A Canadian citizen or Canadian permanent resident can sponsor their spouse to immigrate to Canada and establish a permanent residence by using the Canadian spousal sponsorship program. In Canada, we are aware of how crucial it is for families to stay together. This is why requests for spousal sponsorship are given high consideration.

Here is all the information you need to sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to immigrate to Canada.

Apply for Canada Spouse Visa

Apply under the Sponsorship from a legally married Husband/Wife or Common-Law Partner Your spouse or common-law partner falls into this category if they meet the following criteria:

  • They live with you in Canada, they have a legitimate temporary resident status there, or they are exempt from the requirement due to public policy.
  • Is interested in applying for and is eligible for an Open Work Permit so they can continue to work while the application is being processed.

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Sponsor your spouse with Canada Partner Visa

Sponsoring your partner—whether they be your spouse Common law partner or conjugal partner.

In the event that your marriage is a civil union with legal standing, you may sponsor the person as your spouse.

When a marriage between people of the same gender or opposing gender is performed outside of Canada, both the country in which it was done and Canada must recognize the marriage legally before it can be recognized for immigration purposes.

Sponsorship from Common-law Partner

If you've been living or have been living with your partner for at least 12 consecutive months in a marriage-like relationship, you can sponsor the individual as your common-law partner (of the same or opposite gender).

Sponsorship for Conjugal Partner

A person who has been residing outside of Canada, dating the sponsor for at least a year, and qualifying as a conjugal partner.

Due to circumstances beyond their control, they were unable to live with the sponsor as a couple (e.g. immigration barrier, religious reasons, or sexual orientation).

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Spouse visa Documents checklist

  • IMM 008 Request Form 
  • If you are travelling with more family or dependents, there is additional paperwork.
  • Background Declarations are provided in Schedule A. (Form IMM 5669).
  • Query about your spouse or partner (Form IMM 5285).
  • The pages of the passport must be easy to read.
  • Certificate of birth for the applicant.
  • If there is a sponsor, provide evidence of the relationship and of your legal right to reside in Canada.
  • Marriage certificate photocopy.
  • If the application includes a dependent, there are two photos of the applicant and two photos of the dependent.
  • The sponsor in Canada is required to show evidence of income. Must also present their most current tax returns for themselves and pay stubs.
  • Have to reimburse the government for its processing cost.
  • The Canadian High Commission shall have access to the results via a return envelope with the appropriate postage, which is the last but not least requirement.

Canada spouse visa processing time

Spousal sponsorship applications typically take 12 months to process. It could, however, be shorter than or as long as 36 months, depending on the locality and the conditions.

Canada Spouse visa Requirements

  • One must be 18 years of age or older in order to sponsor their spouse.
  • A Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
  • Must not have been charged with any severe crimes or must have a spotless police record
  • Must not have been invited to Canada as a sponsored spouse in the previous five years.

Steps to Canada Spouse visa Process

In order to apply for sponsorship, there are two steps to take:

  • The spouse or common-law partner of the Canadian citizen or permanent resident submits a sponsorship application.
  • A permanent residency application is made by the spouse or common-law partner.

You can also read the latest Canada Immigration News and Draw Updates here. If you are interested in studying in Canada then for more info, please visit here

Also read:

✅ Sponsor your spouse or partner to Canada with Canada Spouse Visa

✅ How to sponsor your child for Canadian immigration

✅ Important details on Canada Spouse Visa