Reunite with your spouse in Canada through sponsorship
On This Page You Will Find:
- Step-by-step eligibility requirements for sponsors and partners
- Complete breakdown of inland vs. outland sponsorship pathways
- Financial undertaking obligations and timeline commitments
- Interview preparation strategies and common questions
- Current processing times and fee structures for 2025
- Quebec-specific requirements and application caps
Summary:
Bringing your spouse to Canada through spousal sponsorship is one of the most reliable paths to permanent residency, but navigating the complex requirements can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about sponsoring your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner in 2025. From understanding the 28-month inland processing timeline to preparing for potential interviews, you'll discover the exact steps, costs, and commitments involved. Whether you're choosing between inland and outland applications or wondering about Quebec's 13,000 application cap, this guide provides the clarity and actionable insights you need to successfully reunite with your loved one in Canada.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Sponsors must be 18+, Canadian citizens/PRs, financially stable, and not receiving social assistance
- Inland sponsorship (28 months) requires staying in Canada; outland (10 months) allows travel freedom
- Financial undertaking lasts 3 years for spouses, up to 10 years for dependent children
- Quebec has a 13,000 application cap until June 2026 with 34-36 month processing times
- Total application costs start at $1,290, with additional fees for dependent children
Maria stared at the stack of immigration forms scattered across her kitchen table at midnight, her Canadian husband sleeping upstairs. After 18 months of long-distance marriage, she was finally ready to apply for spousal sponsorship – but the maze of requirements, timelines, and financial commitments felt more confusing than her original study permit application years ago.
If you're in a similar situation, wondering how to bring your spouse to Canada or help them gain permanent residency, you're not alone. Over 80,000 people successfully navigate Canada's spousal sponsorship program each year, making it one of the most popular immigration pathways for families.
The good news? Once you understand the system, spousal sponsorship offers one of the most direct routes to Canadian permanent residency. The challenge? Making sure you choose the right pathway, meet all requirements, and avoid costly mistakes that could delay your family's reunion by months or even years.
Who Can Sponsor Their Partner in Canada
Before diving into applications and timelines, you need to confirm you're eligible to sponsor. The requirements might seem straightforward, but there are several disqualifying situations that catch applicants off guard.
Basic Sponsor Requirements
To qualify as a sponsor, you must check all these boxes:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or registration under the Canadian Indian Act
- Demonstrate ability to provide for your family's basic needs
- Not receive social assistance (except for disability-related support)
If you're a permanent resident, you must physically remain in Canada throughout the process. Canadian citizens living abroad can sponsor, but must prove they'll return to Canada once their partner receives permanent residency.
Situations That Disqualify You From Sponsoring
Here's where many potential sponsors discover unexpected roadblocks. You cannot sponsor if you:
- Were sponsored by a partner yourself and became a permanent resident less than 5 years ago
- Are still bound by a 3-year financial undertaking from sponsoring a previous partner
- Have an existing spousal sponsorship application under review
- Haven't been discharged from bankruptcy
- Defaulted on immigration loans, performance bonds, or court-ordered family support
- Failed to meet previous sponsorship financial obligations
- Have convictions for violent crimes or sexual offenses
- Are under a removal order or currently incarcerated
These restrictions exist to ensure sponsors can fulfill their financial commitments and that the immigration system isn't abused.
Special Rules for Quebec Residents
If you live in Quebec, different rules apply. You'll need approval from both the federal government (IRCC) and Quebec's immigration ministry (MIFI). This dual process typically takes 34-36 months – significantly longer than other provinces.
More importantly, Quebec imposed a 13,000 application cap on family sponsorships effective June 26, 2024, lasting until June 25, 2026. Once this limit is reached, applications get returned unprocessed. If you're planning to reside in Quebec, timing becomes critical.
Understanding Relationship Categories and Requirements
Not all relationships qualify for spousal sponsorship, and IRCC has specific criteria for validating each type. Understanding these definitions upfront prevents application delays or rejections.
Spouse Requirements
This seems obvious, but there are important nuances. Your marriage must be legally recognized in both the country where it occurred and in Canada. Both parties must have been physically present at the ceremony.
The following arrangements don't qualify:
- Proxy marriages (someone stands in for absent party)
- Marriages conducted by phone, fax, email, or internet
- Self-uniting marriages without an officiant
- Marriages by correspondence
Common-Law Partner Criteria
You must prove you've lived together in a conjugal relationship continuously for at least one year without significant separation periods. Evidence includes:
- Shared residence documentation
- Joint financial accounts or shared expenses
- Public recognition as a couple
- Emotional and financial interdependence
- Children together (if applicable)
The key word is "conjugal" – you need to demonstrate a marriage-like relationship, not just roommates sharing expenses.
Conjugal Partner Requirements
This category applies when you can't marry or live together due to legal, religious, or immigration barriers. You must prove:
- At least one year of conjugal relationship
- Significant attachment and mutual interdependence
- Valid obstacles preventing marriage or cohabitation
Common examples include immigration restrictions preventing your partner from visiting Canada, or legal barriers in their home country preventing same-sex marriage.
Important: Conjugal partners must live outside Canada and cannot use the inland sponsorship pathway.
Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship: Choosing Your Path
This decision significantly impacts your processing time, travel flexibility, and appeal rights. Many couples don't realize they have options or choose the wrong pathway for their situation.
Inland Sponsorship (28 Months Processing)
Choose this if your partner is already in Canada and you want them to potentially work while waiting. Under the "Spouse or common-law partner in Canada class," both of you must remain in Canada throughout processing.
Advantages:
- Partner may qualify for an open work permit
- Both parties already together in Canada
- No visa requirements for entry
Disadvantages:
- Cannot travel outside Canada during processing
- No appeal rights if application is refused
- Longer processing time (28 months vs. 10 months)
- Partner must maintain valid temporary status
Your partner can still be sponsored even without valid temporary status if they're only inadmissible for:
- Overstaying visas or permits
- Working/studying without authorization
- Entering without proper documentation
Outland Sponsorship (10 Months Processing)
This "Family class" option works whether your partner lives abroad or in Canada. It's often the better choice for Canadian citizens due to travel flexibility.
Advantages:
- Much faster processing (10 months)
- Freedom to travel internationally
- Right to appeal refused applications
- Available for all relationship types
Disadvantages:
- Partner needs visa to visit Canada (if from visa-required country)
- If you're a permanent resident, you must stay in Canada
Making the Right Choice
Canadian citizens should seriously consider outland sponsorship even when living together in Canada. The 18-month time savings and travel flexibility often outweigh the benefits of an inland open work permit – especially if your partner already has work authorization or financial support.
Financial Undertaking: Your Long-Term Commitment
The undertaking agreement represents your biggest responsibility as a sponsor. This legally binding contract requires you to financially support your partner for years after they become permanent residents.
Undertaking Duration by Relationship
Your commitment length depends on whom you're sponsoring:
- Spouse/Common-law/Conjugal Partner: 3 years from permanent residency date
- Dependent Child Under 22: 10 years from permanent residency OR until age 25 (whichever comes first)
- Dependent Child Over 22: 3 years from permanent residency date
What This Really Means
During the undertaking period, you're responsible for your partner's basic needs including food, shelter, clothing, utilities, personal requirements, dental care, eye care, and other health needs not covered by public health services.
If your sponsored partner receives social assistance during this period, the government will demand full repayment from you. Until you repay every dollar, you cannot sponsor anyone else.
When You Cannot Withdraw
Once IRCC makes a final decision on your application, you cannot escape these obligations regardless of:
- Financial difficulties or job loss
- Relationship breakdown, separation, or divorce
- Your partner becoming a Canadian citizen
- Moving to different provinces or countries
You can only withdraw your undertaking before the final decision, and IRCC must approve the withdrawal.
Planning for Success
Before signing, honestly assess your financial stability over the next 3-10 years. Consider potential job changes, economic downturns, or unexpected expenses. The undertaking continues even if your relationship ends, so treat this as a serious financial commitment, not just an immigration formality.
Preparing for the Spousal Sponsorship Interview
Not every application requires an interview, but when IRCC has concerns about your relationship's genuineness or notices inconsistencies in your application, they'll schedule one. Both partners are interviewed separately, and your answers must align.
When Interviews Happen
Common triggers include:
- Large age gaps between partners
- Short courtship or marriage periods
- Previous sponsorship applications by either party
- Inconsistent information in applications
- Limited evidence of ongoing relationship
- Complex relationship histories
Essential Documents to Bring
Organize these materials before your interview date:
- Marriage certificate and wedding photos
- Communication records (call logs, texts, emails)
- Photos together from various time periods and events
- Valid identification for both parties
- Proof of cohabitation (if applicable)
- Previous divorce certificates
- Financial documents showing shared expenses
Common Interview Questions
Immigration officers focus on details that genuine couples would naturally know about each other:
Relationship History
- How and where did you meet?
- Who initiated contact and when?
- Describe your first date in detail
- How long did you know each other before becoming serious?
Daily Life and Personal Details
- What time does your partner typically wake up and go to bed?
- What are their favorite foods and who does the cooking?
- Describe a typical weekend together
- What side of the bed does your partner sleep on?
Family and Social Connections
- Name your partner's immediate family members
- How did you meet their family?
- What languages does your partner speak?
- Describe their work schedule and responsibilities
Future Plans
- Where will you live in Canada?
- How will you divide household responsibilities?
- What are your shared goals for the next five years?
- How will you support yourselves financially?
Interview Success Strategies
Be honest and consistent. If you don't know an answer, say so rather than guessing. Immigration officers are trained to detect deception, and contradictory answers between partners raise red flags.
Practice discussing your relationship timeline, but don't memorize scripted responses. Genuine couples naturally know these details and can discuss them conversationally.
Application Costs and Financial Planning
Understanding the complete cost structure helps you budget appropriately and avoid delays due to insufficient fees.
Mandatory Government Fees
For sponsoring a spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner:
- Sponsorship fee: $85
- Principal applicant processing fee: $545
- Right of permanent residence fee: $575
- Biometrics fee: $85
- Total: $1,290
Additional Costs for Families
Each dependent child adds $170 to your application costs. For a family with two children, expect total government fees around $1,630.
Third-Party Service Costs
Budget for these additional expenses:
- Medical examinations: $200-500 per person
- Police certificates: $50-200 depending on countries
- Document translation: $50-150 per document
- Professional photos for application: $20-50
Quebec Residents
You'll pay additional provincial processing fees to MIFI beyond the federal costs.
Payment Planning
Most fees are due upfront when submitting your application. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee ($575) can be paid later, but paying everything initially speeds processing.
Consider these costs alongside potential lost income if choosing inland sponsorship without work permit eligibility, or travel costs for outland applications requiring visits.
Processing Times and What to Expect
Current processing times provide planning benchmarks, but individual cases vary based on completeness, complexity, and country of origin.
Current Official Timelines (2025)
- Inland Sponsorship: 28 months
- Outland Sponsorship: 10 months
- Quebec Applications: 34-36 months
Factors Affecting Processing Speed
Applications process faster when:
- All documents are complete and properly formatted
- Relationship evidence is comprehensive and well-organized
- Both parties have clean immigration and criminal histories
- Medical exams and biometrics are completed promptly
Delays commonly occur due to:
- Missing or incomplete documentation
- Requests for additional evidence
- Medical exam complications
- Security or background check issues
- High application volumes from certain countries
Staying Informed During Processing
Monitor your application status through your online IRCC account. Respond immediately to any requests for additional information or documentation. Delays in responding extend your processing time.
Next Steps: Starting Your Application
Now that you understand the requirements, pathways, and commitments involved, you can confidently begin your spousal sponsorship journey.
Start by gathering your documentation early – obtaining police certificates and scheduling medical exams can take weeks or months depending on your location. Create a comprehensive relationship evidence package that tells your love story chronologically through photos, communications, and shared experiences.
Choose your sponsorship pathway based on your specific situation, not just processing times. Consider your travel needs, work requirements, and risk tolerance for potential application refusal.
Most importantly, remember that spousal sponsorship, while complex, successfully reunites thousands of families with Canada each year. With proper preparation, complete documentation, and realistic expectations about timelines, you'll be welcoming your partner home to Canada before you know it.
The investment in time, money, and emotional energy pays off when you're finally building your life together in Canada without the stress of temporary status or separation. Your family's Canadian story is just beginning.
FAQ
Q: How long does spousal sponsorship actually take in 2025, and can I speed up the process?
Current processing times are 10 months for outland applications and 28 months for inland applications, with Quebec taking 34-36 months due to dual federal-provincial processing. However, these are estimates that can vary significantly. You can optimize your timeline by submitting a complete application with all required documents, responding immediately to any IRCC requests, and completing medical exams and biometrics promptly. Avoid common delays like missing police certificates, incomplete relationship evidence, or poorly translated documents. While you can't directly expedite processing, applications with comprehensive documentation and clear relationship proof typically move through the system more smoothly than incomplete submissions.
Q: What's the real difference between inland and outland sponsorship, and which should I choose?
The choice depends on your specific circumstances, not just processing times. Inland sponsorship (28 months) requires both partners to stay in Canada throughout processing but may qualify your partner for an open work permit. Outland sponsorship (10 months) allows international travel and provides appeal rights if refused, making it often better for Canadian citizens even when living together in Canada. Choose inland if your partner needs work authorization and you don't plan to travel. Choose outland if you value flexibility, faster processing, and appeal protection. Remember, permanent residents must remain in Canada regardless of pathway choice, while Canadian citizens abroad can use outland sponsorship but must prove their intent to return.
Q: What financial commitments am I making as a sponsor, and what happens if my relationship ends?
As a sponsor, you're legally obligated to financially support your partner for 3 years after they become a permanent resident, including basic needs like food, shelter, healthcare not covered by provincial plans, and personal requirements. If you sponsor dependent children, the commitment extends to 10 years or until age 25. Crucially, this undertaking continues even if your relationship ends through separation, divorce, or your partner becomes a Canadian citizen. If your sponsored partner receives social assistance during this period, the government will demand full repayment from you, and you cannot sponsor anyone else until repaid. This isn't just an immigration formality—it's a binding financial contract that could cost thousands of dollars.
Q: How do I prove my relationship is genuine, and what evidence does IRCC really want to see?
IRCC looks for consistent, long-term evidence of a genuine conjugal relationship across multiple categories. Provide chronological documentation including photos together from different time periods and events, communication records (call logs, emails, texts), proof of cohabitation like joint leases or shared bills, financial interdependence through joint accounts or shared expenses, and evidence of social recognition as a couple. Quality matters more than quantity—a few meaningful photos with family and friends often carry more weight than hundreds of selfies. Include supporting statements from friends and family who know your relationship. Avoid submitting obviously staged evidence or inconsistent information that could trigger an interview or raise authenticity concerns.
Q: What should I expect during a spousal sponsorship interview, and how can I prepare?
Not all applications require interviews, but IRCC schedules them when they have concerns about relationship genuineness or notice application inconsistencies. Both partners are interviewed separately, and your answers must align. Officers ask detailed questions about daily routines, personal habits, family members, relationship timeline, and future plans—details genuine couples naturally know. Prepare by reviewing your relationship history chronologically, but don't memorize scripted answers. Practice discussing how you met, your living arrangements, each other's work schedules, family members' names, and shared goals. Bring organized supporting documents including marriage certificates, photos, communication records, and identification. Be honest—if you don't know something, say so rather than guessing, as contradictory answers between partners raise red flags.
Q: Are there any situations where I can't sponsor my spouse, even if we meet the basic requirements?
Several situations disqualify sponsors beyond basic eligibility requirements. You cannot sponsor if you were sponsored by a partner yourself and became a permanent resident less than 5 years ago, are still bound by a 3-year undertaking from sponsoring a previous partner, have an existing spousal sponsorship under review, or defaulted on previous sponsorship obligations. Criminal convictions for violent crimes or sexual offenses, bankruptcy without discharge, or being under removal orders also disqualify you. Additionally, if you live in Quebec, you face a 13,000 application cap effective until June 2026—once reached, applications are returned unprocessed. These restrictions ensure sponsors can fulfill financial commitments and prevent system abuse.
Q: What are the complete costs for spousal sponsorship in 2025, including hidden expenses?
Government fees total $1,290 for basic spousal sponsorship: $85 sponsorship fee, $545 processing fee, $575 permanent residence fee, and $85 biometrics fee. Add $170 per dependent child. However, budget for additional costs including medical examinations ($200-500 per person), police certificates ($50-200 depending on countries), document translations ($50-150 per document), and professional photos ($20-50). Quebec residents pay extra provincial fees to MIFI. Consider indirect costs like potential lost income if choosing inland sponsorship without work permits, travel expenses for outland applications, and the financial risk of your 3-year undertaking commitment. Total real costs often exceed $2,000-3,000 when including all requirements and potential travel.
