Spouse/Partner Sponsorship
Sponsor your legally married spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to become a permanent resident of Canada. No minimum income requirement.
Benefits of Spouse/Partner Sponsorship
Why spouse/partner sponsorship is the most accessible family immigration option
No Minimum Income
No minimum income requirement for spouse/partner sponsorship (except Quebec residents).
Family Unity
Keep your family together by bringing your spouse or partner to live permanently in Canada.
Permanent Residence
Your sponsored spouse/partner becomes a permanent resident with full rights and benefits.
Include Children
Include dependent children of your spouse/partner in the same application.
Who You Can Sponsor
Three categories of eligible persons for spouse/partner sponsorship
Legally Married Spouse
Person you are legally married to, regardless of where the marriage took place.
Key Requirements:
- Valid marriage certificate
- Marriage recognized under Canadian law
- Both parties were free to marry
- Marriage not solely for immigration purposes
Common-law Partner
Person you have lived with in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 continuous months.
Key Requirements:
- Cohabitation for 12+ continuous months
- Conjugal relationship (like married couple)
- Joint financial responsibilities
- Public recognition as couple
Conjugal Partner
Person in a conjugal relationship with you for at least 1 year, but cannot live together due to exceptional circumstances.
Key Requirements:
- Relationship for 1+ year
- Cannot marry or live together
- Exceptional circumstances (legal barriers)
- Significant degree of commitment
Proving Your Relationship
Essential evidence to demonstrate genuine spousal/partner relationship
Legal Documents
- Marriage certificate or divorce decree
- Joint lease agreements or property ownership
- Joint bank accounts and credit cards
- Insurance policies naming each other as beneficiaries
Communication Evidence
- Phone records and messaging history
- Email correspondence over time
- Social media interactions and posts
- Video call logs and screenshots
Relationship Timeline
- Photos together throughout relationship
- Travel documents and boarding passes
- Event tickets and receipts from shared activities
- Gifts and cards exchanged between partners
Relationship Assessment
IRCC carefully assesses the genuineness of relationships. Provide evidence spanning the entire relationship duration. Recent marriages or relationships may require more extensive documentation and could face additional scrutiny.
Application Process
Step-by-step guide to spouse/partner sponsorship
Eligibility Assessment
1-2 weeksVerify both sponsor and sponsored person meet all eligibility requirements for spouse/partner sponsorship.
Relationship Documentation
2-4 weeksGather comprehensive evidence of genuine relationship including photos, communication records, and joint finances.
Submit Applications
1-2 weeksSubmit sponsorship application and permanent residence application simultaneously with all supporting documents.
Application Processing
12 monthsIRCC processes applications, may request additional documents, and conducts background checks and interviews.
Explore Other Family Sponsorship Types
Compare different family sponsorship options in Canada
Ready to Sponsor Your Spouse or Partner?
Get expert guidance on spouse/partner sponsorship requirements, relationship documentation, and application strategies.