Canadian spousal sponsorship is how a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor their partner to come to Canada and live permanently. In Canada, we know how important it is for families to be together. For this reason, applications for spousal sponsorship are considered a top priority.
Here is everything you need to know about sponsoring your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to Canada.
Who can sponsor their spouse, conjugal partner, or common-law partner under the spousal sponsorship program?
You may be eligible to sponsor your spouse, conjugal partner, or common-law partner if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and meet the following conditions:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Live in Canada, or planning to return to Canada once your spouse or partner becomes a permanent resident of Canada
- Are able and willing to provide for the basic financial needs of your spouse or partner for three years
In Canada Sponsorship Class
You should apply under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class (Inland) if:
- You live with the sponsor in Canada
- You hold a valid immigration status in Canada
- You would like to apply for an open work permit in order to work in Canada while the application is in process
- Your spouse/common-law partner (i.e. “the applicant”) lives outside of Canada
- You are currently living in Canada with the sponsor but do not plan to stay in Canada for the duration of the application process
Family Class (Outland) Sponsorship Class
You should apply under the Family Class (Outland) sponsorship option if:
A downside to using this stream is that, until your application has been approved, living with your spouse may be difficult. However, your spouse can apply for a temporary visa to come to Canada while their outland sponsorship application is being processed
How long does it take to sponsor your spouse or partner to Canada?
Sponsorship applications take approximately 12 months to process from start to finish. They are typically not processed much faster than 12 months, but they can take longer, depending on the nature of your case.
If you have a complicated case, or the visa office requires additional proof of your relationship, this will delay the processing of your case and it will take longer.
How much does It cost to sponsor your spouse, conjugal partner, or common-law partner to Canada?
The government processing fees to sponsor your spouse, conjugal partner, or common-law partner in Canada are listed below. If you are sponsoring your spouse, conjugal partner, or common-law partner and they have dependent children, then an additional $150 payment will be required for each child included in the application.
Sponsorship fee $75
Principal applicant processing fee $475
Right of permanent residence fee $500
Biometrics: $85
Total: $1135
If the sponsor resides in Quebec or intends to reside in Quebec upon the issuance of permanent residence, an additional fee of $289 CAD will need to be paid in addition to the fees mentioned above.
