When it comes to securing Canada PR (permanent residency) through family reunification, one of the most reliable and streamlined pathways is spousal sponsorship. Whether you're married, in a common-law partnership, or have a conjugal relationship, Immigration Canada offers Canadian citizens and permanent residents the opportunity to sponsor their partners for permanent residency.

This detailed guide breaks down everything you need to know about Canada immigration through spousal sponsorship—from eligibility and relationship validation to application fees and the difference between inland and outland processes.

What Is Spousal Sponsorship?

Spousal sponsorship is a key component of Canada’s family-class immigration stream, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor:

Their legally married spouse
A common-law partner
A conjugal partner
Their partner’s dependent children

Successful sponsorship leads to Canada PR, helping families reunite and build their lives together in Canada.

Who Can Be a Sponsor?

To qualify to sponsor your partner under Canada immigration laws, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered under the Canadian Indian Act
Be living in Canada (if a permanent resident)
Be able to financially support your family
Not be receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability

If you’re a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you must prove your intention to return to Canada once your partner receives Canada PR.

Disqualifying Conditions

You may not be eligible to sponsor if:

You were sponsored as a partner less than five years ago
You have an ongoing undertaking for a previous partner
You are in default of court-ordered or immigration-related debts
You are incarcerated or under a removal order
You have a history of violent or sexual offences

Note: Quebec has its own sponsorship rules and processes, including an income assessment and an undertaking through the province’s immigration ministry.

Who Can You Sponsor?

You can sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner who is:

At least 18 years old
Admissible to Canada
Able to prove the genuineness of the relationship through supporting documents

You may also sponsor your partner’s dependent children for Canada PR.

Relationship Types Recognized by Immigration Canada:

Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship

Canada visa applications for spousal sponsorship can follow two different routes:

Inland Sponsorship

For couples living together in Canada
The sponsored person may qualify for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)
Processing time: ~24 months
No appeal right if the application is refused

Outland Sponsorship

For couples living apart or when one partner is outside Canada
The sponsored person may qualify for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) if living in Canada with their sponsor

Conjugal partners must apply through this route
Processing time: ~11 months
Right to appeal if the application is refused

If your partner is already in Canada, they must maintain valid temporary status (e.g., Canada visa, study permit, or work permit). However, Immigration Canada may accept certain inland applications even if status has lapsed, under specific conditions.

Sponsorship Obligations and Undertaking

Sponsoring a partner means committing to an undertaking agreement—a legally binding contract where you promise to provide financial support and ensure your partner does not rely on government assistance.

You cannot cancel this commitment after the application is approved—even in the event of separation, divorce, or relocation.

The Sponsorship Interview

Immigration Canada may request an interview to verify the authenticity of the relationship. This typically happens when there are gaps or inconsistencies in the application.

Common interview topics:

How you met
Family background
Communication habits
Shared activities, goals, and plans
Details about your wedding or engagement

Supporting documents may include marriage certificates, communication logs, photographs, cohabitation proof, and travel records.

Application Costs

Here’s a breakdown of the fees associated with a spousal sponsorship application for Canada PR:

Additional fees:

$170 per dependent child
Third-party services (e.g., medical exams, police certificates)
Quebec-specific fees if applicable

Quebec-Specific Information

If you reside in Quebec or plan to live there with your partner, you must:

Meet Quebec’s unique eligibility requirements
Apply separately through the Ministère de l'immigration, de la francisation et de l'intégration (MIFI)
Sign an undertaking with Quebec and undergo an income assessment

Important: As of June 26, 2024, Quebec has implemented a cap of 13,000 family sponsorship applications, effective until June 25, 2026. Applications submitted after the cap is reached will not be processed.

Processing time in Quebec: 34–36 months

Final Thoughts

For many couples, spousal sponsorship offers a direct route to Canada PR, bringing families together and laying the foundation for a shared future. Whether you are living in Canada or abroad, understanding the full scope of Canada immigration rules is essential to a successful application.

With clear eligibility guidelines, dedicated support from Immigration Canada, and the option to apply for a Canada visa while your PR application is in progress, the spousal sponsorship program remains one of the most accessible pathways for uniting loved ones under the Canadian flag

Do I need to hire an immigration consultant if I apply for permanent residence?

You’re not required to hire an immigration consultant to apply for permanent residence, but having one can offer some key benefits.

Whether you complete and submit the application on your own or with help from an immigration professional, your chances of success remain the same—assuming the application is equally strong.

That said, an experienced and trustworthy Canadian immigration consultant can assist you in creating the strongest possible permanent residence (PR) application. They can also offer strategic advice to help you navigate the immigration journey with ease.

A qualified immigration consultant can also:

Recommend the most suitable immigration program within the immigration system;
Assist in gathering and organizing the necessary documents and information for a solid PR application;
Make sure your application is accurate and avoids errors or misrepresentation; and
Help address any unexpected issues that may come up during the process.

Ultimately, the real value in hiring an immigration consultant lies not in having them fill out forms, but in the tailored guidance and expertise they provide throughout your immigration journey.

Canada Immigration for Couples: A Comprehensive Guide to Spousal Sponsorship