SPOUSAL SPONSORSHIP

Sponsor Your Spouse or Partner for Canadian Permanent Residence

The Spousal Sponsorship program is a key subsection of Canada's Family Class immigration category. Under this program, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident may sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to obtain Canadian permanent residence (PR).

Canada is committed to keeping families together, and as such, spousal sponsorship applications are prioritized and processed as quickly as possible.

Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship

Depending on where the sponsored person is currently residing, there are two pathways to apply for sponsorship:

• Inland Sponsorship: This pathway is used when the sponsored partner is already physically in Canada (e.g., on a visitor visa, study permit, or work permit). A major benefit of this route is that the sponsored person can apply for an Open Work Permit, allowing them to work in Canada while their PR application is being processed.
• Outland Sponsorship: This pathway is used when the sponsored partner is residing outside of Canada. However, it can also be used if the sponsored partner lives in Canada but needs the flexibility to travel outside of the country during processing. The application is submitted and processed through the visa office abroad that serves the applicant's country of origin.

Sponsor Eligibility Requirements

To qualify as a sponsor under this program, you must meet several criteria:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
• If you are a Canadian citizen living outside of Canada, you must show that you plan to live in Canada when the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident. (Permanent residents living outside Canada cannot sponsor anyone).
• You must prove that you can provide for the basic needs (food, clothing, shelter) of the sponsored person.
• You must not be receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability.