Family Reunification

Spousal Sponsorship Canada

Bring your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to Canada as a permanent resident. Processing times average 12 months for most applications.

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Processing

12 months

Total Fees

$1,080 (couple)

Undertaking

3 years

Include

Dependents

Program Overview

About Spousal Sponsorship

Spousal sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence. This is one of the most popular immigration programs, with over 80,000 approvals annually.

The program has two processing options. Inland applications are for partners already living in Canada, who can apply for an open work permit while waiting. Outland applications are processed at visa offices abroad and typically have faster processing times.

IRCC prioritizes spousal applications and aims to process most within 12 months. The key to approval is proving your relationship is genuine and not primarily for immigration purposes.

Free Assessment

Find out if you qualify to sponsor your family member. Our RCIC consultants will review your case.

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RCIC License: R515110

Eligibility

Who Can Sponsor & Be Sponsored

Who Can Sponsor

Canadian citizens (living in Canada or abroad)
Permanent residents (must live in Canada)
At least 18 years old
Not receiving social assistance (except for disability)
Can financially support your spouse
Not in prison, bankrupt, or under a removal order

Who Can Be Sponsored

Legally married spouse (any gender)
Common-law partner (lived together 12+ months)
Conjugal partner (unable to live together due to immigration barriers)
Must be at least 18 years old
Can include dependent children

Documentation

Required Documents

Identity Documents

Valid passport for sponsor and applicant
Birth certificates
Marriage certificate or proof of common-law
Divorce certificates (if previously married)

Relationship Proof

Photos together over time
Communication records (messages, calls)
Joint finances (bank accounts, bills)
Shared address documentation
Statutory declarations from family/friends

Financial Documents

Notice of Assessment from CRA
Employment letter
Pay stubs (recent 3 months)
Bank statements

Additional Requirements

Police certificates for applicant
Immigration medical exam
Photos meeting IRCC specifications
IMM forms completed and signed

Application Process

How to Apply

Gather Documents

Collect all identity documents, relationship proof, and financial records. Get police certificates and book medical exams.

Complete Application Forms

Fill out the IMM forms for both sponsor and applicant. Include Schedule A and relationship questionnaires.

Submit Application

Submit online through the IRCC portal. Pay the fees and upload all supporting documents.

Biometrics

Applicant provides fingerprints and photos at a designated collection point.

Wait for Decision

IRCC reviews your application. They may request additional documents or schedule an interview.

Receive PR

Once approved, your spouse receives confirmation of permanent residence and can travel to or remain in Canada.

Costs

Government Fees

Sponsorship Fee$75

Principal Applicant$490

Dependent Child$155 per child

Total Estimate$1,080 (couple) + Right of PR Fee $515

Fees are subject to change. Check IRCC website for current fee schedule. Additional costs may include medical exams, police certificates, and translation services.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get PR if my wife is PR?

Yes. A Canadian permanent resident or citizen may sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence. The sponsor must be at least 18, live in Canada (or plan to return upon PR), and not be in default on a previous sponsorship undertaking. The relationship must be genuine and not entered for immigration purposes. The total fee is $1,080 covering processing and the right of permanent residence. IRCC's 2026 service standard targets 12 months from submission to decision. Go Far Global RCICs prepare spousal files during a $100 paid consultation.

How much money do I need to make to sponsor my spouse in Canada?

Spousal sponsorship has no minimum income requirement. Sponsors do not need to meet LICO. The exception is if the sponsored spouse has dependent children with their own dependents, in which case LICO applies for that smaller subgroup. The sponsor must sign a 3-year undertaking to support the spouse and 10 years for dependent children of the spouse. The total fee is $1,080. The 12-month service standard applies in 2026. Go Far Global RCICs verify your sponsor obligations during a $100 paid consultation with our licensed RCIC.

What happens after 5 years on a spouse visa?

Canada does not issue a 5-year spousal visa. Spousal sponsorship results in permanent resident status, which has no expiry. PR cards, however, are valid for 5 years. Renew your PR card before it expires by meeting the residency obligation of 730 days in Canada within the previous 5 years. After 3 years of physical presence, PRs may apply for citizenship. Failing the residency obligation can put PR status at risk. Go Far Global RCICs review residency obligations and citizenship readiness during a $100 paid consultation with our licensed RCIC.

What are the requirements for spousal sponsorship in Canada?

The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or PR aged 18 or older, not in default on past sponsorship undertakings, not bankrupt, not convicted of certain offences, and not receiving social assistance other than disability support. The relationship must be genuine and either legally married, common-law for at least 12 months of cohabitation, or conjugal where cohabitation was prevented. Submit proof of relationship including photos, communications, joint accounts, and statutory declarations. The fee is $1,080 with a 12-month service standard. Go Far Global RCICs prepare files during a $100 paid consultation.

How can I speed up my spousal sponsorship in Canada?

File a complete application with strong proof of relationship to avoid IRCC requests for additional documents. Include the IMM 5532 relationship questionnaire fully completed, joint financial statements, lease or property records, photos across years and places, statutory declarations from witnesses, and communication records. Apply for an Open Work Permit at the same time so the spouse can work during processing. Respond fast to any IRCC requests. Avoid common errors that trigger return of the file. Go Far Global RCICs prepare strong submissions during a $100 paid consultation.

How long for spousal PR in Canada?

IRCC's 2026 service standard for spousal sponsorship is 12 months from receipt to decision, covering both inland and outland streams. Actual times vary by visa office, completeness of the file, and whether interviews or additional documents are requested. Outland files often process faster for some countries, while inland files allow the spouse to remain in Canada and apply for an Open Work Permit. The fee is $1,080. Filing a complete application reduces delays. Go Far Global RCICs prepare full submissions during a $100 paid consultation.

How long does it take to sponsor your spouse to Canada?

The 2026 IRCC service standard for spousal sponsorship is 12 months from submission to final decision. Inland and outland streams target the same standard. Processing varies by visa office and completeness of documentation. Files with weak relationship evidence or missing forms get delayed. Open Work Permits for inland applicants often issue within 3 to 4 months, allowing the spouse to work during processing. The total fee is $1,080. Go Far Global RCICs prepare strong spousal applications during a $100 paid consultation with our licensed RCIC.

How long will it take to sponsor a spouse in Canada?

Expect roughly 12 months for spousal sponsorship in 2026, matching IRCC's published service standard for both inland and outland streams. Visa office workload, file completeness, and any requests for additional documents drive variation. Inland applicants typically receive an Open Work Permit within 3 to 4 months. Outland processing time depends on the visa office handling the file. Some offices run faster than others. The fee is $1,080. Go Far Global RCICs prepare full submissions and Open Work Permit applications during a $100 paid consultation with our licensed RCIC.

Ready to Sponsor Your Family?

Our RCIC consultants have helped thousands of families reunite in Canada. Book a consultation to discuss your spousal sponsorship case.

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Other Sponsorship Programs

Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship

Check IRCC tool (inventory continues) processing

Family Class Sponsorship

12 months (dependent children), 24+ months (adoption) processing

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Each case is unique and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before making immigration decisions.