Spousal, Common-law, or Conjugal Sponsorship in Canada
Canada welcomes over 400,000 new immigrants annually, with 80,000 allocated under the Spouses, Partners, and Children category. If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence.
Types of Sponsorship
You can choose between Inland and Outland sponsorship based on your partner’s location.
Inland Sponsorship – Your partner is already in Canada with temporary status (worker, student, or visitor). They may apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) to work while the application is processed.
Outland Sponsorship – Your partner resides outside Canada. The application is processed by the visa office serving their country of residence or origin.
Eligibility Criteria
To sponsor your partner, you must:
Be 18 years or older
Be a Canadian citizen (or a permanent resident living in Canada)
Not receive social assistance (except for disability)
Show financial ability to support your spouse and dependents
Who Can You Sponsor?
Your relationship must fall into one of these categories:
Spouse – Legally married
Common-law Partner – Lived together for at least 12 months in a marriage-like relationship
Conjugal Partner – In a committed relationship for 12+ months but unable to live together due to significant barriers (e.g., cultural, religious, or immigration reasons)
Additionally, the sponsored person must:
Be 18 years or older
Pass background, security, and medical checks
Have the sponsorship approved by IRCC
Financial Support Requirements
Sponsors must provide financial support, including:
Housing and utilities
Food and daily living expenses
Medical expenses not covered by public health insurance (e.g., dental, eye care)
Processing Time
Spousal sponsorship applications typically take 12 months to process.
Where to Apply?
Applications can be submitted:
Inside Canada (for Inland Sponsorship)
Outside Canada (for Outland Sponsorship or conjugal partners)
Start Your Sponsorship Process Today!
Need assistance with your application? Sia Immigration is here to help!
Contact us today to begin your journey to reunite with your loved one in Canada.
