Spousal & Common-Law Partner Sponsorship Canada

Who Can Be Sponsored?

Spouse

A legally married partner. The marriage must be legally valid in both the country where it took place and in Canada. Proxy and polygamous marriages are not recognised under Canadian immigration law.

Common-Law Partner

A partner who has cohabited continuously with the sponsor in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 months. Joint lease, utility bills, bank accounts, and statutory declarations are used as evidence.

Conjugal Partner

A partner who has maintained a conjugal relationship with the sponsor for at least 12 months but is unable to live together or marry due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control (e.g., immigration barriers, legal restrictions in home country).

Dependent Children

Children under 22 years of age who are not married or in a common-law relationship can be included on the sponsorship application as dependants of the sponsored partner.

Sponsor Eligibility Requirements

Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is 18 years of age or older
Must be residing in Canada (citizens living abroad may sponsor if they intend to live in Canada when their partner becomes a PR)
Must not be in default on a previous undertaking (e.g., prior sponsorship obligations)
Must not be under a removal order, in prison, or charged with serious criminal offences
Must not be bankrupt or receiving social assistance (except for disability)
There is no minimum income requirement for spousal/partner sponsorship (unlike parent/grandparent sponsorship)

Application Process

Determine eligibility — Confirm you meet sponsor requirements and your relationship qualifies as spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner.

Collect documents — Marriage certificate or proof of cohabitation, relationship evidence (photos, messages, shared finances), identity documents, police certificates, medical exam results.

Submit sponsorship application — The sponsor submits the sponsorship application and the sponsored partner submits their PR application simultaneously (or the sponsor first, depending on stream).

Biometrics — The sponsored person provides biometrics at a Visa Application Centre in their country ($85 fee).

Medical exam — The sponsored person completes an immigration medical examination with a designated panel physician.

Background checks — IRCC conducts security and criminal background checks.

Decision & landing — If approved, the sponsored person receives a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and immigrant visa to enter Canada as a PR.

Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship

Feature	Inland (In Canada)	Outland (Outside Canada)
Where sponsored partner lives	Inside Canada with valid status	Outside Canada (or in Canada but processed abroad)
Open Work Permit eligibility	Yes — can apply simultaneously	No (until PR approved)
Travel during processing	Risky — leaving may complicate application	Can travel freely
Processing location	IRCC offices in Canada	Canadian visa office in partner's country
Avg processing time	12 months	12 months

Proving a Genuine Relationship

IRCC assesses whether the relationship is genuine and not entered into primarily for immigration purposes. Strong evidence includes:

Photographs together over time and in different locations
Communication records (messages, call logs, emails)
Evidence of visits (travel itineraries, border entry stamps)
Shared financial accounts, leases, or insurance
Statutory declarations from family and friends who know the couple
Wedding documents, ceremony photos, guest lists

Misrepresentation Warning: Providing false information or fabricating a relationship to obtain immigration status is a serious offence under IRPA. Consequences include refusal, 5-year bar from applying, and potential criminal charges.

Fees Summary

Fee	Amount
Sponsorship Application Fee	$75
Principal Applicant PR Fee	$570
Right of Permanent Residence Fee	$515
Biometrics	$85
Medical Examination	~$150–$350 (varies by country)
Dependent Child (each)	$175

Ready to Reunite Your Family?

David Johl, RCIC R519520, handles family sponsorship applications with care and expertise. Book your free consultation today.

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This page is for general information only and does not constitute immigration legal advice. Program rules change frequently — always verify details at canada.ca. For personalised guidance, consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). Mirus Immigration · David Johl · RCIC R519520.