Spousal sponsorship is an immigration program that allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to bring their spouse or partner to Canada to live as a permanent resident.
Bringing Families Together: A Top Priority for Canada
We understand how important it is for families to be together. It’s a fundamental belief that Canada’s government shares, and it’s why spousal sponsorship applications are a top priority for them. They aim to process these requests as quickly as possible, helping loved ones reunite and start their new lives together in Canada.
What is a Spousal Sponsorship Visa?
The Spousal Sponsorship program is a fast and important way for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring thaeir loved ones to Canada.
Key Points:
- Who can sponsor? A Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor their spouse or partner.
- Who can be sponsored? A non-Canadian partner, or someone who is already in Canada on a temporary visa (work, study, or visitor).
- What is the benefit? The sponsored person can get permanent residency in Canada, and may later become a citizen.
- What is the commitment? The sponsor must agree to financially support their partner and help them with their basic needs.
- Why is it a priority? The Canadian government places a high value on keeping families together.
We’re here to help you understand the process and guide you every step of the way to ensure your application is successful.
Are You Eligible to Be a Sponsor? Let’s Find Out!
To sponsor a loved one, both partners must meet specific requirements. First, let’s look at what is needed from the sponsor.
- Sponsors must be at least 18 years old.
- The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.
- Residency in Canada is required, though a citizen living abroad can sponsor if they can prove they plan to return to Canada.
- Sponsors cannot receive social assistance from the government, with the exception of those with disabilities.
- Financial stability is key, and a sponsor must be able to support their partner’s basic needs.
- A formal promise to provide financial support for three years is required.
- A clean record is also essential, with no criminal history or outstanding debts to the Canadian government.
- Finally, a sponsor cannot have sponsored another person within the last three years.
What About Your Partner? Here’s What They Need
The person you want to sponsor must also meet certain conditions. These help prove the relationship is genuine and that they will be a good fit for Canada.
Partner Requirements:
- They must be at least 18 years old.
- The relationship must be real. You will need to prove this.
- They must not have a criminal record.
- They must be healthy and pass a medical exam.
Who Cannot Be a Sponsor?
Sometimes, people who want to sponsor their partner discover they aren’t eligible. Here are some of the most common reasons an application may be refused:
- Age: The sponsor is under 18 years old.
- Residency: The sponsor is a permanent resident not living in Canada, or is only a temporary resident.
- Legal Status: The sponsor is in prison, has a criminal record, or has been ordered to leave Canada.
- Financial Issues: The sponsor has unpaid government debts, has declared bankruptcy, or has failed to financially support a previously sponsored family member.
- Previous Sponsorships: The sponsor has a pending sponsorship application for the same person or has sponsored a previous partner less than three years ago.
Different Kinds of Relationships
Canada recognizes three different types of relationships for spousal sponsorship.
- Spouse: This is for couples who are legally and officially married. If you’ve been living together for a long time, that can help prove your relationship is genuine and strengthen your application.
- Common-Law Partner: This applies to couples who have lived together for at least 12 months in a relationship like a marriage, but without being legally married. You must show that you haven’t been living separately for long periods, except for things like work trips or family obligations.
- Conjugal Partner: This category is for couples who have been in a committed relationship for at least a year but cannot live together or get married due to exceptional circumstances outside of their control. This is for couples who are not living in the same country, and there are significant barriers preventing them from doing so, such as legal or cultural reasons.
No matter which type of relationship you have, the sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada and meet all the eligibility requirements.
Proving Your Relationship Is Real
When you apply, you need to show the Canadian government that your relationship is real. They’ll ask for specific documents and evidence. The more proof you can provide, the stronger your application will be.
Here are some examples of what to include, depending on your type of relationship:
For Spouses (Married Couples):
- Family photos from before and after the wedding.
- Photos from your wedding ceremony with family and friends.
- Photos from joint trips.
- Documents from shared trips, like plane tickets, hotel bookings, or receipts.
- Birth certificates.
- Your marriage certificate.
- Birth certificates of any shared children.
- Documents for jointly owned property or shared bank accounts (if you have them).
For Common-Law Partners:
- Documents that show you live together, like a shared lease or mortgage.
- Joint utility bills (for electricity, gas, water, or phone).
- Proof of a shared address.
- Personal ID documents.
- Documents for jointly owned property or shared bank accounts (if you have them).
- Photos of you two together and with friends or family.
- Documents from joint trips, like plane tickets or hotel bookings.
For Conjugal Partners:
- Photos of you two together and with friends or family.
- Documents from any trips you took together.
- Personal ID documents.
- Phone records, call logs, or chat history.
- Receipts for gifts you’ve sent each other.
- Documents for a shared bank account (if you have one).
- Evidence that you can’t live together, like legal or cultural barriers.
❓ Will Marrying a Canadian Citizen Automatically Make Me a Citizen?
It’s a great question many people ask: “If I marry a Canadian citizen, do I automatically become one, too?” The answer is no, it’s not that simple.
- No fast-track process: Canada does not have a special process for spouses of citizens. To become a citizen, you must follow the same rules as everyone else.
- Residency is key: To be eligible for citizenship, you must be physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (about three years) within the five years before you apply.
- Legal status matters: The time you spend in Canada must be legally recognized. This includes time as a permanent resident, temporary resident, or protected person.
- Sponsorship comes first: A Canadian citizen can sponsor a foreign spouse to help them become a permanent resident, which is the necessary first step on the path to citizenship.
Let’s Talk About Money
When sponsoring a partner, a major part of the commitment is financial. This means being able to cover their basic living costs for up to three years after they become a permanent resident. This includes everything from groceries and clothing to medical expenses not covered by public health insurance.
It’s important to know that:
- There is no minimum income requirement for most spousal sponsorship applications.
- The main goal is to show that a sponsor can financially support their partner’s basic needs.
- Sponsors cannot be bankrupt or be receiving social assistance from the government (with a few exceptions).
This commitment is a promise to your partner and the Canadian government that your loved one will not need to rely on public funds.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost for a spousal sponsorship application is clear and straightforward. The total cost is generally around $1,135 CAD, which includes several different fees.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what makes up the total fee:
- Sponsorship Fee: $75 CAD
- Applicant Processing Fee: $475 CAD
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $500 CAD
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photo): $85 CAD
You should also be aware of some additional costs:
- Dependent Children: There is an additional processing fee of $150 CAD for each dependent child included in the application.
- Quebec Residents: If you live in Quebec or plan to move there, a provincial fee of $289 CAD is also required.
Inland vs. Outland Applications: What’s the Difference?
There are two main ways to apply for spousal sponsorship: Inland and Outland. Your choice depends on where your partner is living.
Inland Application (From Inside Canada)
This option is for couples who are both already living in Canada. Your partner must have a valid temporary status (like a visitor, student, or work visa) and must remain in Canada throughout the application process. A great benefit of this is that your partner can apply for an Open Work Permit, which lets them work in Canada while they wait for a decision.
Outland Application (From Outside Canada)
This is for couples where the sponsored partner lives outside of Canada. The sponsored partner can travel to and from Canada during the process if they have a valid temporary visa. This offers more flexibility and is often the best choice for conjugal partners who are not eligible for Inland applications.
The key difference is that with an Inland application, your partner must stay in Canada, but with an Outland application, they can leave and re-enter.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The typical processing time for spousal sponsorship is about 12 months. However, the exact time can vary depending on whether you’re applying Inland or Outland.
Benefits of Spousal Sponsorship
Spousal sponsorship is a fantastic way to start a new life in Canada with your loved one. Here are some of the great benefits:
- No need for a specific level of education or work experience.
- No language test required.
- Your partner receives permanent residency as soon as they arrive in Canada.
- You can include dependent children in the application.
- Your partner can get a job and start earning an income.
- Your children can attend public schools for free.
- You and your family will have access to Canada’s healthcare system.
- Your partner can become a Canadian citizen in the future.
This process may seem complicated, but it’s a clear path to a new life. Our team can help you prepare a strong, well-documented application so you can focus on building your future together.
FAQs
The typical processing time is around 12 months. However, this can vary based on your specific situation and whether you apply from inside or outside of Canada.
For most spousal sponsorship applications, there is no minimum income requirement. You must, however, be able to prove that you can financially support your partner for the required time.
Yes, you can sponsor a common-law partner. You will need to prove that you have been living together in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 consecutive months.
An Inland application is for couples already living together in Canada. An Outland application is for couples where the sponsored partner lives outside of Canada.
If you apply for Inland and your partner has a valid temporary status in Canada, they may be eligible to apply for an Open Work Permit, which allows them to work while their application is being processed.
Yes. Providing solid proof of your relationship is key to a successful application. This can include photos, joint bank statements, travel records, and other evidence that shows your relationship is genuine.
No, marrying a Canadian citizen does not automatically grant you citizenship. You will first need to become a permanent resident and then meet the residency and other requirements to apply for citizenship.
