Spousal and Common-Law Sponsorship Canada: Complete Guide to Reuniting with Your Partner in 2026

Spousal and common-law sponsorship is Canada's most popular family immigration pathway, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their husband, wife, or common-law partner to Canada as a permanent resident. Unlike many other countries with restrictive spouse visa programs, Canada actively encourages family reunification, recognizing that strong marriages and partnerships contribute to successful immigrant integration and thriving communities.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about sponsoring your spouse or common-law partner in 2026, including eligibility requirements for sponsors and partners, the difference between inland and outland applications, proving your relationship is genuine, required documentation, processing times, common refusal reasons, and strategies for strengthening your application. Whether you're newly married, in a long-distance relationship, or living together in Canada, this guide provides the detailed information you need to successfully reunite with your partner.

Ready to sponsor your spouse or partner? Get a free assessment to determine your eligibility and learn about the best sponsorship strategy for your situation.

What is Spousal and Common-Law Sponsorship?

Spousal and common-law sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for Canadian permanent residence. This program operates under Canada's Family Class immigration category, which prioritizes keeping families together. Unlike work permits or temporary visas, successful sponsorship results in permanent resident status for your partner, allowing them to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada indefinitely.

Canada recognizes three types of partner relationships for sponsorship purposes: spouses (legally married couples), common-law partners (couples who have lived together continuously for at least 12 months), and conjugal partners (couples in committed relationships who cannot live together or marry due to barriers beyond their control). Each category has specific requirements and documentation needs, which we'll explore in detail throughout this guide.

Who Can You Sponsor as Your Partner?

You can sponsor someone as your partner if they qualify as one of the following:

Spouse: A person you are legally married to, regardless of whether the marriage is opposite-sex or same-sex. The marriage must be legally valid in the country where it took place and under Canadian law
Common-Law Partner: A person you have lived with in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months, regardless of gender. Brief separations for work, school, or family obligations don't necessarily break the continuity of cohabitation
Conjugal Partner: A person you have been in a committed conjugal relationship with for at least one year but could not live together or marry due to significant barriers such as immigration restrictions, religious constraints, or sexual orientation persecution

Both you and your partner must be at least 18 years old. Polygamous relationships are not recognized under Canadian law, so you cannot sponsor more than one spouse or partner at a time, and your marriage or relationship cannot have been entered into primarily for immigration purposes.

Sponsor Eligibility Requirements

To sponsor your spouse or common-law partner, you must meet specific eligibility criteria that demonstrate your ability to support your partner without relying on social assistance.

Basic Sponsor Requirements

To be eligible as a sponsor, you must:

Canadian Status: Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
Age Requirement: Be at least 18 years old
Residence: If you're a Canadian citizen, you can live outside Canada but must demonstrate you'll return when your partner becomes a permanent resident. If you're a permanent resident, you must currently live in Canada
No Minimum Income: Unlike parent/grandparent sponsorship, there is no minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship (unless your spouse has dependent children from a previous relationship)
Not Receiving Social Assistance: You cannot be receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability
Able to Provide Basic Needs: You must demonstrate ability to provide for your partner's basic needs (food, shelter, clothing)

Sponsor Ineligibility Factors

You cannot sponsor your spouse or partner if you:

Are in prison, jail, penitentiary, or reformatory
Did not pay alimony, child support, or previous sponsorship debt
Declared bankruptcy and have not been discharged
Were convicted of a violent criminal offense, sexual offense, or offense against a relative
Previously sponsored a spouse or partner and the sponsorship period has not ended (you must wait 5 years from when they became permanent residents)
Were previously sponsored as a spouse or partner yourself and became a permanent resident less than 5 years ago
Are under a removal order (for permanent residents)

These restrictions exist to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure sponsors can fulfill their financial obligations. The 5-year waiting period after a previous spousal sponsorship prevents serial sponsorship and relationship fraud.

Proving Your Relationship is Genuine

One of the most critical aspects of spousal sponsorship is demonstrating that your relationship is genuine and not entered into primarily for immigration purposes. Immigration officers carefully scrutinize relationship evidence, and marriages or partnerships of convenience will result in application refusal, potential bans, and possible criminal charges.

What Makes a Relationship Genuine?

A genuine relationship for sponsorship purposes demonstrates the following characteristics:

Emotional Connection: Evidence of genuine emotional attachment and commitment to each other
Shared Life: Integration into each other's lives, families, and social circles
Long-Term Plans: Demonstration of intention to build a life together beyond immigration purposes
Consistency: Your relationship story and evidence align with each other and make logical sense
Ongoing Communication: Regular contact throughout your relationship, especially if living apart
Financial Interdependence: Shared financial responsibilities and support for each other

Types of Relationship Evidence

Strong applications include comprehensive documentation across multiple categories. Provide evidence in these areas:

1. Proof of Legal Relationship

For Spouses: Marriage certificate with certified English or French translation if needed
For Common-Law Partners: Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409) plus evidence of 12 months continuous cohabitation
For Conjugal Partners: Detailed explanation of barriers preventing marriage or cohabitation, plus evidence of one-year relationship

2. Cohabitation Evidence (Spouses and Common-Law Partners)

Joint residential lease agreements or property ownership documents
Utility bills (electricity, water, gas, internet) in both names
Government-issued documents showing the same address (driver's licenses, tax documents, health cards)
Mail and correspondence addressed to both partners at the same address
Rental payment receipts or mortgage statements

3. Financial Interdependence

Joint bank account statements showing regular activity
Joint credit cards or lines of credit
Joint ownership of assets (vehicles, property, investments)
Insurance policies listing each other as beneficiaries (life insurance, home insurance, auto insurance)
Evidence of financial support between partners (money transfers, shared expenses)
Joint tax returns or evidence of filing taxes as spouses/common-law partners

4. Social Recognition of Relationship

Wedding photos, engagement photos, and photos together throughout your relationship
Photos with each other's families and friends
Wedding invitations, guest lists, and reception documentation
Social media evidence (relationship status, couple photos, tagged posts)
Letters from friends and family attesting to your relationship (statutory declarations)
Joint invitations to social events, holidays, celebrations

5. Communication History

Email correspondence throughout your relationship
Text message logs and chat histories
Phone call logs showing regular communication
Video call screenshots or logs
Letters, cards, or gifts exchanged
Evidence of daily communication patterns

6. Travel and Visits

Boarding passes, flight itineraries, and tickets for trips together
Hotel reservations in both names
Photos from trips taken together with date stamps
Passport stamps showing visits to each other's countries
Receipts from shared experiences and activities

The key to a strong application is providing evidence that spans the entire duration of your relationship and demonstrates genuine commitment. Quality matters more than quantity—provide clear, well-organized evidence that tells the story of your relationship convincingly.

Inland vs. Outland Spousal Sponsorship

There are two application streams for spousal and common-law sponsorship: inland (in-Canada) and outland (outside Canada). Understanding the differences helps you choose the best option for your situation.

Inland Spousal Sponsorship (In-Canada Applications)

Inland sponsorship is for couples where both the sponsor and sponsored person are currently living together in Canada.

Key features of inland sponsorship:

Eligibility: Both partners must be physically present in Canada when applying and throughout processing
Work Permit: The sponsored person can apply for an open work permit along with the sponsorship application, typically issued within a few months
Processing Time: Approximately 12 months
Travel Restrictions: If the sponsored person leaves Canada during processing and is denied re-entry, the inland application may be abandoned
No Appeal Rights: If refused, there is no right to appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (must reapply or pursue judicial review)
Status Maintenance: The sponsored person must maintain legal status in Canada throughout processing

Outland Spousal Sponsorship (Outside Canada Applications)

Outland sponsorship can be used when the sponsored person lives outside Canada or is temporarily in Canada as a visitor.

Key features of outland sponsorship:

Eligibility: Can be used regardless of where the sponsored person currently lives
Work Permit: No automatic work permit eligibility through this stream
Processing Time: Approximately 12 months (varies by visa office)
Travel Flexibility: The sponsored person can travel more freely during processing without risking the application
Appeal Rights: If refused, you have the right to appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division within 30 days
Faster Processing: May process faster than inland for some visa offices

Which Application Type Should You Choose?

Choose inland sponsorship if:

Both partners are already living together in Canada
The sponsored person needs to work during processing
You don't plan to travel internationally during processing
The sponsored person has maintained legal status in Canada

Choose outland sponsorship if:

The sponsored person lives outside Canada
You want the flexibility to travel during processing
You want appeal rights if the application is refused
Processing times are faster through your visa office than inland processing

Many couples in Canada choose outland sponsorship despite living together because it offers more flexibility and appeal rights. Consult with VisaVio to determine the best strategy for your specific circumstances.

The Spousal Sponsorship Application Process

The spousal sponsorship process requires careful attention to documentation, forms, and supporting evidence. Here's the step-by-step process from start to finish.

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Confirm that both you (the sponsor) and your partner (the sponsored person) meet all eligibility requirements. Review any potential issues such as previous sponsorships, criminal history, or medical conditions that could affect your application.

Step 2: Gather Documentation

Collect all required documents for both the sponsor and sponsored person:

Sponsor Documents: Proof of Canadian status (citizenship certificate, PR card, or Canadian passport), Option C printout or Notice of Assessment from CRA, identity documents
Sponsored Person Documents: Valid passport, birth certificate, police certificates from all countries lived in for 6+ months since age 18, medical examination results, photos meeting specifications
Relationship Evidence: Comprehensive documentation proving your relationship is genuine (as detailed in previous section)
Previous Relationship Documents: If either partner was previously married, divorce certificates, death certificates, or annulment papers

Step 3: Complete Application Forms

Spousal sponsorship applications include numerous forms:

IMM 1344 - Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking
IMM 0008 - Generic Application Form for Canada (for sponsored person)
IMM 5532 - Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation
IMM 5406 - Additional Family Information
IMM 5669 - Schedule A - Background/Declaration
IMM 5476 - Use of a Representative (if applicable)
IMM 5409 - Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (for common-law partners)

Complete all forms accurately and honestly. Incomplete or incorrect forms are a leading cause of application delays and refusals.

Step 4: Organize Your Evidence

Create a well-organized application package with clear labels and sections. Include a detailed index or table of contents explaining what evidence you've provided and where it can be found in your application. Group similar documents together and provide brief explanations where needed.

Step 5: Pay Fees and Submit Application

Pay all required fees:

Sponsorship fee: CAD $75
Principal applicant processing fee: CAD $490
Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD $515
Biometrics fee: CAD $85 per person
Total for principal applicant: CAD $1,165

Submit your complete application package to the appropriate address. For inland applications, mail to the Case Processing Centre in Mississauga. For outland applications, send to Mississauga (they will transfer to the appropriate visa office).

Step 6: Application Processing and Updates

After submission:

IRCC sends an acknowledgment of receipt (typically 2-4 weeks)
Sponsor receives an email when sponsor approval decision is made (typically 2-4 months)
If sponsor approved, application moves to process the sponsored person
Sponsored person may be requested to attend an interview (rare, but possible)
Medical examination and police certificates reviewed
Background checks and security screening completed
Final decision made and communicated

Step 7: Receive Permanent Residence

If approved:

Outland Applications: Sponsored person receives Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and permanent resident visa. They must "land" in Canada to activate their permanent residence
Inland Applications: Sponsored person receives landing appointment notification and completes landing interview in Canada

After landing, your partner becomes a Canadian permanent resident with the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada. They can eventually apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Processing Times and What to Expect

Current spousal sponsorship processing times are approximately 12 months for both inland and outland applications, though individual cases may vary.

Timeline Breakdown

Acknowledgment of Receipt: 2-4 weeks after submission
Sponsor Approval: 2-4 months (you'll receive Approval in Principle for inland applications)
Open Work Permit (Inland): 3-5 months after submission
Final Decision: Approximately 12 months total from submission

Processing times can be affected by application completeness, relationship complexity, security screening requirements, and the specific visa office handling outland applications. Check IRCC's website for current processing time estimates.

Common Reasons for Sponsorship Refusal

Understanding common refusal reasons helps you avoid these pitfalls and submit a strong application from the start.

1. Relationship Not Deemed Genuine

This is the number one reason for spousal sponsorship refusal. Immigration officers may conclude your relationship isn't genuine if you provide insufficient evidence, your relationship developed very quickly with little dating period, there's a significant age gap without reasonable explanation, you have limited shared language ability, or your stories about the relationship are inconsistent.

2. Marriage of Convenience

Marriages entered into primarily for immigration purposes will be refused. Red flags include getting married very shortly after meeting, having minimal contact after marriage, one partner having extensive history of failed sponsorship attempts, or evidence suggesting a financial transaction for the marriage.

3. Incomplete Applications

Missing forms, documents, signatures, or required information results in applications being returned as incomplete without processing. Use IRCC's document checklist meticulously and have your application reviewed before submission.

4. Previous Relationship Not Properly Dissolved

If either partner was previously married, you must provide official documentation that the previous marriage was legally dissolved (divorce certificate, death certificate, or annulment). Missing or questionable documentation leads to refusal.

5. Misrepresentation

Providing false information, omitting relevant facts, or submitting fraudulent documents is misrepresentation. This results in refusal, a five-year ban from reapplying, and potential criminal charges. Always be truthful about previous marriages, children, relationships, criminal history, and all other aspects of your application.

6. Sponsor Ineligibility

If you fail to meet sponsor eligibility requirements (such as being under a removal order, having defaulted on previous sponsorship obligations, or certain criminal convictions), your sponsorship will be refused. Verify all sponsor requirements before applying.

7. Medical or Criminal Inadmissibility

The sponsored person must pass medical examinations and criminal background checks. Serious criminal convictions or certain medical conditions can result in inadmissibility, though exceptions may apply for spouses of Canadian citizens. Consult with an immigration professional if you have concerns about admissibility.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spousal Sponsorship

How long does spousal sponsorship take in Canada?

Current processing times for spousal sponsorship applications are approximately 12 months for both inland and outland applications. This timeline begins when IRCC receives your complete application and ends when a final decision is made. Inland applicants can typically receive an open work permit within 3-5 months while waiting for the final decision. Processing times can vary based on application complexity, completeness, and the specific visa office handling outland applications.

Can I sponsor my spouse if we just got married?

Yes, there is no minimum time requirement between marriage and sponsorship application submission. However, very short dating periods or quick marriages after meeting may raise concerns about relationship genuineness. Provide comprehensive evidence of your relationship development, even if your marriage is recent. Include evidence of your dating period, engagement, wedding planning, and ongoing commitment to each other.

What is the difference between common-law and conjugal partner sponsorship?

Common-law partners are couples who have lived together continuously in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 months. You must provide evidence of cohabitation (joint lease, shared bills, etc.). Conjugal partners are couples who have been in a committed relationship for at least one year but could not live together or marry due to significant barriers beyond their control, such as immigration restrictions, religious constraints, or persecution based on sexual orientation. Conjugal partner sponsorship requires proving both the relationship and the barriers preventing marriage or cohabitation.

Can my spouse work in Canada while the sponsorship is processing?

If you apply inland, your spouse can apply for an open work permit along with the sponsorship application. This work permit is typically issued within 3-5 months and allows your spouse to work for any employer in Canada while waiting for permanent residence. If you apply outland, there is no automatic work permit eligibility through the sponsorship process, though your spouse may be eligible for other types of work permits such as employer-specific permits or dependent work permits if you hold certain work permits yourself.

What happens if my sponsorship application is refused?

If your spousal sponsorship is refused, the refusal letter will explain the specific reasons. For outland applications, you have the right to appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) within 30 days of receiving the refusal. For inland applications, there is no appeal right, but you can reapply with additional evidence or seek judicial review. Contact VisaVio immediately if you receive a refusal to discuss your options and develop a strategy for appeal or reapplication.

Do I need a minimum income to sponsor my spouse?

No, there is no minimum income requirement for spousal and common-law partner sponsorship (unless your spouse has dependent children from a previous relationship who are also being sponsored). However, you cannot be receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability, and you must demonstrate you can provide for your partner's basic needs. You'll need to sign an undertaking promising to financially support your spouse for three years after they become permanent residents.

Can I sponsor my spouse if I live outside Canada?

If you are a Canadian citizen, you can sponsor your spouse from outside Canada, but you must prove you will return to Canada when your spouse becomes a permanent resident. Evidence includes job offers in Canada, property ownership, family ties, or other concrete plans showing intent to return. If you are a permanent resident (not a citizen), you must be living in Canada to sponsor your spouse, and you must remain in Canada throughout the sponsorship process.

What if my spouse has children from a previous relationship?

Your spouse's dependent children must be declared in the application even if they are not coming to Canada with your spouse. Failure to declare all family members can result in those children being permanently barred from future sponsorship. If the children will accompany your spouse to Canada, include them in the sponsorship application. You will need to sign an undertaking for each child and demonstrate sufficient income if sponsoring dependent children along with your spouse.

How do I prove my common-law relationship?

To prove a common-law relationship, you must show you have lived together continuously in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 months. Key evidence includes joint residential leases or property ownership, utility bills in both names showing the same address, joint bank accounts, insurance policies listing each other as beneficiaries, government documents showing the same address, photos together throughout the relationship, statements from friends and family confirming cohabitation, and the IMM 5409 Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union form signed before a commissioner of oaths.

Should I hire an immigration consultant for spousal sponsorship?

While spousal sponsorship applications can be completed independently, many couples benefit from professional assistance, especially for complex situations involving previous marriages, relationship concerns, long-distance relationships, large age gaps, cultural differences, previous refused applications, or inadmissibility issues. A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) like Azadeh Haidari-Garmash can help compile compelling relationship evidence, ensure all forms are complete, identify potential issues before submission, and represent you throughout the process. Contact us for a consultation about your specific situation.

Ready to Sponsor Your Spouse or Partner?

Spousal and common-law sponsorship reunites couples in Canada, allowing partners to build their future together. With comprehensive relationship evidence, complete documentation, and proper application preparation, you can successfully bring your spouse or partner to Canada as a permanent resident.

Get Expert Spousal Sponsorship Assistance from VisaVio

VisaVio Immigration Consultants specializes in spousal and common-law sponsorship applications for couples from around the world. As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R710392), Azadeh Haidari-Garmash has helped hundreds of couples successfully reunite in Canada through both inland and outland sponsorship applications.

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Additional Spousal and Family Sponsorship Resources

Explore more family immigration information on our website:

Family Sponsorship Overview - Complete guide to all family sponsorship categories
Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship - Information on sponsoring parents
Spouse Work Permits - Work authorization for spouses in Canada
PR Card Renewal and Citizenship - Next steps after permanent residence
Immigration Blog - Latest spousal sponsorship updates and success stories
Immigration News - Breaking updates on family immigration programs
Service Fees - Transparent pricing for our professional services

About the Author: This guide was prepared by VisaVio Immigration Consultants, led by Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R710392) registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. All information is current as of January 2026 and based on official IRCC guidelines.

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