For many Canadian citizens and permanent residents, the dream of building a life in Canada includes their loved one. The Spousal Sponsorship program is designed precisely for this purpose, allowing Canadians to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for Canadian permanent residence.
At Uniconnect Immigration Services, we understand the emotional importance of reuniting families. This complete guide breaks down everything you need to know about sponsoring your partner to join you in Canada.
What is Spousal Sponsorship?
Spousal Sponsorship falls under the Family Class immigration category. It allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (the sponsor) to bring their foreign spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner (the sponsored person) to Canada. Once approved, the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident of Canada.
The Canadian government prioritizes family reunification, making spousal sponsorship one of the most direct and compassionate immigration pathways.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
You can sponsor three types of partners:
Spouse: You are legally married to each other, and your marriage is valid both where it took place and under Canadian law.
Common-Law Partner: You have lived together continuously in a conjugal relationship for at least one year. You must provide proof of cohabitation (e.g., shared leases, joint bank accounts, utility bills).
Conjugal Partner: This category is for partners who cannot live together or marry due to exceptional circumstances beyond their control (e.g., immigration barriers, legal restrictions on marriage, persecution). This is the most difficult category to prove and requires strong evidence.
Important Note: The relationship must be genuine and not entered into primarily for the purpose of gaining permanent resident status in Canada.
Who Can Be a Sponsor?
To be eligible to sponsor your partner, you must meet several criteria:
Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
Status: You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
Residency:
Canadian citizens living outside Canada can sponsor, but must show they intend to return to Canada with their sponsored partner once they become permanent residents.
Permanent residents must be living in Canada at the time they submit the sponsorship application and continue to reside in Canada until the sponsored person receives PR status.
Financial Ability: You must sign an undertaking promising to provide financial support for your sponsored partner for a specific period (usually 3 years from when they become a permanent resident).
Good News: Unlike many other sponsorship programs, there is no minimum income requirement (Low Income Cut-Off – LICO) for spousal sponsorship unless the sponsor is also sponsoring a dependent child with a dependent child of their own. However, you must demonstrate you are not receiving social assistance (except for disability reasons).
No Ineligibility: You cannot be in prison, bankrupt, subject to a deportation order, or have been convicted of a serious criminal offense.
The Two Sponsorship Application Streams: Inland vs. Outland
There are two main ways to sponsor your partner, depending on their current location:
Inland Sponsorship (Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class):
Who it’s for: Your partner is currently in Canada with valid temporary resident status (e.g., visitor, worker, student).
Key Advantage: The sponsored partner may be eligible to apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) while their permanent residence application is being processed, allowing them to work in Canada.
Consideration: Your partner should maintain their temporary resident status throughout the processing of their PR application. If their status expires, they can apply for restoration of status or be considered for a temporary public policy.
Not for Conjugal Partners: This stream is exclusively for spouses and common-law partners.
Outland Sponsorship (Family Class):
Who it’s for: Your partner lives outside Canada, or they are in Canada but prefer this stream.
Key Advantage: This stream is generally more flexible regarding your partner’s location during processing. If your partner is in Canada and their application is refused, they retain their temporary status (if still valid).
Consideration: Your partner will generally need to remain outside Canada until their application is approved. They can visit Canada, but there’s always a risk they may not be readmitted if they have applied for PR.
For All Partners: Spouses, common-law partners, and conjugal partners can be sponsored through this stream.
Step-by-Step Application Process Overview
While the process is detailed, here’s a simplified overview:
Determine Eligibility: Both sponsor and sponsored person must meet all criteria.
Gather Documents: Collect all required documents, including proof of relationship, identity documents, police certificates, and medical exams. This is often the most time-consuming step.
Complete Forms: Fill out all government forms accurately and completely. Incomplete applications will be returned.
Pay Fees: Pay the application processing fees, right of permanent residence fee, and biometric fees (if applicable).
Submit Application: Send the complete application package to IRCC.
Biometrics: The sponsored person will receive instructions to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a designated collection centre.
Medical Exam: The sponsored person will undergo a medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
Decision: IRCC will review the application and make a decision.
Permanent Residence: Upon approval, the sponsored person receives their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). If outside Canada, they will receive a permanent resident visa to enter Canada.
Processing Times
Processing times for spousal sponsorship can vary significantly based on the application stream (inland vs. outland), the country of origin, and the completeness of the application. IRCC provides updated processing times on its official website. Currently, many applications are processed within 12 months.
Bringing your partner to Canada is a momentous journey, and it’s one you don’t have to navigate alone. The application process is intricate, requiring meticulous attention to detail and strong supporting evidence to prove the genuineness of your relationship.
At Uniconnect Immigration Services, we specialize in family reunification. We can help you understand your eligibility, prepare a comprehensive and robust application package, and guide you through every step of the spousal sponsorship process.
Ready to start your journey to reunite with your partner in Canada? Contact Uniconnect Immigration Services today for a personalized consultation!