Spousal Sponsorship Canada: Everything You Need to Know
Bringing your partner to Canada is a priority for many families. Canada’s spousal sponsorship program allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor loved ones. This pathway grants permanent residence to your spouse or common-law partner. You must prove your relationship is genuine and meet strict IRCC eligibility rules. The process involves detailed forms, financial undertakings, and thorough background checks. Mistakes can lead to delays or refusals of your application. Mirzoyan Immigration helps couples navigate these complex requirements with confidence. We ensure your application package is complete, accurate, and persuasive for immigration officers.
Key Takeaways
Sponsorship Grants PR: Successful applicants become Canadian permanent residents and can eventually apply for citizenship.
Two Application Classes: You must choose between Inland (living together in Canada) or Outland (living abroad) streams.
No Strict Income Requirement: Spousal sponsorship generally has no Minimum Necessary Income unless dependent children are involved.
Genuine Relationship is Key: Officers rigorously assess if your relationship is authentic or entered into primarily for immigration.
Mirzoyan Immigration Expertise: Our licensed RCICs maximize your success chances by avoiding common application errors.
Table of Contents
What Is Spousal Sponsorship?
Who Can Be a Sponsor?
Who Can Be Sponsored?
Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship
Financial Requirements for 2026
Step-by-Step Application Process
Common Reasons for Refusal
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
What Is Spousal Sponsorship?
Spousal sponsorship is a part of Canada's Family Class immigration stream. This program allows Canadians to reunite with their partners permanently. You act as a sponsor for your spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner. The sponsored person becomes a Permanent Resident upon approval. IRCC prioritizes these applications to support family reunification. You sign a legal contract called an "undertaking" with the government. This contract holds you financially responsible for your partner for three years. You must provide for their basic needs like food and shelter. The goal is ensuring they do not need social assistance.
Who Can Be a Sponsor?
You must meet specific criteria to sponsor your partner. Eligibility is strict to ensure sponsors can support their family members.
Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
Status: You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian.
Residency: Permanent residents must live in Canada during the application process. Citizens can apply from abroad if they plan to return.
Clean Record: You cannot be in prison, bankrupt, or under a removal order.
Financial Standing: You must not receive social assistance for reasons other than disability.
History: You cannot have sponsored another spouse in the last three years.
Mirzoyan Immigration can assess your specific eligibility during a consultation.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
Your partner must fall into one of three specific relationship categories. IRCC requires strong proof for each category to prevent fraud.
1. Spouse
You are legally married. The marriage must be valid under the law of the country where it occurred. It must also be legal under Canadian law.
2. Common-Law Partner
You have lived together continuously for at least 12 months. You must provide proof like shared leases, bills, or joint accounts. Time spent apart must be short and temporary.
3. Conjugal Partner
This category is for partners living outside Canada who cannot marry. Legal or immigration barriers must prevent you from living together. You must have a mutually dependent relationship for at least one year.
Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship
Choosing the right class is critical for your application strategy. The choice depends on where your partner lives currently.
Inland Sponsorship (Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class)
This option is for couples already living together in Canada.
Requirement: The applicant must reside in Canada during processing.
Benefit: The applicant may be eligible for an Open Work Permit.
Risk: Leaving Canada during processing can jeopardize the application if reentry is denied.
Appeal: There is no right of appeal if refused (only judicial review).
Outland Sponsorship (Family Class)
This option is usually for applicants living outside Canada.
Flexibility: The applicant can stay abroad or visit Canada temporarily.
Processing: The file is processed by a visa office abroad.
Appeal: You have the right to appeal a refusal to the IAD.
Travel: It allows for more travel freedom during the processing period.
Financial Requirements for 2026
Spousal sponsorship is unique regarding income rules. Most sponsors do not need to meet a specific income threshold.
No Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)
You generally do not need to prove a specific annual income. This differs from parents and grandparents sponsorship programs.
The Exception
You must meet the MNI if your spouse has a dependent child. This applies if that child also has their own dependent child.
The Undertaking
You must sign a binding financial agreement with the Canadian government.
Duration: The undertaking lasts for three years from permanent residence.
Responsibility: You must repay any social assistance your partner receives.
Binding: Divorce or separation does not cancel this financial obligation.
Mirzoyan Immigration ensures you understand these serious legal obligations before signing.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The application process requires attention to detail and organization. Missing forms or signatures will result in your application being returned.
1. Get the Application Package
Download the correct checklist and forms from the IRCC website. Ensure you select the correct class (Inland or Outland).
2. Gather Documents
Collect proof of status, identity documents, and relationship evidence. This includes photos, chat logs, letters, and financial records.
3. Fill Out Forms
Complete all forms digitally on the Permanent Residence Portal. Both the sponsor and the principal applicant must sign.
4. Pay Fees
Pay the processing fees, right of permanent residence fee, and biometrics fee. Include the receipt with your application.
5. Submit and Wait
Submit the complete package online. You will eventually receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR).
6. Biometrics and Medical
IRCC will request biometrics and a medical exam during processing. Complete these steps promptly to avoid delays.
Common Reasons for Refusal
IRCC officers are trained to spot fraudulent relationships. A refusal can be devastating and difficult to overturn.
Relationship Genuineness: The officer believes the marriage is fake. They think it was entered into primarily for immigration status.
Lack of Evidence: You failed to provide enough proof of your shared life.
Ineligibility: The sponsor declared bankruptcy or has a criminal record.
Misrepresentation: You provided false information or withheld material facts.
Forms: Missing signatures or using outdated forms causes rejections.
Mirzoyan Immigration reviews every document to prevent these common errors.
Conclusion
Sponsoring your spouse is a rewarding but complex legal journey. One small mistake can lead to months of delays or refusal. IRCC rules change frequently, and keeping up can be difficult. You deserve the peace of mind that comes with professional help. Mirzoyan Immigration provides expert guidance tailored to your unique situation. Our licensed RCICs handle the details so you can focus on your future.
FAQs
Q1: How long does spousal sponsorship take?
A: Processing times vary but generally take about 12 months. IRCC updates these times regularly on their official website.
Q2: Can my spouse work while waiting?
A: Yes, Inland applicants can apply for an Open Work Permit. They may work while their permanent residence application processes.
Q3: Do I need a job to sponsor my spouse?
A: No, you do not need a job to be eligible. You simply cannot be on social assistance for reasons other than disability.
Q4: Is there a minimum income requirement to sponsor my spouse?
A: Generally, there is no minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship, unless the sponsored person has dependent children.
Q5: Can my spouse work in Canada while waiting for permanent residency?
A: If applying through inland sponsorship, your spouse can apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work while the application is processed.
