Canada aims to welcome over 400,000 new immigrants per year. Some 60 per cent are targeted as economic class skilled workers, followed by family class immigrants and refugees. Among family class immigrants, Canada seeks to welcome some 80,000 per year under its Spouses, Partners, and Children category.

Spousal sponsorship is a major part of Canada's immigration system. The Canadian government allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are in a relationship with a foreign national to sponsor that person to join them and become a permanent resident of Canada. You can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner. You have two main options to choose from when sponsoring: Outland and Inland sponsorship.

Eligibility for Sponsorship

• You are 18 years of age or older.
• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident living in Canada, or person registered under the Canadian Indian Act.
• You live in Canada or are a Canadian citizen planning to return to the country.
• You are not receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability.
• You can provide for your basic needs, those of your spouse or partner, and any dependent children.

Requirements to Sponsor in Canada

Sponsorship of a spouse in Canada involves a commitment to provide financial support to the sponsored person, including any dependent children. As a sponsor, you will be required to sign an undertaking that promises to provide for the basic needs of the sponsored person.

These basic needs include:

• Housing, including utility bills.
• Food and personal hygiene products.
• Clothing and other items necessary for daily living.
• Medical expenses not covered by public health insurance, such as dental and eye care.

Financial Requirements

You must show that you have sufficient income or assets to support the spouse or partner once he or she arrives in Canada. You must not be receiving income support benefits from any province or be in bankruptcy proceedings.

Who Can You Sponsor?

• Spouse: Legally married.
• Common-law partner: Lived together for at least 12 consecutive months in a marriage-like relationship.
• Conjugal partner: In a committed relationship for at least 12 months but unable to live together due to cultural, religious, or immigration barriers.

The person you are sponsoring must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Pass all background, security, and medical checks.
• Be approved by IRCC before receiving a visa.

Two Types of Sponsorship Programs in Canada

1. Outland Sponsorship:

   Applications to sponsor a foreign spouse or partner are usually submitted when the sponsored person lives abroad, and the Canadian sponsor resides in Canada. The foreign spouse or partner may enter and leave Canada during the process if visa-free or with an appropriate Canadian visa. Applications from outside Canada are processed by the visa office serving the applicant’s country of origin or legal residence.

2. Inland Sponsorship:

   Both spouses must live together in Canada, and the foreign spouse must have temporary status (worker, student, or visitor). The sponsor and applicant must live together during processing. The foreign spouse may apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) while the application is processed to work for any employer in Canada.

Where to Submit the Application

Applications can be submitted either outside Canada (visa office abroad) or inside Canada (local immigration office). Sponsorship applications for conjugal partners can only be filed through the outside-of-Canada process.

Processing Time

The standard spousal sponsorship application processing time is approximately 12 months.