How to Sponsor Your Spouse for Canadian Permanent Residence: Step-by-Step Guide

Bringing your spouse or partner to live with you in Canada is one of the most meaningful immigration processes—but it can also feel overwhelming. Between gathering the right documents, choosing the correct process, and ensuring your application is complete, there are many details that can delay or even lead to a refusal.

The good news? Canada has a strong commitment to family reunification, and spousal sponsorship remains one of the fastest ways to get permanent residence. With the right preparation, you can bring your loved one home to Canada smoothly.

Who Can Be Sponsored?

You can sponsor your partner if they fall into one of these categories:

• Spouse – legally married to you

• Common-law partner – have lived together continuously for at least 12 months in a conjugal relationship

• Conjugal partner – in a committed relationship but unable to live together or marry due to immigration barriers, religious reasons, or legal restrictions

You cannot sponsor a partner if:

• You are under 18 years old

• You are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

• You are currently receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability

• You have previously sponsored a spouse and are still within the three-year sponsorship period

Sponsor Eligibility Requirements

As the sponsor, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian

• Be at least 18 years old

• Not be bankrupt, in prison, or under a removal order

• Agree to financially support your spouse for 3 years after they become a permanent resident

Canadian citizens vs. permanent residents:

• Canadian permanent residents must be physically living in Canada to submit a sponsorship application.

• Canadian citizens can sponsor from outside Canada but must demonstrate that they intend to return and live in Canada once their spouse is granted permanent residence.

If you are a Canadian citizen residing abroad, you will need to provide evidence of your plan to move back to Canada, such as:

• A written statement explaining your relocation plans

• Proof of a job offer or employment search in Canada

• Lease agreements, property purchase, or housing arrangements

• School enrollment for children or other settlement plans

Inside Canada vs. Outside Canada Sponsorship

There are two main categories for spousal sponsorship:

Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class

• Your spouse or partner is already in Canada (on a visitor visa, work permit, or other temporary status)

• They may be eligible for an open work permit while their permanent residence application is being processed

• They must remain in Canada during processing

• Best for couples already living together in Canada

Family Class (Outside Canada)

• Your spouse or partner lives outside Canada

• The application is processed by the visa office responsible for their country of residence

• They can still visit Canada while the application is being processed if eligible for a visitor visa

• Often preferred if the spouse is abroad and may result in faster processing

Both lead to the same outcome—permanent residence—but choosing the correct process based on your situation can save time and reduce stress.

Step-by-Step Sponsorship Process

1. Gather Proof of Relationship

   • Marriage certificate, joint bills, photos together, communication records

   • The stronger your evidence, the less likely you’ll face a relationship interview

2. Complete the Required Forms

   • Separate forms are required for the sponsor and the applicant

   • Accuracy is critical—errors or missing information can cause delays

3. Pay Government Fees

   • Includes the sponsorship fee, processing fee, and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee

4. Submit the Application Online

   • Most sponsorship applications are now filed electronically through IRCC’s secure online portal

5. Biometrics, Medical Exam and Police Certificates

   • Your spouse or partner will need to give fingerprints and complete a medical exam with an approved panel physician

   • Police clearance certificates are required from every country where your spouse or partner has lived for 6 months or longer since the age of 18. These must be obtained in advance or as soon as requested to avoid processing delays.

6. Wait for Processing

   • Applications under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class typically take 12 to 18 months

   • Family Class (Outside Canada) applications may be processed faster depending on the visa office

7. Approval and PR Confirmation

   • Once approved, your spouse will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can officially become a permanent resident

   
   

Common Reasons for Delays or Refusals

Unfortunately, many sponsorship applications face delays or refusals because of avoidable mistakes, such as:

• Incomplete or improperly organized application packages

• Insufficient proof of relationship (especially for common-law or conjugal partners)

• Using outdated forms or missing signatures

• Not updating IRCC about changes in marital status or address

• Submitting an application when the sponsor is ineligible

A refusal can cause significant stress and may complicate your spouse’s ability to stay in or enter Canada.

Does Sponsorship Lead to Citizenship?

Yes. Once your spouse becomes a Canadian permanent resident through sponsorship, they can eventually apply for citizenship after meeting the residency requirements (currently 3 years of physical presence in Canada within a 5-year period).

Why Work with an Immigration Lawyer?

While spousal sponsorship seems straightforward, even genuine couples can face extra scrutiny. Small mistakes in the application or insufficient relationship evidence can lead to delays, interviews, or refusals.

At Tchern McCallum Immigration Law, we:

• Confirm your eligibility as a sponsor before you apply

• Help you prepare strong evidence of your relationship

• Ensure all forms and supporting documents are accurate and complete

• Advise on the best option—Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class vs. Family Class

• Handle communication with IRCC so you avoid mistakes and delays

Our goal is to reunite families quickly and smoothly, without unnecessary stress.

Ready to Bring Your Spouse to Canada?

Family comes first—and spousal sponsorship is one of the most rewarding immigration applications we handle. Whether your partner is already in Canada or abroad, we can help you prepare a complete, well-documented application that avoids delays.

Contact Tchern McCallum Immigration Law today to book a consultation and start your sponsorship journey with confidence.

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