Family Sponsorship

Spousal SponsorshipBring Your Partner to Canada

Sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence in Canada and build your life together in the country you call home.

What is Spousal Sponsorship?

Spousal sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence in Canada. This program prioritizes family reunification and has no minimum income requirement.

The program recognizes various types of relationships including legal marriages, common-law partnerships, and conjugal partnerships. The key requirement is proving that your relationship is genuine and not entered into primarily for immigration purposes. Processing typically takes 12 months from the time a complete application is received.

Fast
Processing
3
Years Undertaking
Couple holding hands during wedding ceremony, representing love and commitment in spousal sponsorship

Eligible Relationships

Three types of relationships eligible for spousal sponsorship

Married Couples
Legally married couples with valid marriage certificate recognized in Canada.

Key Requirements:

  • Valid marriage certificate
  • Marriage legally recognized in Canada
  • Proof of cohabitation (if applicable)
  • Joint financial documents
Common-Law Partners
Couples who have lived together continuously for at least 12 months.

Key Requirements:

  • 12+ months continuous cohabitation
  • Statutory declaration of common-law union
  • Joint lease agreements or utility bills
  • Evidence of shared responsibilities
Conjugal Partners
Partners who cannot live together or marry due to exceptional circumstances.

Key Requirements:

  • Exceptional circumstances preventing cohabitation
  • Immigration barriers or legal restrictions
  • Significant degree of attachment
  • At least 1 year relationship duration

Sponsor Eligibility Requirements

Key requirements to sponsor your spouse or partner

Canadian Status
Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or older
Genuine Relationship
Prove your relationship is genuine and not entered into for immigration purposes
Financial Responsibility
Sign undertaking to provide basic needs for 3 years (no minimum income required)
Legal Marriage/Partnership
Be legally married or in a common-law relationship for at least 12 months

Program Benefits

Advantages of the Spousal Sponsorship Program

No Income Requirement
200 pts
No minimum income threshold required for spousal sponsorship
Faster Processing
190 pts
12-month processing standard for most spousal applications
Work Authorization
180 pts
Spouse can apply for open work permit while application processes
Permanent Residence
170 pts
Spouse receives full permanent resident status upon approval
Family Unity
160 pts
Keep families together and build life in Canada
Path to Citizenship
150 pts
Spouse can apply for citizenship after 3 years as permanent resident

No Income Requirement

Unlike other sponsorship programs, spousal sponsorship has no minimum income requirement, making it accessible to sponsors regardless of their financial situation.

Application Process

Step-by-step guide to sponsoring your spouse or partner

1

Relationship Assessment

Evaluate your relationship type and gather evidence of genuine relationship.

2-4 weeks
2

Document Collection

Collect all required documents including marriage certificate and relationship proof.

4-8 weeks
3

Application Preparation

Complete sponsorship and permanent residence applications simultaneously.

2-4 weeks
4

Application Submission

Submit complete application package to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

1 week
5

Processing & Assessment

IRCC processes both sponsor eligibility and principal applicant assessment.

12 months
6

Permanent Residence

Spouse/partner receives permanent residence and can immigrate to Canada.

2-4 weeks

Why Choose A3D Immigration?

Expert guidance for your spousal sponsorship application

Relationship Evidence
Expert guidance on documenting and presenting your genuine relationship
Application Strategy
Strategic approach to strengthen your application and avoid common pitfalls
Document Preparation
Comprehensive assistance with complex documentation requirements
Interview Preparation
Thorough preparation for potential relationship interviews

Important Notice

Spousal sponsorship applications are carefully scrutinized to ensure relationships are genuine. Immigration officers may conduct interviews and request additional evidence. Misrepresentation or marriage fraud can result in permanent bars from Canada. The sponsor is responsible for their partner's basic needs for 3 years, even if the relationship ends. It's crucial to work with licensed immigration consultants who understand how to properly document and present genuine relationships to avoid delays or refusals.

Ready to Bring Your Partner to Canada?

Let our licensed immigration consultants help you navigate the spousal sponsorship process and reunite with your loved one in Canada.