Spousal Sponsorship

Canadian spousal sponsorship is how a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor their partner to come to Canada and live permanently. In Canada, we know how important it is for families to be together. For this reason, applications for spousal sponsorship are considered a top priority.

Who can sponsor their spouse, conjugal partner, or common-law partner under the spousal sponsorship program?

You may be eligible to sponsor your spouse, conjugal partner, or common-law partner if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and meet the following conditions:

• Are at least 18 years old
• Live in Canada, or planning to return to Canada once your spouse or partner becomes a permanent resident of Canada
• Are able and willing to provide for the basic financial needs of your spouse or partner for three years

In Canada Sponsorship Class

You should apply under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class (Inland) if:

• You live with the sponsor in Canada
• You hold a valid immigration status in Canada
• You would like to apply for an open work permit in order to work in Canada while the application is in process

If your spouse or common-law partner is out of status in Canada, they may be able to submit under this stream as well while being protected under a public policy that allows them to stay in Canada until the application has been fully processed. The disadvantage to this particular stream, however, is that the applicant should refrain from travel outside of Canada while the application is in process.

Family Class (Outland) Sponsorship Class

You should apply under the Family Class (Outland) sponsorship option if:

• Your spouse/common-law partner (i.e. “the applicant”) lives outside of Canada
• You are currently living in Canada with the sponsor but do not plan to stay in Canada for the duration of the application process

How long does it take to sponsor your spouse or partner to Canada?

Sponsorship applications take approximately 12 months to process from start to finish. They are typically not processed much faster than 12 months, but they can take longer, depending on the nature of your case.

If you have a complicated case, or the visa office requires additional proof of your relationship, this will delay the processing of your case and it will take longer.

The best way to ensure your sponsorship application is processed as quickly as possible is to make sure it is done right the first time. The lawyers and legal professionals at Canadim have helped thousands of spousal sponsorship applications. Find out how Canadim can help bring your loved ones to Canada by taking our free online assessment.