Family sponsorship
Spousal & partner sponsorship
Sponsor your spouse, common-law or conjugal partner for permanent residence.
Overview
Canadian citizens, permanent residents and registered Indians can sponsor a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner to become a permanent resident. The sponsor applies to sponsor, and the partner applies for permanent residence at the same time. Success depends on showing that the relationship is genuine.
Conditional permanent residence for sponsored spouses was eliminated in 2017. Sponsored partners receive full permanent resident status.
Key requirements at a glance
- Sponsor must be at least 18, a Canadian citizen, PR or registered Indian, and live in Canada (citizens abroad must show they plan to return)
- Sponsor signs an undertaking to financially support the partner for 3 years from the date they become a PR
- In most cases there is no minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship
- Inland applications are for couples living together in Canada; the partner may qualify for an open work permit. Outland applications are processed abroad
- Some past sponsorships, unpaid support or certain convictions can make a sponsor ineligible
- Québec residents must also meet Québec's requirements
How we can help
- Confirm sponsor and partner eligibility
- Choose between inland and outland processing
- Organize strong relationship evidence and complete both applications
Official information
This overview is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change, and your situation may raise issues not covered here.
Not sure where you fit?
Start with a one-hour consultation with a licensed RCIC and leave with a clear, written plan.