Sponsor requirements
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- At least 18 years old.
- Not subject to a sponsorship bar.
- Able to sign and respect the undertaking.
Spousal Sponsorship
Spousal Sponsorship Canada: Inland and Family Class PR
Bring your partner home. Build your life together.
Spousal sponsorship helps eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsor a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner for permanent residence.
On This Page
- Spousal sponsorship permanent residence
- Who can sponsor and who can be sponsored
- In-Canada and Family Class applications
- Proving a genuine relationship
- Sponsorship undertaking and financial responsibility
- Open work permits for sponsored partners in Canada
- Eligibility and application requirements
- Spousal sponsorship document checklist
- How the process works
- How Simmi Immigration can help
- Frequently asked questions
Overview
Spousal sponsorship permanent residence
Eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents may sponsor a spouse, common-law partner or, in limited circumstances, a conjugal partner for permanent residence. Both the sponsor and the person being sponsored must meet IRCC’s requirements.
The application must establish the qualifying relationship, its genuineness and the completeness of the sponsorship and permanent residence package.
Who can sponsor and who can be sponsored
A sponsor must generally be at least 18, be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, sign the required undertaking and not be barred from sponsoring. A Canadian citizen living abroad may need to show plans to return to Canada; a permanent resident generally must reside in Canada.
The sponsored person may be a legally married spouse, a partner who meets the common-law definition or a conjugal partner who fits the narrower program criteria.
In-Canada and Family Class applications
An in-Canada application may suit an eligible spouse or partner living with the sponsor in Canada. A Family Class application may be used for a person outside Canada and can also fit some applicants in Canada depending on their circumstances.
Travel plans, temporary status, possible appeal rights and processing circumstances should be considered before choosing the route.
Proving a genuine relationship
IRCC assesses the relationship as a whole. Useful evidence can include photographs, communication history, travel together, joint residence, shared finances, insurance, family involvement and evidence of ongoing commitment.
The evidence should reflect the couple’s real history rather than a generic checklist. Dates and explanations must remain consistent across forms and supporting records.
Sponsorship undertaking and financial responsibility
The sponsor signs a legally binding undertaking to provide basic support for the prescribed period. Separation, divorce or a change in the relationship does not automatically end that undertaking.
Most spousal sponsorship cases do not have a fixed minimum-income threshold, but the sponsor must meet the eligibility rules and cannot generally be receiving social assistance for a reason other than disability.
Open work permits for sponsored partners in Canada
A sponsored spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner living in Canada may qualify for an open work permit. The principal applicant generally needs an acknowledgement of receipt, although a narrow option may apply without an AOR when temporary status will expire within two weeks and the PR application has already been submitted.
Applicants without valid status under the spousal public policy generally need approval in principle before applying for the open work permit.
Key information
Eligibility and application requirements
Eligibility, supporting evidence and practical considerations for this application.
Qualifying relationships
- Legally married spouse.
- Common-law partner meeting the cohabitation definition.
- Conjugal partner in limited qualifying circumstances.
- A relationship that is genuine and not entered into primarily for status.
Relationship evidence
- Shared residence and finances.
- Communication and travel history.
- Photographs and family involvement.
- Children’s records and other joint responsibilities, where applicable.
Common refusal concerns
- Insufficient evidence of genuineness.
- Inconsistent relationship timelines.
- Sponsor ineligibility.
- Missing civil, medical, police or background documents.
Checklist
Spousal sponsorship document checklist
The checklist depends on relationship type, residence history and family composition.
- Passports and identity documents.
- Marriage certificate or common-law evidence.
- Sponsor’s citizenship or permanent residence proof.
- Forms for sponsorship and permanent residence.
- Relationship history and supporting evidence.
- Photographs, communication and travel records.
- Police certificates and medical examination confirmation.
- Birth, divorce, custody or death records, where applicable.
- Financial and employment records where relevant.
- Certified translations and country-specific documents.
Step by step
How the process works
- 1
Choose the route
Compare in-Canada and Family Class processing.
- 2
Confirm eligibility
Review both the sponsor and applicant requirements.
- 3
Build relationship evidence
Organize the history and genuine-relationship proof.
- 4
Prepare both applications
Complete sponsorship and PR forms consistently.
- 5
Submit and respond
Track AOR, biometrics, medicals and IRCC requests.
- 6
Complete landing
Follow final instructions to obtain permanent residence.
Why us
What you get working with Simmi Immigration
A
Route selection
Choose the process that fits residence, travel and status.
B
Evidence strategy
Tell the relationship story with relevant records.
C
Consistency review
Align forms, dates and prior immigration history.
D
Work permit planning
Assess whether an in-Canada open work permit is available.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
An eligible Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 and meets the sponsorship requirements may apply.
Yes, if the relationship meets IRCC’s common-law definition and both parties meet the other requirements.
The routes differ in residence circumstances, procedure and strategic considerations. The right option depends on where the applicant lives, status, travel plans and other case factors.
Most spouse and partner sponsorships do not use a fixed minimum-income threshold, but sponsor eligibility and the undertaking still apply.
A sponsored spouse or partner living in Canada may qualify for an open work permit if the current requirements are met.
Use a balanced record of your shared history, communication, visits, residence, finances, family involvement and ongoing plans.
Yes. Refusals can involve sponsor eligibility, relationship genuineness, missing evidence, inadmissibility or inconsistent information.
Some Family Class sponsorship refusals may carry appeal rights, while other applications may require a different remedy. Obtain case-specific advice quickly because deadlines can apply.
Next step
Ready to sponsor your spouse or partner?
Book a consultation to review your relationship proof, eligibility and the best filing approach for your situation.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Program rules change and individual circumstances matter. Confirm current IRCC requirements before applying.
Talk to a regulated consultant
We confirm eligibility, flag the risks, and build the document plan before anything is filed.
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