Permanent residence
Spouse & Partner Sponsorship
Canadian citizens and permanent residents may sponsor an eligible spouse or partner for permanent residence.
About spousal sponsorship
Spousal sponsorship is part of Canada’s Family Class immigration program and allows eligible sponsors to help reunite with their spouse or partner in Canada.
Both the sponsor and the sponsored person must meet eligibility requirements, and the relationship must be genuine and not entered into primarily for immigration purposes.
Eligible relationship categories
Spouse
Legally married partners with a valid marriage certificate recognized under Canadian law.
Common-law partner
Partners who have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 consecutive months (with limited exceptions).
Conjugal partner
Partners in a committed relationship for at least one year who could not live together due to exceptional circumstances.
Note: Canada recognizes same-sex marriages and same-sex partners may qualify under any of the above categories if all requirements are met.
Sponsor eligibility requirements
- • At least 18 years of age
- • Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- • Not subject to a previous sponsorship bar (including the 5-year rule)
- • Not in default of previous sponsorship undertakings
- • Not undischarged bankrupt
- • No serious criminal convictions that make the sponsor ineligible
Sponsored person requirements
- • Of legal age to marry or form a qualifying partnership
- • Pass medical examinations
- • Pass criminal and background checks
- • Provide truthful and consistent information
Inland vs Outland sponsorship
Spousal sponsorship applications can be submitted either through the inland or outland process. The correct option depends on the sponsored person’s location and travel needs.
Outland sponsorship
Used when the sponsored person lives outside Canada or chooses outland processing. May allow travel during processing, subject to border discretion.
Inland sponsorship
Used when the sponsored person is living in Canada with valid status. In some cases, applicants may qualify for an open work permit while waiting.
Processing times and travel flexibility differ between inland and outland applications.
Application structure
- • Sponsor submits a sponsorship application
- • Sponsored partner submits a permanent residence application
- • Both applications are assessed together
Common refusal risks
- • Insufficient or weak relationship evidence
- • Inconsistent timelines or statements
- • Sponsor ineligibility or prior sponsorship issues
- • Failure to disclose previous relationships or refusals
Planning to sponsor your spouse or partner?
We assess eligibility, relationship evidence, and the best processing stream before you apply.