Complete Guide to In-Canada Spousal Sponsorship: Everything You Need to Know for 2025

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Table of Contents

1. What is In-Canada Spousal Sponsorship?

2. Eligibility Requirements

3. The Application Process

4. Required Documents

5. Open Work Permit for Sponsored Spouses

6. Processing Times and Fees

7. Proving Your Relationship

8. Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

9. After Your Application is Submitted

10. Interview Process

11. Conclusion

12. Frequently Asked Questions

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Key Takeaways

• In-Canada spousal sponsorship allows couples to stay together during the application process, providing stability and the opportunity for the sponsored spouse to work legally in Canada through an open work permit.

• Processing times for In-Canada spousal sponsorship have increased to 29 months as of May 2025, requiring careful planning and maintaining valid temporary status throughout the extended processing period.

• The application requires comprehensive documentation proving the genuineness of the relationship, including financial, cohabitation, social, and communication evidence spanning the duration of the relationship.

• Eligibility requirements must be carefully reviewed for both sponsor and sponsored person, with particular attention to criminal history, previous sponsorship obligations, and current legal status in Canada.

• Professional immigration assistance from Mirzoyan Immigration can significantly improve your chances of success by ensuring complete applications, proper documentation, and strategic guidance throughout the complex process.

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What is In-Canada Spousal Sponsorship?

In-Canada spousal sponsorship, officially known as the "Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class," is an immigration pathway that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence while both individuals are living in Canada. This program is part of Canada's Family Class immigration category, designed to keep families together and support family reunification.

No Right of Appeal: Unlike overseas spousal sponsorship applications, In-Canada applications under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class do not have the right to appeal if refused. If your application is refused, you would need to reapply with additional evidence or seek judicial review in Federal Court. The sponsored person can also apply for an open work permit, enabling them to work legally while their permanent residence application is being processed.

As a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for Canadian permanent residency. Provided that you and your partner meet the requirements, your partner can apply directly to the federal government for permanent residency, making spousal sponsorship one of the more direct and sure-fire routes to PR.

The Canadian government prioritizes family reunification, making spousal sponsorship applications a high priority for processing. Important Note: As of May 2025, processing times for In-Canada spousal sponsorship (Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class) have increased significantly to 29 months for applications outside Quebec, representing a substantial increase from previous timelines.

Eligibility Requirements

For the Sponsor

To be eligible to sponsor your spouse, partner, or dependent children, you must meet specific criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):

Basic Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada, or person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act

• If you're a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you must show that you plan to live in Canada when the person you sponsor becomes a permanent resident

• Not be receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability

• Be able to provide for the basic needs of the person you want to sponsor

Financial Responsibilities: In most cases, there isn't an income requirement to sponsor your spouse, partner or dependent child. You only need to show that you have enough money to meet the income requirement if you're sponsoring a dependent child that has 1 or more dependent children of their own, or you're sponsoring a spouse or partner that has a dependent child, and their dependent child has 1 or more children of their own.

Situations That May Make You Ineligible:

• You were sponsored by a spouse or partner and became a permanent resident less than 5 years ago

• You're still financially responsible for a previous spouse or partner that you sponsored

• You're in jail, prison, or penitentiary

• You didn't pay back immigration loans, performance bonds, or court-ordered family support payments

• You were convicted of a violent criminal offense, offense against a relative, or sexual offense

• You received a removal order and must leave Canada

For the Sponsored Person

The person being sponsored must meet certain eligibility criteria:

Relationship Categories:

1. Spouse: Legally married to the sponsor

2. Common-Law Partner: Has lived with the sponsor in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months

3. Conjugal Partner: In a committed relationship for over a year but unable to live together due to legal or external barriers

Additional Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old

• Must be admissible to Canada

• Cannot be inadmissible due to serious reasons (though some exceptions exist for minor immigration violations)

The Application Process

The In-Canada spousal sponsorship process involves several key steps that must be completed carefully and thoroughly:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Before beginning the application, ensure both the sponsor and sponsored person meet all eligibility requirements. Review the specific criteria for your relationship type and circumstances.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary documents, including proof of relationship, identity documents, and supporting evidence. The document requirements vary based on your specific situation and country of origin.

Step 3: Complete Application Forms

As of September 23, 2022, you must now apply online for this program. If you can't apply online, and require accommodations, including for a disability, you can ask for the application in another format (paper, braille or large print).

Key forms include:

• Sponsorship forms for the sponsor

• Immigration forms for the sponsored person

• Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)

• Additional forms based on specific circumstances

Step 4: Pay Fees and Submit Application

Submit your complete application package online through the IRCC portal with all required fees paid.

Step 5: Apply for Open Work Permit (if eligible)

The sponsored spouse can apply for an open work permit either simultaneously with the permanent residence application or after receiving the Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR).

Required Documents

The document checklist for In-Canada spousal sponsorship is comprehensive and varies based on individual circumstances:

Identity and Status Documents

• Valid passports for all family members

• Birth certificates

• Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence for the sponsor

• Proof of current legal status in Canada for the sponsored person

Relationship Proof

For spousal sponsorships, make sure you include a valid marriage certificate or proof of registration of your marriage with your application. The document(s) you submit must show that the marriage was legally registered with the government where it took place.

For Married Couples:

• Marriage certificate

• Wedding photos

• Joint financial documents

• Evidence of cohabitation

For Common-Law Partners:

• Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union

• Proof of 12+ months cohabitation

• Joint lease agreements or mortgage documents

• Shared bank accounts or credit cards

Supporting Documentation

• Police certificates from all countries where the sponsored person lived for 6+ months since age 18

• Medical examination results

• Photos documenting the relationship over time

• Communication records (emails, letters, chat logs)

• Travel documents showing visits

• Affidavits from family and friends

Open Work Permit for Sponsored Spouses

One of the significant advantages of the In-Canada spousal sponsorship program is the ability for the sponsored spouse to apply for an open work permit.

Eligibility for Open Work Permit

You must be a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner living in Canada who's being sponsored for permanent residence and included in an application for permanent residence, and have an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter confirming that your permanent residence application is being processed.

When to Apply

• With the PR application: You can submit both applications simultaneously

• After receiving AOR: Once you receive the acknowledgment of receipt letter for your permanent residence application

• Without AOR (limited circumstances): Only if your current status expires within 2 weeks and you meet specific criteria

Work Permit Benefits

• Allows the sponsored spouse to work for any employer in Canada

• Provides financial stability during the application process

• Enables career development and Canadian work experience

• Reduces financial burden on the sponsoring partner

Important Note: Recent changes effective January 21, 2025, have impacted open work permits for family members of foreign workers and international students, but spouses of foreign workers transitioning to permanent residency will also be exempt from these changes and will remain eligible for an OWP.

Processing Times and Fees

Current Processing Time

Critical Update: The processing times for In-Canada spousal sponsorship have changed significantly as of May 2025:

• Spouse/Common-Law Partner in Canada Class (outside Quebec): 29 months

• Spouse/Common-Law Partner in Canada Class (Quebec): 36 months

This represents a substantial increase from earlier estimates and reflects current application volumes and processing capacity. The processing time for In-Canada sponsorship outside Quebec increased from 24 months in January 2025 to 29 months in May 2025.

Processing times can vary based on several factors:

• Completeness of the application

• Country of origin

• Need for additional documentation

• Interview requirements

• Application volume

Application Fees

The current fees for In-Canada spousal sponsorship include:

• Sponsorship fee: $85

• Principal applicant processing fee: $550

• Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $515

• Total for spouse/partner: $1,150

• Additional $170 per dependent child

Open Work Permit Fees:

• Work permit fee: $155

• Open work permit holder fee: $100

• Total: $255

Additional Costs

• Medical examinations

• Police certificates

• Document translation and certification

• Biometrics fee ($85)

• Legal or consulting fees (if applicable)

Proving Your Relationship

One of the most critical aspects of a successful spousal sponsorship application is demonstrating the genuineness of your relationship. IRCC carefully scrutinizes applications to prevent marriage fraud.

Types of Evidence

Financial Evidence:

• Joint bank accounts

• Joint credit cards or loans

• Joint tax returns

• Joint ownership of property or assets

• Life insurance beneficiary designations

Cohabitation Evidence:

• Joint lease agreements or mortgage documents

• Utility bills in both names

• Shared address on government documents

• Moving receipts showing shared addresses

Social Evidence:

• Wedding photos and reception documentation

• Family gatherings and holiday photos

• Social media posts showing the relationship

• Travel photos and itineraries together

• Gifts exchanged between partners

Communication Evidence:

• Email correspondence over time

• Text message screenshots

• Phone call logs

• Video call history

• Love letters or cards

Quality Over Quantity

Rather than submitting hundreds of photos or documents, focus on providing high-quality evidence that tells the story of your relationship chronologically. Include explanatory letters that describe the significance of key documents or photos.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

Application Delays

Causes:

• Incomplete documentation

• Missing signatures or forms

• Unclear photocopies

• Country-specific document requirements not met

Prevention:

• Use the official document checklist

• Double-check all forms before submission

• Ensure all documents are clear and legible

• Follow country-specific requirements carefully

Relationship Credibility Issues

Common Red Flags:

• Significant age differences without explanation

• Limited time spent together

• Communication barriers

• Rushed marriage after meeting

Solutions:

• Provide detailed relationship timeline

• Include explanatory letters addressing potential concerns

• Submit evidence of ongoing communication

• Show integration with each other's families and social circles

Status Issues

Problems:

• Sponsored person out of status in Canada

• Previous immigration violations

• Criminal history

Approach:

• Be completely honest about all circumstances

• Provide rehabilitation evidence if applicable

• Consult with immigration professionals for complex cases

• Submit restoration of status applications if necessary

After Your Application is Submitted

Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)

After we receive your application, we'll check to make sure you've submitted all the required forms and documents on the document checklist. If your application package is incomplete, it will be returned to you without being processed. If the application has all the requested forms and documents, you'll get confirmation that the application has been accepted for processing.

Application Tracking

Both sponsors and applicants can track their application status through:

• IRCC online account

• Application Status Tracker

• Regular email updates

Requests for Additional Information

During processing, IRCC may request:

• Additional documents

• Updated forms

• Medical examinations

• Police certificates

• Interview attendance

Maintaining Status

The sponsored person must maintain valid temporary status throughout the process:

• Apply for extensions before current status expires

• Follow all conditions of temporary status

• Notify IRCC of any changes in circumstances

Interview Process

While not all applications require an interview, IRCC may schedule one if they need to verify information or assess the genuineness of the relationship.

Interview Preparation

What to Expect:

• Questions about relationship history

• Details about daily life together

• Future plans and goals

• Personal information about each other

Tips for Success:

• Be honest and consistent

• Review your application thoroughly

• Bring additional supporting documents

• Stay calm and answer directly

• Avoid over-preparing or memorizing answers

Interview Questions Examples

• How did you meet?

• When did you decide to get married/move in together?

• What are your partner's hobbies and interests?

• Describe your daily routine together

• What are your future plans as a couple?

• How do you handle disagreements?

Conclusion

In-Canada spousal sponsorship represents one of the most direct pathways to Canadian permanent residence for couples already living in Canada. The program's recent improvements, including reduced processing times and the availability of open work permits, make it an attractive option for eligible families.

Success in the spousal sponsorship process requires careful attention to detail, comprehensive documentation, and a thorough understanding of IRCC requirements. The complexity of immigration law and the high stakes involved make professional guidance invaluable for most applicants.

How Mirzoyan Immigration Can Help You

At Mirzoyan Immigration Services, our experienced team understands the intricacies of In-Canada spousal sponsorship applications. We provide comprehensive support throughout the entire process, from initial eligibility assessment to final approval. Our services include:

• Detailed eligibility assessment and strategy development

• Complete application preparation and review

• Document gathering guidance and checklist creation

• Relationship evidence compilation and presentation

• Open work permit applications

• Communication with IRCC on your behalf

• Interview preparation and representation

• Response to requests for additional information

Don't leave your family's future to chance. Contact Mirzoyan Immigration Services today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward reuniting your family permanently in Canada. Our commitment to excellence and personalized service makes us the trusted choice for your immigration needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1: Can I sponsor my spouse if they are out of status in Canada? A: Yes, in many cases you can still sponsor your spouse even if they are out of status. However, they may need to apply for restoration of status, and the situation can complicate the application. It's important to be completely honest about the circumstances and consider seeking professional assistance.

2: What is the current processing time for In-Canada spousal sponsorship? A: As of May 2025, the processing time for In-Canada spousal sponsorship (Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class) is 29 months for applications outside Quebec and 36 months for Quebec applications. These times have increased significantly from previous years due to high application volumes.

3: How long do I need to be in a common-law relationship before I can sponsor my partner? A: You must have lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months. Brief periods apart for work, travel, or family reasons may be acceptable, but the relationship must be continuous and ongoing.

4: What if our In-Canada sponsorship application is refused? A: For In-Canada applications, you do not have the right to appeal a refusal. However, you may be able to reapply with additional evidence or seek a judicial review in Federal Court. It's crucial to address the reasons for refusal in any new application.

5: Can my spouse work while the application is being processed? A: Yes, if your spouse has valid temporary status in Canada and receives an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) for their permanent residence application, they can apply for an open work permit that allows them to work for any employer in Canada.

6: Why have processing times increased so much for In-Canada applications? A: Processing times have increased due to higher application volumes, increased scrutiny to prevent fraud, and resource allocation challenges. The 29-month timeline reflects current capacity and should be factored into planning decisions.

7: Can we travel outside Canada during the application process? A: While short trips are generally permitted, both the sponsor and sponsored person should maintain Canada as their primary residence. Extended travel may raise questions about your intention to reside in Canada and could impact the application.