Family Sponsorship
Spousal Sponsorship
Sponsoring a married spouse for Canadian permanent residence.
Overview
Spousal sponsorship allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their legally married spouse for permanent residence, whether the spouse currently lives inside or outside Canada.
The application has two linked parts: the sponsor's undertaking to support their spouse, and the spouse's application for permanent residence. Both are assessed together.
The central question IRCC asks is whether the relationship is genuine and was not entered into primarily to gain immigration status — so the quality and consistency of relationship evidence matters a great deal.
Who may consider this: Canadian citizens or permanent residents who want to sponsor their legally married spouse.
Eligibility Considerations
- A legal marriage recognized in the jurisdiction where it took place and in Canada
- The sponsor meeting Canadian citizenship or permanent residency requirements, age, and residency obligations
- The sponsor not being under a current sponsorship bar or ineligibility
- A genuine ongoing relationship, supported by evidence
- The spouse meeting admissibility requirements (criminal, medical, security)
How It Works
Initial Assessment
We review the sponsor's eligibility and the relationship history together.
Relationship Evidence Review
We identify the strongest available evidence of a genuine relationship for your specific history.
Document Preparation
Sponsor and applicant forms, photos, and supporting letters are compiled.
Application Submission
The complete package is submitted, choosing inland or outland processing based on your circumstances.
Government Processing
IRCC reviews both the sponsor's eligibility and the relationship; timelines vary by processing stream.
Additional Requests or Interview
We help prepare for any request for more evidence or an interview, if one is scheduled.
Decision
Once approved, the spouse receives permanent resident status.
Documents You May Need
Document requirements vary by applicant and pathway — not every applicant needs every item below. We confirm your specific list during an assessment.
- Marriage certificate
- Photos together spanning the relationship
- Evidence of ongoing communication
- Evidence of shared finances or a shared household, where applicable
- Sponsor's proof of status and income, where relevant
- Police certificates and medical exam results for the applicant
Common Issues to Watch For
These are presented to help you prepare, not to cause concern — most are avoidable with careful preparation.
- Relationship evidence that is thin, inconsistent, or recently assembled only for the application
- Missing documentation of the relationship's history and development over time
- Sponsor eligibility issues that aren't identified before applying
- Inconsistent information between the sponsor's and applicant's forms
How We Help
- Assess sponsor eligibility honestly before you commit time to the application
- Advise on what relationship evidence will actually carry weight for your specific history
- Prepare a consistent, complete application for both sponsor and applicant
- Help prepare for any interview or additional evidence request
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sponsor my spouse if they're currently in Canada without status?+
This depends heavily on the specific circumstances and current policy — it needs individual assessment rather than a general answer.
How long does spousal sponsorship take?+
Processing times vary and change over time; we check current IRCC figures before setting expectations for your file.
Can my spouse work in Canada while the application is processing?+
In some cases an open work permit can be applied for alongside the sponsorship application, depending on current policy and your spouse's location.
What if we don't have much documentation of our relationship?+
We work with what's genuinely available and advise on building a credible picture going forward — fabricating evidence is never something we'd do or support.
What happens if the application is refused?+
Depending on the reasons, it may be possible to appeal or to address the concerns and reapply — we review refusal letters carefully before advising on next steps.
The information on this website is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies, fees, processing times, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Please verify current requirements with official government sources or a qualified immigration professional before making decisions.