Spousal Sponsorship in Canada: A Complete Guide for 2026

Spousal sponsorship is one of the most common immigration pathways to Canada. As a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to become a permanent resident.

Who Can You Sponsor?

• Spouse: Legally married partner - marriage must be valid in the country where it took place AND in Canada
• Common-law partner: Person you have lived with in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 continuous months
• Conjugal partner: Person in a conjugal relationship with you for 1+ year who cannot live with you due to immigration barriers

Sponsor Eligibility

• Canadian citizen or permanent resident, 18+ years old
• Not in default on a previous sponsorship undertaking
• Not bankrupt; not convicted of certain serious offences
• No minimum income requirement for spousal/partner sponsorship

Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship

Inland: Partner is already in Canada with valid temporary status. Your partner may get an open work permit while waiting. Processing: ~12-24 months. Outland: Partner applies from outside Canada. Can travel to Canada on visitor status during processing. Processing: ~12-18 months.

Required Documents

• Proof of relationship: photos, communication records, joint finances, declarations from family/friends
• Marriage certificate or statutory declarations for common-law
• Identity documents and passports
• Immigration medical examination by a designated medical officer
• Police certificates from countries where partner lived 6+ months since age 18

Application Fees

$1,085 CAD total: sponsorship fee ($75) + principal applicant PR fee ($490) + right of permanent residence fee ($515) + biometrics ($85 if required).

Proving a Genuine Relationship

• Photos together over time at different occasions
• Communication records: texts, emails, call logs
• Financial records: joint accounts, shared expenses
• Statutory declarations from family and friends

Common Refusal Reasons

• Insufficient proof of genuine relationship
• Previous immigration violations
• Criminal or medical inadmissibility
• Misrepresentation in the application

Official: IRCC Spousal Sponsorship.