Family sponsorship
Spousal and partner sponsorship
If your spouse or partner is not yet a permanent resident, you may be able to sponsor them to live with you in Canada. We prepare a complete, well-organized application that presents your relationship clearly.
Overview
Spousal sponsorship lets a Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsor their husband, wife or partner for permanent residence. Permanent residents can live, work and study anywhere in Canada.
The application has two parts: your application to be a sponsor, and your partner's application for permanent residence. IRCC looks at both, and at whether your relationship is genuine.
Strong applications are clear and consistent. Dates, addresses and the story of your relationship should match across every form and document.
Who this may be for
- Married couples. Your marriage must be legally valid where it took place and in Canada.
- Common-law partners. You have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 months in a row.
- Conjugal partners. You have been in a committed relationship for at least one year but could not live together or marry because of significant barriers, such as immigration or legal restrictions.
- Couples where the partner is already in Canada as a visitor, worker or student
- Canadian citizens living abroad who plan to return to Canada with their partner
General eligibility considerations
Sponsor status and age
You must be 18 or older and a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or registered under the Indian Act.
Where you live
Permanent residents must live in Canada. Citizens living abroad must show they will live in Canada when their partner becomes a permanent resident.
A genuine relationship
You must show the relationship is real and was not entered into mainly for immigration.
Situations that can prevent sponsoring
For example: receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability, being in default on an earlier sponsorship or court-ordered support, being an undischarged bankrupt, certain criminal convictions, or having been sponsored as a spouse yourself less than five years ago.
Your partner's admissibility
Your partner will need a medical exam, police certificates and biometrics.
Quebec
If you live in Quebec, there are additional provincial steps.
Inland or outland?
Your partner lives with you in Canada
Inland
- Your partner must live with you in Canada while the application is processed.
- Your partner may be eligible to apply for an open work permit while waiting.
- Your partner should keep valid temporary status where possible.
- Travel outside Canada during processing needs care and can create problems.
- A refusal generally cannot be appealed to the Immigration Appeal Division.
Your partner lives in or outside Canada
Outland
- Your partner can live outside Canada, or in Canada with valid status.
- Your partner can usually travel while the application is processed.
- The application is processed through IRCC's overseas processing network.
- A refusal can usually be appealed to the Immigration Appeal Division.
- Your partner does not get an open work permit through this route.
Which route fits depends on where your partner lives, their status, travel plans and work needs. We help you choose.
How the process works
Consultation
We review your relationship history, status and plans, and flag any concerns early.
Choosing the route
We recommend inland or outland, and explain why.
Your document list
Each of you receives a clear list of documents and evidence to gather.
Preparing the application
We complete the forms, organize your relationship evidence and check every detail for consistency.
Submission
We submit the application online to IRCC as your representative. Where eligible, we can also prepare your partner's open work permit application.
Biometrics, medicals and requests
We guide you through each request from IRCC and respond on your behalf.
Decision
When the application is approved, your partner completes the final steps to become a permanent resident.
Documents you may need
- Passports and birth certificates
- Marriage certificate, or proof of living together for common-law partners
- Photos of you together over time, with family and friends
- Communication history and records of visits or travel together
- Shared documents, such as a lease, bills or a joint bank account
- Proof of your status: citizenship certificate, Canadian passport or PR card
- Police certificates for your partner (and any dependent children 18 or older)
- Immigration medical exam results
- Divorce or separation records from earlier relationships, if any
- Documents for any dependent children included in the application
Relationship evidence is personal, and no two couples have the same records. We help you choose what best shows your relationship.
How Bonti can help
- Advice on the best route for your situation
- A clear document and evidence list for each of you
- Careful preparation of forms, with every date and address checked
- An organized, well-labelled evidence package
- Open work permit applications for inland partners, where eligible
- Representation with IRCC, including help preparing for an interview if one is requested
Common questions
Can my partner work while we wait?
If your partner is in Canada and you apply through the inland route, your partner may be eligible to apply for an open work permit. Eligibility depends on their situation and status.
How long does spousal sponsorship take?
IRCC sets processing times and they change often. We tell you the current estimate at your consultation.
Can I sponsor my partner if I live outside Canada?
If you are a Canadian citizen, yes, as long as you show you will live in Canada when your partner becomes a permanent resident. Permanent residents must live in Canada to sponsor.
We are engaged but not married. Can I sponsor my fiancé?
Canada does not have a fiancé visa. You may be able to sponsor your partner as a common-law or conjugal partner if you meet those definitions. Otherwise, you would apply after you marry.
What if I was sponsored as a spouse myself?
If you became a permanent resident as a sponsored spouse or partner less than five years ago, you generally cannot sponsor a new spouse or partner yet.
Next step
Bring your partner home.
Start with a 30-minute consultation. You will leave with a clear next step and a list of documents to prepare.
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