Canada offers a great opportunity for couples to live together through the Spousal Sponsorship Program. If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse or partner for permanent residence (PR) in Canada. This program helps keep families together while allowing them to enjoy Canada’s benefits, such as job opportunities, healthcare, and education.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything in simple terms—who can apply, how to apply, and what to expect during the process.
What is Spousal Sponsorship?
Spousal sponsorship is part of Canada’s Family Class Immigration Program. It allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to Canada as a permanent resident.
The person sponsoring (the sponsor) must agree to support their partner financially for three years, ensuring they do not rely on government assistance.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
Your partner must fall into one of these three categories:
- Spouse – You are legally married to each other.
- Common-law Partner – You have lived together for at least 12 consecutive months.
- Conjugal Partner – You have been in a committed relationship for at least a year but could not live together due to serious reasons (like legal or immigration restrictions).
Who Can Sponsor?
To qualify as a sponsor, you must:
✅ Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
✅ Be at least 18 years old
✅ Not be receiving social assistance (except for disability)
✅ Be able to financially support your spouse or partner
✅ Not have been convicted of serious violent or sexual offenses
Financial Requirements for Sponsors
As a sponsor, you must commit to supporting your partner for three years after they become a permanent resident. This includes covering basic needs such as:
- Housing and utilities
- Food and clothing
- Medical expenses not covered by public health insurance
If your partner applies for government financial help during this period, you must pay it back.
Types of Spousal Sponsorship Applications
There are two types of spousal sponsorship applications:
1. Inland Spousal Sponsorship
- The sponsored spouse is already in Canada on a valid visa.
- They can apply for an Open Work Permit while waiting for PR.
- The couple must stay together in Canada during processing.
2. Outland Spousal Sponsorship
- The sponsored spouse is outside Canada.
- The application is processed through a visa office in their home country.
- The spouse can visit Canada while waiting, but they must follow visa rules.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Prepare important documents such as:
📌 Marriage certificate (if married) or proof of living together (for common-law partners)
📌 Passports and national IDs
📌 Police clearance certificates (from all countries where you lived for over 6 months)
📌 Medical exam report (from an approved doctor)
📌 Proof of genuine relationship (photos, messages, joint bank accounts, etc.)
Step 2: Submit Your Application
- The sponsor must submit a spousal sponsorship application.
- The sponsored spouse must complete the permanent residence application.
- Applications can be submitted online or on paper to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Step 3: Processing and Additional Requests
- Processing takes about 12 months on average.
- IRCC may ask for more documents or schedule an interview.
Step 4: Approval and Permanent Residency
- If approved, the sponsored spouse gets a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
- If they are outside Canada, they must land in Canada to complete the process.
- If they are inside Canada, they will get a PR card by mail.
Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them
1. Proving a Real Relationship
- Applications can be rejected if officials suspect a fake marriage.
- Submit clear evidence, including messages, photos, travel records, and letters from family and friends.
2. Delays in Processing
- Incomplete applications cause delays.
- Double-check all documents before submitting.
3. Rejected Applications
- Common reasons: missing documents, mistakes, or ineligibility.
- If rejected, you can appeal or reapply with stronger evidence.
❓ Can I sponsor my spouse if I don’t have a job?
✔️ Yes, as long as you are not on social assistance and can support them financially.
❓ Can my spouse work in Canada while waiting for PR approval?
✔️ Yes, if they apply for an Open Work Permit (inland applicants only).
❓ Can my spouse visit Canada while waiting for an outland application?
✔️ Yes, but they must have a valid visa and follow all immigration rules.
❓ What if my application is rejected?
✔️ You can appeal the decision or reapply with stronger proof.
❓ Can I speed up my application?
✔️ Submitting a complete and well-documented application helps avoid delays.
Final Thoughts: Making Your Application Smooth & Stress-Free
Applying for spousal sponsorship can be overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth process. Make sure your documents are complete, provide strong proof of your relationship, and stay updated on your application status.
Need expert help? Ask Kubeir is here to guide you every step of the way! Our team ensures your application is correct, complete, and hassle-free so you can reunite with your loved one faster.
📞 Contact us today and take the next step toward your life in Canada!
📞 Call us: 04 260 7837
📲 WhatsApp: wa.me/971529693030
🌐 Website: www.askkubeir.ae
📍 Office No. 45, 9th Floor, Conrad Tower, WTC, Dubai
