Spouse or Common-Law Partner
Sponsorship of a Spouse
If you meet the requirements, you can sponsor your spouse or partner for permanent residency in Canada.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsoring a Spouse
- Sponsor Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be one of the following:
- A Canadian citizen.
- A permanent resident (you cannot sponsor from outside Canada).
- Registered under the Indian Act.
- Not receiving social assistance (except for disability).
- Able to provide for the basic needs of the person you’re sponsoring.
- Income Requirements:
- Generally, no minimum income is required. However, a financial evaluation form is needed if:
- Your spouse or partner has a dependent child who has their own dependent child.
- Generally, no minimum income is required. However, a financial evaluation form is needed if:
- Who Cannot Sponsor:
- You’re under 18.
- You won’t be living in Canada when the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident.
- You’re not a citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Indian Act.
- You’re a temporary resident (e.g., student, worker, visitor).
- Your permanent residency application is pending.
- You lack sufficient funds (if required).
- Additional barriers:
- Gained permanent residency through spousal sponsorship within the last 5 years.
- Still financially committed to a previous spouse or partner.
- Previously applied to sponsor the same person and awaiting a decision.
- In prison, detention, or a penitentiary.
- Have unpaid immigration or family support debts.
- Are bankrupt and haven’t settled debts.
- Receiving social assistance (except for disability).
- Convicted of specific crimes.
- Received a removal order from Canada.
- Eligible Individuals:
- Spouse: Legally married to you and at least 18 years old.
- Common-Law Partner: Lived with you continuously for at least 12 months, unmarried, and at least 18 years old.
- Conjugal Partner: Unable to marry or live with you due to legal/immigration reasons, at least 18 years old, and living outside Canada.
Open Work Permit for Spouses
- Eligibility: Spouses/common-law/conjugal partners of a sponsor living in Canada.
- Conditions:
- Genuine relationship and cohabitation with the sponsor in Canada.
- Permanent residency application approved (not rejected/withdrawn/returned).
- Ineligible Cases:
- Rejected, withdrawn, or returned permanent residency application.
- Applying at the border.
- Valid Temporary Status: Must hold a valid temporary resident status (e.g., visitor visa, work/study permit) and have maintained or applied to extend it.
For a complete guide on the Open Work Permit for spouses in Canada, click here.
Important Notes
- Residents of Quebec must sign a separate undertaking with the Quebec government.
- Processing of this type of application may take several months.
- Always check the official IRCC website for the most up-to-date information and changes.
- Providing accurate information is crucial. Any mistakes can cause delays or result in refusal of the application.
In addition to spousal sponsorship, Canada offers other family sponsorship programs, such as:
Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship
Dependent Child Sponsorship
If you’re looking for more information about other sponsorship pathways, simply click on the links above.
→ The spousal sponsorship visa is a unique opportunity to join your partner in Canada, but it requires strict adherence to financial and legal conditions. Contact us and benefit from the expert guidance of our specialists!