Canada Spousal Sponsorship Expert Spouse Sponsorship & PR Services
Bringing your spouse or partner to Canada starts with a carefully prepared spousal sponsorship application. CHD Immigration provides professional guidance through eligibility, relationship evidence, document preparation, application submission and permanent residence support.
PR
Family Sponsorship
Inland
Spousal Sponsorship
Outland
Spouse Sponsorship
What Is Canada Spousal Sponsorship?
Canada spousal sponsorship is a family reunification pathway that allows eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents and certain persons registered under the Canadian Indian Act to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner for permanent residence in Canada.
The sponsorship process is designed for genuine relationships. The sponsor and the person being sponsored must meet the applicable eligibility requirements, and the application must include evidence showing that the relationship is genuine and not entered into primarily to obtain permanent resident status.
Who can be sponsored? Depending on the circumstances, the application may be for a legally married spouse, a common-law partner who has lived with the sponsor continuously for at least 12 months, or an eligible conjugal partner.
See the Full Document Checklist ↓Spouse Sponsorship Canada
For a legally married spouse. The marriage must be legally valid and the relationship must be genuine. Supporting evidence should clearly establish the history and ongoing nature of the relationship.
Common-Law Partner Sponsorship
For a partner who is not legally married to the sponsor and has lived with the sponsor in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months, subject to IRCC requirements.
Conjugal Partner Sponsorship
For an eligible partner who is not legally married to the sponsor or in a common-law relationship, where the relationship and circumstances meet Canada's specific conjugal partner requirements.
Check Your Spousal Sponsorship Eligibility
Before starting a Canada spousal sponsorship application, both the sponsor and the spouse or partner should be assessed against the applicable immigration requirements.
You, the Sponsor
- Generally 18 years of age or older
- A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible person registered under the Canadian Indian Act
- Generally living in Canada, subject to specific rules for Canadian citizens living abroad
- Must meet the applicable sponsorship requirements and sign the required undertaking
- Must not be barred from sponsoring because of certain immigration, financial, criminal or other circumstances
- Must be prepared to provide financial support according to the sponsorship undertaking
Your Spouse or Partner
- Must meet the requirements for the spouse, common-law or conjugal partner category being used
- For a spouse, the marriage must be legally valid
- For a common-law partner, the partners generally must have lived together continuously for at least 12 months
- The relationship must be genuine and not entered into primarily for permanent resident status
- Must meet applicable admissibility requirements, including medical, security and background requirements
- All required supporting documents and relationship evidence should be complete and consistent
Spousal Sponsorship Documents Checklist
A strong spousal sponsorship application depends on complete forms, accurate information and clear evidence of your relationship. Your exact document requirements can vary according to your circumstances and where you and your partner live.
Identity & Civil Documents
- Valid passports and identity documents
- Birth certificates where applicable
- Marriage certificate for married couples
- Divorce or separation documents where applicable
Relationship Evidence
- Photos from important occasions and periods of the relationship
- Communication history where relevant
- Travel and visit evidence
- Letters, records or other proof supporting the relationship history
Proof of Shared Life
- Joint lease or residential documents where applicable
- Joint financial or household records where available
- Evidence of shared responsibilities
- Documents showing an ongoing committed relationship
Sponsorship Forms
- Required sponsorship forms
- Permanent residence application forms
- Family information forms where applicable
- Country-specific forms and supporting documents
Police, Medical & Biometrics
- Police certificates when required
- Immigration medical examination when required
- Biometrics when required
- Additional documents requested by IRCC
Not sure which documents apply to your situation? Every relationship and application is different. CHD Immigration can help you organize a personalized spousal sponsorship document checklist.
Step-by-Step Spousal Sponsorship Application Process
From your initial eligibility assessment to permanent residence, a Canada spousal sponsorship application requires careful preparation and accurate documentation.
Confirm the Right Sponsorship Category
Determine whether your case falls under spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner sponsorship and identify whether an inland or outland application approach is appropriate.
Review Relationship Eligibility
Review your marriage or partnership history, cohabitation where applicable, relationship timeline and circumstances to make sure the evidence supports a genuine relationship.
Prepare Forms & Supporting Documents
Gather identity documents, civil status records, relationship evidence, police certificates, medical documents and other forms required for your specific application.
Submit the Sponsorship & PR Application
IRCC requires a sponsorship application and a permanent residence application. The principal applicant submits the applications together through the applicable online process.
IRCC Reviews the Application
IRCC may assess sponsor eligibility, relationship genuineness, completeness, admissibility and supporting evidence. Officers may request additional information, documents or an interview.
Respond to Additional Requests
If IRCC requests additional documents, medical examinations, police certificates, biometrics or other information, responding accurately and within the required timeframe is important.
Permanent Residence Decision
If the application is approved and all requirements are met, the sponsored spouse or partner can complete the final permanent residence process and move forward with life in Canada.
Canada Spousal Sponsorship Processing Time & Fees
Spousal sponsorship processing time is not a fixed number for every applicant. IRCC explains that processing can vary depending on the type of application, whether the application is complete, how easily information can be verified, response times and overall application volumes.
Government fees can also change. As of April 30, 2026, IRCC lists the family reunification sponsorship fee at $90 and the sponsored principal applicant processing fee at $570. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee is $600 when applicable. Dependent children have separate fees. Always verify the current fee schedule before submitting your application.
| Application Component | Current Guidance |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship Fee | $90 as of April 30, 2026 |
| Sponsored Principal Applicant Processing | $570 as of April 30, 2026 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | $600 when applicable |
| Dependent Child | $180 per child as of April 30, 2026 |
| Processing Time | Varies by application and current IRCC processing conditions |
Government fees and processing times are subject to change. Check the current IRCC fee list and processing-time tool before submitting your Canada spousal sponsorship application.
Common Spousal Sponsorship Mistakes to Avoid
Spousal Sponsorship Guidance You Can Rely On
Complete Eligibility Assessment
We review your sponsor status, relationship category and personal circumstances to help identify the appropriate Canada spousal sponsorship pathway.
Relationship Evidence Guidance
Get practical guidance on organizing photos, communication records, travel history, shared-life evidence and other documents that support your relationship.
Application Review & Document Support
We help review forms and supporting documents for completeness, consistency and alignment with the requirements of your spousal sponsorship application.
Ongoing Immigration Support
From application preparation to additional document requests and next steps, CHD Immigration provides support throughout the family sponsorship process.
Canada Spousal Sponsorship — Common Questions
Canada spousal sponsorship is a family reunification pathway that allows an eligible Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor a spouse, common-law partner or eligible conjugal partner for Canadian permanent residence. The relationship must meet the applicable requirements and be genuine.
Generally, a sponsor must be at least 18 years old and be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or a person registered in Canada under the Canadian Indian Act. The sponsor must also meet the applicable sponsorship requirements and generally live in Canada. Canadian citizens living abroad may have different requirements than permanent residents living abroad.
Inland sponsorship generally refers to sponsoring a spouse or partner who is living in Canada and applies under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada class when eligible. Outland sponsorship generally refers to an application under the Family Class for a spouse or partner who is outside Canada, although the exact application strategy depends on the applicant's circumstances.
Requirements vary by case, but commonly include identity and civil documents, sponsorship and permanent residence forms, relationship evidence, police certificates when required, medical examination results when required, biometrics and country-specific supporting documents. CHD Immigration can help organize the documents according to your individual situation.
Yes. CHD Immigration can provide guidance with eligibility assessment, spouse or partner sponsorship requirements, relationship evidence, document preparation, application review, submission support and follow-up steps. The right approach depends on your relationship, location and immigration circumstances.