Spousal and partner sponsorship.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner. The relationship must be genuine and continues to be scrutinized carefully by IRCC.
Who this is for
Canadian citizens and permanent residents who wish to sponsor a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner for permanent residence, and the partners being sponsored.
Decision factors
- Legal status of the sponsor (Canadian citizen or PR)
- Genuineness and, where relevant, chronology of the relationship
- Whether the sponsored partner is inside or outside Canada
- Sponsor's admissibility and prior sponsorship history
- Any prior refusals or misrepresentation history
Evidence commonly needed
- Marriage or registration documents, or evidence of cohabitation for common-law
- Photographs, communications, joint finances and travel evidence
- Statutory declarations from people who know the couple
- Police certificates, medical exams and identity documents
Process
- Assessment consultation with an honest read of the file
- Sponsor and applicant document preparation
- Preparation and submission of the complete application
- Response to procedural fairness letters or interview requests
- Follow-through to landing
Risks and honest limits
Sponsorship is not a formality. Weak relationship evidence, unexplained gaps in cohabitation and prior refusals can each lead to a refusal. Inland and outside Canada applications each have distinct implications for work, travel and appeal rights.
How an RCIC helps
We build a properly documented relationship narrative, choose the right stream and prepare for the specific concerns IRCC has flagged in similar files.
Official sources
Reviewed by Awal Takkar, MSc, LIA, RCIC. Last reviewed: July 18, 2026.
A few things clients often ask.
Inland or outside Canada, which is better?
It depends. Inland gives access to an open work permit but restricts travel while the application is in process. Outside Canada preserves travel and appeal rights. We match the choice to your circumstances.
How long does it take?
Standard service standards vary and change. Real timelines depend on the file, biometrics, medicals and background checks.
Can I sponsor if I have sponsored before?
Possibly, but sponsorship bars and undertakings from prior sponsorships can affect eligibility. We check this before you file.
What if we lived apart for periods?
Periods apart do not defeat a genuine relationship, but they must be explained with credible evidence.
Related services and next steps.
Parents and grandparents
Related sponsorship pathway with different rules and intake.
Super Visa
Long-stay visa option for parents and grandparents where sponsorship is not available.
Send a short enquiry
For a general question that is not urgent. Not legal advice; please avoid sensitive documents.
Information current as of July 2026. Program rules and intake can change without notice.
This page provides general information about Canadian immigration and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your matter, please book a consultation with an RCIC.
Speak with an RCIC about your matter.
Consultations are available online worldwide and, by appointment, at our Canadian offices.