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 can be a sponsor if:

• 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, if applicable, those of 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 Eligibility

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 I Sponsor?

To receive a visa under this immigration program, you and your foreign spouse or partner must prove that your relationship qualifies under one of the following categories:

• Spouse: You are legally married.
• Common-law partner: You live or have lived with your partner for at least 12 consecutive months in a marriage-like relationship.
• Conjugal partner: You must have been in a continuous and committed relationship for at least 12 months but have had significant obstacles that prevent you from residing together (e.g., cultural, religious, or immigration barriers).

Sponsored Person Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Pass all background, security, and medical checks.
• Both the sponsor and the foreign national must be approved by IRCC before a visa is issued.

Types of Sponsorship Programs

1. Outland Sponsorship

Typically, applications are submitted when the sponsored person lives abroad, and the Canadian sponsor resides in Canada. The foreign spouse or partner may visit Canada during processing if they have a visa or are from a visa-free country. These applications are processed by the visa office serving the applicant's country of origin or residence.

2. Inland Sponsorship

In this case, both spouses must live together in Canada, and the foreign spouse must have valid temporary status (worker, student, or visitor). Applicants can also apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) while their application is being processed to avoid financial hardship.

Submission and Processing

Applications can be submitted either outside Canada at a visa office abroad or in Canada at a local immigration office. Sponsorship for conjugal partners must be submitted outside Canada. The standard processing time for spousal sponsorship applications is approximately 12 months.