Work Permit |
| Appeal Options | Potential Appeal to IAD (if status is maintained) | Limited Appeal Options |
Consider Inland Sponsorship if:
Your spouse/partner is already legally in Canada and wants to remain here during processing.
You are willing to wait longer for a decision.
Your spouse/partner is eligible for an open work permit.
Consider Outland Sponsorship if:
Your spouse/partner is living outside of Canada.
You want a potentially faster processing time.
Your spouse/partner needs to travel frequently.
Spousal Sponsorship Application Requirements
To qualify as a sponsor for your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner, you must meet the following requirements set by the IRCC:
- Prove that you can provide for the basic needs of your partner
- Show that you’re not getting social assistance unless it’s for disability
- Be 18 years and above
- Be a permanent resident, a Canadian citizen, or registered as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act. Note that:
- You can’t be a sponsor if you’re a permanent resident residing outside Canada
- You can be a sponsor if you’re a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, but you have to prove that you plan to move back to Canada if your partner/spouse is granted permanent residence
- If you’re sponsoring a spouse with a dependent child who has a dependent child or children of their own, you have to meet the minimum LICO requirements to prove that you can support them financially
- When completing your application, you must sign the undertaking and sponsorship agreement. As the sponsor, you sign the undertaking promising that:
- You’ll provide financial assistance to your partner or spouse for three years even if your relationship ends
- You’ll pay back any provisional social aid offered to the sponsored partner/spouse within the undertaking period(3yrs)
Additional Points to Consider
- Waiting Period: If you were sponsored by a spouse or partner, you cannot sponsor someone else until five years have passed since you became a permanent resident.
- Financial Responsibility: The sponsor is financially responsible for the sponsored person for three years after they become a permanent resident.
- Genuine Relationship: You can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner if your relationship is genuine and not solely entered into for obtaining immigrant status in Canada.
Defining Spouse, Common-law Partner, and Conjugal Partner for Sponsorship
- Spouse: A spouse refers to a partner with whom you are legally married, encompassing both opposite- and same-sex marriages.
- Common-law Partner: A common-law partner is not legally married to you but has lived with you continuously for at least 12 months.
- This includes both opposite- and same-sex relationships.
- Conjugal Partner: A conjugal partner is someone who has had a binding relationship with you for at least one year, but could not live with you for certain reasons.
- It is essential to note that individuals living in Canada cannot be sponsored as conjugal partners.
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Why Spousal Sponsorship May Not Be Approved
The following might render you ineligible to sponsor your partner or spouse:
- You were convicted of a violent criminal offence, sexual crime, or any offence against your family members within or outside Canada
- If you’ve been a permanent resident for less than five years and you were sponsored by a spouse or partner
- You’re still accountable for another partner or spouse that you sponsored (3-year undertaking agreement)
- Have been issued a Removal Order
- Are currently convicted
- Failed to repay an immigration loan or make legally bound family support payments
- Was unable to provide basic and financial needs when you sponsored someone else
- Declared bankruptcy
Spousal Sponsorship Application Process - Step By Step
Understanding the spousal sponsorship process helps avoid delays, refusals, and incomplete applications. Here’s how the process unfolds:
✅ Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Before starting, ensure both sponsor and applicant meet all legal, financial, and relationship eligibility criteria as outlined by IRCC.
✅ Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Application
There are two processing streams:
Inland Sponsorship: If your spouse/common-law partner is already in Canada.
Outland Sponsorship: If your spouse/common-law partner is living outside Canada (or in Canada but choosing to apply through their home country's visa office).
📌 Inland applications allow for an open work permit option while the application is being processed.
✅ Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Documents typically include:
Proof of identity and status (e.g., passport, PR card)
Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, shared finances, photos)
Police clearance certificates
Medical examination results
Sponsor’s financial documents (e.g., pay stubs, Notice of Assessment)
👀 Be sure to use IRCC’s most recent document checklists to avoid submitting outdated materials.
✅ Step 4: Complete the Sponsorship and Permanent Residence Applications
Download and complete the following forms:
IMM 1344 (Sponsorship Application)
IMM 0008 (Generic Application Form for Canada)
IMM 5406, IMM 5532, and others as applicable
Double-check each form for consistency and signature fields before submission.
✅ Step 5: Pay Application Fees
Fees may include:
Sponsorship fee
Processing fee
Right of permanent residence fee
Biometrics fee (if required)
All payments are made via IRCC’s online portal.
✅ Step 6: Submit Your Application
Bundle all completed forms and supporting documents and submit your application:
Online via IRCC secure account (preferred)
By mail if using a paper application
✅ Step 7: Wait for Acknowledgment and Processing
Once submitted, IRCC will:
Issue an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)
Request biometrics (if applicable)
Possibly request additional documents or interviews
📈 Processing times vary based on the country of origin and stream type, typically 12–16 months.
Sources - ircc.canada.ca
Document Checklist for Spousal Sponsorship (Canada)
Submitting a complete and accurate set of documents is essential to avoid delays or refusal in your spousal sponsorship application. Below is a categorized checklist of what’s commonly required:
For the Sponsor:
Copy of Canadian passport or Permanent Resident card
Completed IMM 1344 – Sponsorship Application
Proof of current residence in Canada
Employment documents or Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the CRA
Proof of termination of previous marriages (if applicable)
Signed Sponsorship Undertaking
For the Sponsored Person (Spouse/Partner):
Copy of passport
Completed IMM 0008 – Permanent Residence Application
Birth certificate
Police clearance certificate(s) from any country lived in for 6+ months after age 18
Upfront medical exam confirmation (from IRCC panel physician)
Proof of relationship (see below)
Relationship Proof (All Applicants):
Marriage certificate (for spouses)
Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409) – if applicable
Joint financial documents (e.g., joint bank accounts, lease agreements)
Photos together over time and in different settings
Travel itineraries, social media screenshots, or letters from family/friends supporting the relationship
🛑 Note: All documents not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation.
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Spouse Visa Processing Time 2025 - Spousal Sponsorship Timeline
Spousal sponsorship applications are typically processed in:
| Application Type | Estimated Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Inland Sponsorship | 12–15 months |
| Outland Sponsorship | 10–13 months (may vary by country) |
These timelines are based on data from IRCC’s most recent updates and are subject to change based on global events, application volume, and policy shifts.
🔍 What Factors Can Affect Processing Times?
Several factors can either delay or expedite your application:
✅ Complete and Accurate Application
Missing documents, unsigned forms, or incorrect fees can lead to delays or return of your application.
✅ Country of Origin
Outland applications are routed through visa offices abroad, and processing may vary depending on the specific country's caseload and conditions.
✅ Security and Medical Background Checks
Applicants requiring additional background screening may experience longer wait times.
✅ Communication Delays
Failing to respond promptly to IRCC document requests or interview notices can prolong the process.
📌 Pro Tip: IRCC offers a tracker tool for spouses and partners to monitor their application status online. Checking regularly can help manage expectations and stay informed.
Spousal Sponsorship Checklist
- Make sure you are eligible to be a sponsor and the person you want to sponsor is also eligible
- Ensure you have the necessary documents and any other proof required to prove your relationship
- Make sure you pay the right fees and through the correct channels
- Complete the sponsorship forms as stipulated and send them to IRCC together
Canada Spousal Sponsorship Costs
| Type of Fee | Amount in $CAN |
| Spouse/Partner Sponsorship Fee | 75 |
| Applicant’s Processing Fee | 475 |
| Spouse/Partner Right of Permanent Residence | 490 |
| Include a spouse’s/Partner’s Dependent Child | 150 per child |
| Biometrics(When requested) | 85 |
How We Can Help With Spousal Sponsorship in Canada
Knowledge and experience with the IRCC Spousal Sponsorship is the key to success, and we can proudly say that we possess both. If you’re looking to reunite with your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner, we will be happy to offer our expert services. We will help you through the whole process, starting from determining your eligibility to handling all your sponsorship and permanent residency paperwork.
Jane Katkova & Associates – Canadian Immigration Experts for more details about the spousal sponsorship program and how we can be of assistance.
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Spousal Sponsorship Canada FAQs
What are the requirements for spousal sponsorship in Canada?
To sponsor your spouse or partner, you must:
Be 18 years or older
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Not be receiving social assistance (except for disability)
Be able to financially support your spouse/partner
If I marry a Canadian citizen, do I automatically get permanent residency?
No. Marriage alone does not grant PR. You must be sponsored through the official spousal sponsorship process, and IRCC will assess your relationship’s genuineness.
What documents are required for spousal sponsorship?
Documents include:
Passports and ID
Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, photos)
Financial documents (e.g., tax returns, pay stubs)
Police clearance certificates
Medical examination confirmation
Is there a minimum income to sponsor a spouse?
Unlike other sponsorship categories, spousal sponsorship does not require a fixed minimum income. However, the sponsor must prove financial capability to support the spouse without government assistance.
How long does it take to get PR through spousal sponsorship?
Typical processing times are:
12–15 months for inland applications
10–13 months for outland applications (varies by visa office)
Can I work in Canada while waiting for my PR?
Yes—if applying through inland sponsorship, you may be eligible for an Open Work Permit while your application is processed.
What if we live in Quebec?
In Quebec, sponsors must meet additional provincial requirements. After IRCC’s approval of your eligibility, you must also apply to the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).
What if we get divorced during the sponsorship process?
If you get divorced before your spouse becomes a permanent resident, the sponsorship application will likely be refused. You are no longer considered a spouse, and the basis for the sponsorship no longer exists. If you get divorced after your spouse becomes a permanent resident, the sponsor is still obligated to fulfill the terms of the sponsorship undertaking (typically 3 years).
Can I sponsor my same-sex spouse?
Yes, Canada recognizes same-sex marriages and common-law partnerships for immigration purposes. The spousal sponsorship process is the same for same-sex couples as it is for opposite-sex couples. You will need to provide the same evidence to demonstrate the genuineness of your relationship.
What if my spouse has children from a previous relationship?
You can include your spouse's dependent children on the sponsorship application. The children must meet the definition of "dependent child" under Canadian immigration law. You will need to provide additional information and documentation for each child, including birth certificates, custody documents, and adoption papers (if applicable). You will also need to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support your spouse and their dependent children.
What if I have a criminal record?
Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from sponsoring your spouse, but it can significantly impact your eligibility. IRCC will assess the nature and severity of the offence, the length of time that has passed since the offence was committed, and your rehabilitation. If you have been convicted of a violent or sexual offence, or an offence against a family member, you will likely be deemed ineligible to sponsor your spouse. It is essential to be honest about your criminal record and provide any relevant documentation, such as court records or rehabilitation certificates. Consulting with an immigration lawyer in toronto is highly recommended.
This message is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration case manager with whom you work at Jane Katkova and Associates or send an email to support@katkova.com.
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