Are you married to someone who isn’t a permanent resident or citizen of Canada yet? If you’re living in Canada and hoping to bring your spouse here permanently, you’re not alone. Thousands of people apply for spousal sponsorship every year through the Canadian Spousal PR (Permanent Residence) Family Sponsorship Program. It’s one of the quickest and most common ways to reunite families in Canada.
What Is Spousal Sponsorship in Canada?
Spousal sponsorship is a Canadian immigration program that allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner to become a permanent resident of Canada. Think of it as your official way of saying, “I want to build my life in Canada with my partner by my side.”
Once approved, the sponsored spouse gains most of the rights that come with Canadian permanent residency—like the ability to live, work, or study anywhere in Canada.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
You can sponsor someone as your spouse if you’re legally married to them or have been living with them in a common-law relationship for at least one year. In some cases, even conjugal partners can be sponsored, though those situations require extra documentation.
Basic eligibility includes:
- Your spouse must be at least 18 years old
- The relationship must be genuine and not created just to gain immigration status
- You must live together or show strong proof of your relationship
Who Can Sponsor Their Spouse?
If you’re thinking about sponsoring your partner, you need to meet some requirements too. Canada takes this seriously—it wants to make sure you can support your spouse financially and emotionally during the transition.
You must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Not be in prison, bankrupt, or under removal orders
- Be able to financially support your spouse for at least 3 years
Sounds manageable, right? But life throws curveballs, so always double-check the latest eligibility requirements on the official Government of Canada website.
Types of Spousal Sponsorship
Did you know there are two types of spousal sponsorship applications in Canada? Depending on where your spouse is currently living, you’ll apply through either the Inland or Outland stream.
1. Inland Sponsorship
This is for couples already living together in Canada. If your spouse is currently in Canada on a visitor, work, or study permit, this might be your best route. Plus, they may be eligible for an open work permit while the application is being processed!
2. Outland Sponsorship
If your spouse lives outside Canada, this is the typical route. Although processing times can vary, it sometimes goes faster because it’s handled outside the country. Your spouse can still visit Canada while the application is in process, assuming they get a visitor visa.
What You’ll Need To Apply
Paperwork is a big part of any immigration journey, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Treat it like a checklist—you get all your pieces together, and you’ll be set!
Key documents include:
- Marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
- Photos, messages, and other documents proving your relationship is genuine
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical exams
And of course, the appropriate application forms and government fees—so make sure you’re using the most current versions.
How Long Does Spousal PR Take?
Waiting can be the hardest part. Processing times vary depending on where you apply and how complete your application is. On average, it takes about 12 months. That might feel like forever, but keep in mind that mistakes or missing documents can cause delays.
Here’s a tip: double-check your application before submitting it—or better yet, have a consultant or lawyer review it for peace of mind.
Costs To Expect
The Canadian government charges fees for processing spousal sponsorship applications. The usual fees are:
- Sponsorship fee: CAD $75
- Principal applicant processing fee: CAD $490
- Right of permanent residence fee: CAD $515
- Biometrics: CAD $85
Total: Around CAD $1,165, not including optional expenses like translation or consulting fees.
What Happens After Approval?
If everything checks out and your application is approved, your spouse will receive their confirmation of permanent residence. If they’re already in Canada, they’ll attend a local landing interview or receive IRCC instructions to complete the PR process. If they’re abroad, it’ll happen through the Canadian visa office overseas.
Tips To Avoid Common Mistakes
- Don’t leave blanks on your forms—add “N/A” if a question doesn’t apply
- Provide thorough, truthful relationship evidence
- Get licensed translations for non-English documents
- Keep copies of everything!
Final Thoughts
Sponsoring your spouse through the Canadian Spousal PR program is a beautiful step in your love story. While the paperwork may seem like a mountain, taking it one step at a time can move you closer to building your life together in Canada.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. There are immigration consultants and resources available to guide you. After all, love is worth the effort—and so is a future together in Canada.