Canadian Immigration for Couples
Canadian Immigration for Couples: A Comprehensive Guide to Spousal Sponsorship
Canada is one of the most welcoming countries for immigrants, offering numerous pathways for families to reunite and settle together. Among the most reliable and direct routes to Canadian permanent residency (PR) is the Spousal Sponsorship Program. If you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for Canadian permanent residence, provided you meet the necessary requirements.
Spousal sponsorship allows couples to navigate the immigration process together, ensuring that families remain united while building a new life in Canada. This guide explores the intricacies of Canada’s spousal sponsorship program, including eligibility requirements, application pathways, associated costs, and the responsibilities that come with sponsoring a partner.
1. Understanding Spousal Sponsorship in Canada
Spousal sponsorship is part of Canada’s Family Class immigration program, designed to help Canadian citizens and permanent residents bring their partners and dependent children to Canada. Through this program, eligible sponsors can apply to sponsor their:
- Spouse – Legally married partner.
- Common-law partner – A person you have lived with in a conjugal relationship for at least one year.
- Conjugal partner – A person with whom you have had a committed relationship for at least one year but cannot marry or live together due to legal, religious, or immigration barriers.
If approved, the sponsored partner becomes a permanent resident of Canada, gaining access to healthcare, education, and the right to work.
For a successful sponsorship, the sponsor must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Canadian permanent resident residing in Canada or a Canadian citizen
- Not be incarcerated, bankrupt, under a removal order (for permanent residents), or facing serious charges
- Not have sponsored a spouse to Canada within the last 5 years
To qualify for Spousal Sponsorship in Canada, you must establish that your relationship falls into one of three categories:
Spouse:
- Legally married, with a Certificate of Marriage if married in Canada. If married outside Canada, the marriage must be valid in that country and meet Canadian federal law requirements.
Common Law Partner:
- Lived together continuously for at least one year.
Conjugal Partner:
- If circumstances prevent common-law partnership or marriage, such as legal barriers or immigration restrictions, you may qualify as conjugal partners.
Additionally, you must have been in a mutually dependent relationship for at least one year, demonstrating commitment similar to marriage or common-law partnership through emotional ties, intimacy, financial closeness, and efforts to spend time together.
2. Who Can Be a Sponsor?
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered under the Canadian Indian Act
- Be able to support your partner and any dependent children financially
- Not be receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability
2.1. Special Conditions for Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents
- Permanent residents – Must be physically present in Canada to sponsor their partner.
- Canadian citizens – Can sponsor a partner from outside Canada but must demonstrate the intention to live in Canada once the partner gains permanent residence.
3. Disqualifications for Sponsorship
You may be barred from sponsoring your spouse or partner if you:
- Gained PR status through spousal sponsorship within the last five years
- Are bound by a three-year financial undertaking for a previously sponsored partner
- Are in the process of sponsoring another partner
- Have defaulted on an immigration loan, court-ordered family support payments, or financial obligations outlined in a previous sponsorship agreement
- Have been convicted of a violent or sexual crime
- Are under a removal order or currently incarcerated
- Have declared bankruptcy and have not yet been discharged
4. Sponsoring a Partner in Quebec
If you reside in Quebec, you must meet additional provincial requirements:
- Submit a spousal sponsorship application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Ministère de l'immigration, de la francisation et de l'intégration (MIFI)
- Sign a separate sponsorship undertaking with the province
- Undergo an income assessment by MIFI
4.1. Quebec's Sponsorship Cap
Quebec has imposed a cap of 13,000 family sponsorship applications from June 26, 2024 to June 25, 2026. Once this cap is reached, applications will be returned without processing.
5. Whom Can You Sponsor?
You can sponsor the following individuals under the spousal sponsorship program:
| Relationship Type | Definition |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Legally married partner (marriage must be recognized in the country where it took place and in Canada) |
| Common-law Partner | Lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least one year without separation |
| Conjugal Partner | Relationship of at least one year, but unable to marry or live together due to legal or social barriers |
5.1. Admissibility Criteria
The sponsored partner and their dependent children (if applicable) must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be medically and criminally admissible to Canada
- Submit all required documents and biometrics
6. Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship
Spousal sponsorship applications can be processed through two distinct pathways:
6.1. Inland Sponsorship
- For partners already living in Canada on a valid visa (visitor, student, or work)
- Sponsored individuals can apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) while waiting for PR
- Must remain in Canada during processing
- No option to appeal if the application is denied
- Processing time: Approximately 28 months
6.2. Outland Sponsorship
- For partners living outside Canada
- Allows travel in and out of Canada during processing
- Appeals are allowed if the application is denied
- Processing time: Approximately 10 months
7. Financial Obligations as a Sponsor
| Sponsored Individual | Financial Obligation Period |
|---|---|
| Spouse, Common-law Partner, Conjugal Partner | 3 years from the day they become a permanent resident |
| Dependent Child (under 22) | 10 years or until the child turns 25 (whichever comes first) |
| Dependent Child (22 or older) | 3 years from the day they become a permanent resident |
You cannot withdraw from this financial commitment after approval, even if:
- Your relationship ends
- You face financial difficulties
- Your partner becomes a Canadian citizen
8. Spousal Sponsorship Interview
Some applicants may be required to attend a spousal sponsorship interview to verify the authenticity of the relationship. Common interview questions include:
- How did you meet?
- Where did your partner study and work?
- How do you communicate?
- Describe your wedding and proposal.
- What are your partner’s hobbies and daily routines?
9. Sponsorship Application Costs
| Fee Type | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship Fee | 85 |
| Principal Applicant Processing Fee | 545 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | 575 |
| Biometrics Fee | 85 |
| Total | 1,290 |
Additional fees:
- Dependent child – 170 per child
- Costs for medical exams, police certificates, and legal representatives (if applicable)
10. Benefits of Spousal Sponsorship
- Faster pathway to PR
- Sponsored partners gain access to healthcare and social benefits
- No job offer required
- Partners can work in Canada with an Open Work Permit (if applicable)
- Strengthens family unity and stability
Conclusion
By meeting the eligibility criteria, understanding the different sponsorship pathways, and fulfilling financial commitments, you can successfully sponsor your partner and begin your journey to building a life together in Canada.
