Step-by-Step Guide to Sponsoring Your Partner for Canadian Permanent Residency

The Canadian spousal sponsorship program is designed to bring loved ones together, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their spouse or partner and build a life together in Canada. The Government of Canada understands that being with family is invaluable, which is why spousal sponsorship applications are given priority.

If you dream of starting a new chapter with your loved one in Canada, this guide will help you navigate the sponsorship process. Discover how you can bring your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner home and begin your journey toward a future together in Canada.

Who Can Be Sponsored Under This Program??

The Spousal Sponsorship Program recognizes different types of relationships, each with its own eligibility criteria:?

• Spouse: The sponsor and the sponsored person are legally married.?
• Common-law Partner: The sponsor and the sponsored person have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least one continuous year.?
• Conjugal Partner: The sponsor and the sponsored person have been in a genuine relationship for at least one year but, due to significant barriers (such as cultural, political, or religious restrictions), have been unable to live together or get married.?

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for determining which category your relationship falls under and ensuring you submit the correct documentation.

Inland vs. Outland Spousal Sponsorship?

There are two main pathways to apply for spousal sponsorship:?

Outland Sponsorship (Family Class)?

This option is typically used when the sponsored applicant lives outside Canada or currently lives in Canada but doesn’t plan to stay in Canada while the application is being processed.??

Inland Sponsorship (Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class)?

This category is for applicants already living with their sponsor in Canada. The principal?applicant should hold or have previously held a valid immigration status. In some cases,?individuals without legal status may still qualify under special public policies, provided they?meet other eligibility requirements. However, traveling outside Canada while the application is being processed is generally discouraged.?

If you are unsure about which sponsorship pathway is right for you, schedule a consultation call with one of our lawyers at R&R Law LLP and we can help clarify your options!?

Processing Times for Spousal Sponsorship?

The processing time for a spousal sponsorship application can vary between 10 – 36 months,?depending on the unique situation of the application and factors such as:?

• Whether the application is Inland or Outland??
• The completeness of the application and supporting documents?
• Requests for additional information from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)?
• Background checks, including police certificates and medical exams?
• The province of settlement (Quebec applications have longer processing times due to additional provincial requirements)?

Who Can Sponsor a Spouse or Partner??

To be eligible as a sponsor, you must:?

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident?
• Be at least 18 years old?
• Be able to give financial support for the basic needs of your spouse or partner for three years from the day they become a permanent resident.??
• Not be receiving social assistance (except for disability benefits)?
• Live in Canada, or if a Canadian citizen abroad, provide proof of intent to reside in Canada once sponsorship is approved

Required Documents for Spousal Sponsorship?

The application process requires detailed documentation from both the sponsor and the?sponsored person. Some key documents include:?

• Sponsorship and permanent residence application forms?
• Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency for the sponsor?
• Identification and travel documents (passport, visa, etc.) for the sponsored person?
• Police clearance certificates from all countries where the sponsored person has lived for six months or more since turning 18?
• Medical examination results?
• Proof of relationship, such as joint financial statements, shared leases or utility bills, photos, and communication records?

For common-law partners, proof of cohabitation for at least one year is required, such as joint bank statements, rental agreements, or shared utility bills.?

For conjugal partners, additional documentation must be provided to explain why the couple has been unable to live together or marry due to extenuating circumstances.

Common Reasons for Spousal Sponsorship Refusals?

A spousal sponsorship application may be refused for reasons such as:?

• Incomplete or incorrect documentation?
• Failure to meet eligibility criteria?
• Misrepresentation or fraudulent claims?
• Insufficient proof of a genuine relationship?
• Financial inability to support the sponsored person?

Ensuring your application is thorough and accurate is key to avoiding unnecessary delays or?rejections.?

Start Your Journey to Reuniting with Your Loved One?

The spousal sponsorship program is designed to keep families together and provide couples with the opportunity to build a future in Canada. By understanding the requirements, gathering the necessary documentation, and carefully preparing your application, you can take the first step toward bringing your spouse or partner home.?

If you need professional guidance regarding your sponsorship application or have questions?about your eligibility, R&R Law LLP is here to help! Please contact us to schedule a consultation call with one of our lawyers. Also, to stay updated on the latest Canadian immigration news, we recommend following our LinkedIn page. We look forward to supporting you on your journey to Canada!