Canada is known for its strong family reunification policies, and one of the most common immigration programs is Spousal Sponsorship. If you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to live with you in Canada permanently.
However, the process can be complex and time-consuming due to documentation, eligibility criteria, and processing times. In this guide, we will break down the entire spousal sponsorship process, including eligibility, required documents, application steps, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for faster approval.
- Understanding Spousal Sponsorship in Canada
Who Can You Sponsor?
You can sponsor:
✅ Your legally married spouse – Must be legally married to you under Canadian law.
✅ Your common-law partner – Must have lived together for at least 12 months in a marriage-like relationship.
✅ Your conjugal partner – Must be in a genuine relationship for at least 12 months but unable to live together due to legal or social barriers (e.g., same-sex relationships in countries where it’s illegal).
Types of Spousal Sponsorship Applications
There are two types of spousal sponsorship applications:
🔹 Inland Sponsorship:
• The spouse is already in Canada on a valid visa.
• Can apply for an Open Work Permit while waiting for PR.
• Cannot leave Canada while the application is in process.
🔹 Outland Sponsorship:
• The spouse is living outside Canada.
• The application is processed through the visa office in their home country.
• Faster processing time compared to inland sponsorship.
- Eligibility Criteria for Spousal Sponsorship
Before applying, both the sponsor and the sponsored person must meet the eligibility requirements.
Sponsor’s Eligibility
As a sponsor, you must:
✔ Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (PR holders must be residing in Canada).
✔ Be at least 18 years old.
✔ Not be receiving social assistance (except for disability).
✔ Be able to prove financial ability to support your spouse.
✔ Not have been convicted of violent or sexual offenses.
✔ Not have sponsored another spouse in the last 5 years.
Sponsored Person’s Eligibility
✔ Must pass medical and criminal background checks.
✔ Must prove that the relationship is genuine (not just for immigration purposes).
- Documents Required for Spousal Sponsorship
Sponsor’s Documents
📌 Proof of Canadian citizenship or PR (passport, PR card, birth certificate).
📌 Proof of income (Notice of Assessment, employment letter, bank statements).
📌 Previous divorce certificates (if applicable).
📌 Police clearance certificate (if required).
Sponsored Spouse’s Documents
📌 Passport and travel documents.
📌 Marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship.
📌 Medical exam results from an IRCC-approved panel physician.
📌 Police clearance from all countries lived in for more than 6 months after age 18.
Proof of Relationship (Most Important Section!)
📌 Photos together (wedding, travel, family gatherings).
📌 Chat logs, emails, and call records.
📌 Joint bank accounts, lease agreements, or utility bills.
📌 Affidavits from family and friends confirming your relationship.
💡 Tip: The stronger your relationship proof, the smoother the approval process!
- Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Use IRCC’s document checklist (IMM 5533) to ensure you have all necessary paperwork.
Step 2: Fill Out Sponsorship Forms
🔹 IMM 1344 – Application to sponsor.
🔹 IMM 5532 – Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation.
🔹 IMM 5669 – Background declaration.
🔹 IMM 5409 – Statutory declaration of common-law union (if applicable).
Step 3: Pay the Fees Online
✅ Sponsorship fee: CAD $75
✅ Processing fee: CAD $490
✅ Right of permanent residence fee: CAD $515
✅ Biometrics fee: CAD $85 (if required)
💰 Total: Approx. CAD $1,075
Step 4: Submit Your Application
• If applying from inside Canada, send it to Case Processing Centre (CPC), Mississauga.
• If applying from outside Canada, send it to the visa office in your spouse’s country.
Step 5: Biometrics & Medical Exam
🔹 IRCC will request biometrics (fingerprints & photo).
🔹 The sponsored spouse must complete a medical exam with an IRCC-approved doctor.
Step 6: IRCC Review & Processing
• IRCC verifies your relationship, financial status, and criminal background.
• If more proof is needed, IRCC may request additional documents or an interview.
Step 7: Decision & PR Confirmation
• If approved, the sponsored spouse will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
• If denied, you can appeal the decision within 30 days.
- Processing Time for Spousal Sponsorship
🔹 Inland Sponsorship: 12 – 18 months
🔹 Outland Sponsorship: 10 – 12 months
💡 Tip: Applying from outside Canada is usually faster than inland applications.
- Common Reasons for Spousal Sponsorship Rejection (and How to Avoid Them!)
🔴 1. Relationship Not Genuine
✔ Solution: Submit strong proof like chat history, photos, joint bills, affidavits, and wedding invitations.
🔴 2. Missing or Incomplete Documents
✔ Solution: Follow IRCC’s checklist carefully.
🔴 3. Financial Ineligibility
✔ Solution: Show income proof and provide an additional co-signer if needed.
🔴 4. Criminal Record
✔ Solution: Provide police clearance and include an explanation letter for minor offenses.
🔴 5. Previous Sponsorship Issues
✔ Solution: If you sponsored a spouse in the last 5 years, you cannot apply again.
- Can You Speed Up the Spousal Sponsorship Process?
While there is no guaranteed way to expedite the process, here are some tips to avoid delays:
✅ Submit a complete application with all documents upfront.
✅ Get police clearance and medical exams done early.
✅ Use a professional immigration consultant (RCIC) for accuracy.
✅ Respond quickly if IRCC requests additional documents.
✅ Track your application status online.
- What Happens After Sponsorship is Approved?
✔ The sponsored spouse will receive Permanent Resident (PR) status.
✔ PR status allows them to work, study, and access healthcare in Canada.
✔ After 3 years of living in Canada, they can apply for Canadian citizenship.
- Alternative Options if Spousal Sponsorship is Denied
🔹 Appeal the decision within 30 days.
🔹 Reapply with stronger relationship proof.
🔹 Consider a visitor visa to stay in Canada temporarily.
Conclusion
Spousal sponsorship is one of the most popular ways for families to reunite in Canada. However, documentation errors, weak proof of relationship, and financial issues can lead to delays or rejections. By following this step-by-step guide, preparing your documents carefully, and avoiding common mistakes, you can increase your chances of a smooth and successful application.
💡 Need expert help? Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to ensure your application is error-free and processed faster!
Best of luck with your Spousal Sponsorship! ❤️