Spousal & Partner Sponsorship

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residency under the Family Class sponsorship program. Applications can be filed as inland sponsorship (if the partner is already in Canada) or outland sponsorship (processed through a visa office in the partner's country of residence). Inland applicants may also apply for an open work permit while their PR application is in process.

Sponsors must meet minimum income requirements and sign an undertaking to financially support their partner for three years after PR is granted. IRCC reviews the genuineness of the relationship, so thorough documentation of shared life — correspondence, photos, financial ties, and statutory declarations — is essential for a successful application. Processing times vary depending on the stream and country of origin.