فارسی

Sponsoring Your Spouse, Common-Law, or Conjugal Partner in Canada

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner for permanent residence if they meet specific eligibility requirements. This ensures families stay together under Canadian immigration law.

Eligibility to Sponsor

  • Must be at least 18 years old

  • Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act

  • Citizens living abroad must intend to return to Canada

  • Cannot be a permanent resident living outside Canada

  • Not receiving social assistance (except for disability)

  • Financially responsible for the sponsored person for 3 years after they become a permanent resident

Both sponsor and partner must sign a sponsorship agreement, confirming:

  • Sponsor provides basic needs

  • Sponsored partner will support themselves and dependents

Income Requirements: Generally, no minimum income is needed, except if the sponsored partner has dependent children of their own.

Who Can Be Sponsored

  • Spouse: Legally married, 18+, any gender

  • Common-Law Partner: 18+, lived together 12+ months continuously, proof via shared lease, utility bills, joint accounts, etc.

  • Conjugal Partner: 18+, committed relationship 1+ year, cannot live together due to legal, cultural, religious, or persecution barriers, resides outside Canada

All sponsored individuals must pass medical, criminal, and background checks.

Application Classes

  • Outland (Family Class): Partner outside Canada, or leaving Canada before final decision; used for conjugal partners

  • Inland (Spouse/Common-Law in Canada): Partner living in Canada with temporary status; can apply for an open work permit during processing

Step-by-Step Application

  1. Confirm eligibility (both sponsor and sponsored)

  2. Determine application type (Inland or Outland)

  3. Gather required documents

  4. Complete application forms

  5. Pay fees

  6. Submit application package

  7. Submit biometrics (if required)

  8. Track the application

  9. Undergo medical and criminal checks

  10. Receive decision and permanent residence

FAQs

  • Can I sponsor while living abroad? Yes, if you are a Canadian citizen intending to return.

  • Difference between inland and outland: Inland – in Canada; Outland – outside Canada. Inland applicants can get open work permits.

  • Can same-sex couples apply? Yes, fully eligible.

  • Processing time: Typically ~12 months; can vary between inland and outland.

  • What if the relationship ends during sponsorship? Sponsor remains financially responsible for 3 years from PR date.

Menu