Spousal, Common-Law and Conjugal Partner Sponsorship in Canada
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner for permanent residence. IRCC assesses both the sponsor's eligibility and whether the relationship is genuine.
Types of partner
- Spouse: legally married, and the marriage is valid where it took place and under Canadian law.
- Common-law partner: living together in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 continuous months.
- Conjugal partner: for partners who could not marry or live together because of serious obstacles such as immigration barriers. This route is exceptional.
Inland or outland
- Outland: the sponsored partner applies from outside Canada, or chooses this route even if in Canada. Several sources say it is currently faster than inland and keeps travel flexible.
- Inland: the partner lives in Canada with legal status. It allows a spousal open work permit application together with the sponsorship, but generally involves longer processing at the moment, and a refusal cannot be appealed to the Immigration Appeal Division, while a refusal of an outland application generally can be.
Processing times change monthly, so check IRCC's processing times tool instead of relying on an article.
What IRCC looks at
IRCC wants evidence that the relationship is genuine and was not entered mainly to gain immigration status. Useful evidence includes a history of communication, photos over time, travel together, joint finances or shared responsibilities, and statements from family and friends. Inconsistencies between the forms and the evidence are a common reason for delay or refusal.
The undertaking
The sponsor signs an undertaking to support the partner. For a spouse or partner it lasts three years from the day they become a permanent resident. There is no minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship.
Get help from a licensed consultant
I can review your evidence, help you choose between inland and outland, and prepare a complete application. No one can guarantee an approval.
Frequently asked questions
Can my spouse work while we wait? An inland applicant with valid status may apply for a spousal open work permit. Outland applicants generally cannot work in Canada unless they obtain separate authorization.
Should we apply inland or outland? It depends on where you live, whether your partner needs to travel, and the timeline. Get advice before choosing.
What if we were only recently married? There is no minimum length of marriage, but IRCC will look closely at the relationship's history.
Sources: IRCC, Sponsor your spouse, partner or dependent child; law-firm summaries.
This page is general information, not legal advice on your situation.