Family reunification is the second-most prominent class of immigration for newcomers to Canada after economic immigration. Here’s how to sponsor your spouse for Canadian immigration.

In 2024, IRCC expects to welcome over 114,000 new permanent residents through these pathways. These include spousal sponsorship, children and dependents, and parents and grandparents. 

Sponsoring a spouse allows foreign nationals to join their Canadian citizen spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner in Canada and eventually become permanent residents themselves. 

There are two pathways for spousal sponsorship: Inland Sponsorship & Outland Sponsorship. 

In both instances, the sponsor should meet certain eligibility requirements. They should: 

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Be a Canadian permanent resident living in Canada or  a Canadian citizen 
  • Not be in prison, bankrupt, under a removal order, or charged with a serious offense 
  • They can’t have been sponsored to Canada order or spouse within the last five years 

Sponsors should also be prepared to sign a financial undertaking. This implies that they are legally bound to support their foreign national spouse or common-law partner & supply their basic needs for up to three years, even if the relationship dissolves. 

IRCC defines basic needs as: 

  • Food, clothing, shelter, & other needs for everyday living 
  • Dental care, eye care, & other health needs that aren’t covered by public health services

Finally, eligibility for the pathways is also determined by the relationship. 

  • Spouse: Legally married 
  • Common-Law Partner: A relationship where the partners have lived together for a minimum of twelve consecutive months in a marriage-like relationship
  • Conjugal Partner: A committed relationship lasting for more than 12 months, but there have been obstacles preventing cohabitation, such as immigration barriers or religious/ cultural beliefs

IRCC has a service standard of 12 months for spousal sponsorship applications, both Inland & Outland. 

Inland Sponsorship 

The first way to sponsor your spouse for Canadian immigration is through Inland sponsorship. Those who choose this pathway for their spouses and partners must ensure that the foreign national has valid temporary resident status as a visitor in Canada or with a work or study permit. 

If already residing in Canada, the sponsored partner might be eligible to apply for a SOWP, i.e., Spousal Open Work Permit at the same time they submit their application for permanent residency.

In addition, spouses & common-law partners should live together when the application is submitted. Those in conjugal relationships are not eligible to apply for Inland sponsorship. 

Also, IRCC recommends those applying for permanent residence under Inland sponsorship do not leave Canada. If they do leave, they might not be able to re-enter, specifically if they need a visitor visa. 

Outland Sponsorship 

Another way to sponsor your spouse for Canadian immigration is Outland sponsorship. This pathway is an option for couples who are not able to live together in Canada. Spouses, common-law partners, & conjugal partners are eligible to apply if they meet all other spousal sponsorship conditions. 

Most often, the sponsor resides in Canada. Foreign nationals might travel back and forth to Canada while they wait for a decision on their application. Outland sponsorship might also be the preferred pathway for sponsored partners living in Canada who know that they will need to leave and return while their application is being processed.   

If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].