The Spousal Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners for permanent residency in Canada, facilitating family reunification.

Definitions:

• Spouse: Legally married to the sponsor.
• Common-law Partner: Has lived together with the sponsor in a conjugal relationship for at least one year.
• Conjugal Partner: In a genuine, ongoing relationship with the sponsor for at least one year but unable to live together or marry due to exceptional circumstances.

You may sponsor your spouse, conjugal partner, or common-law partner if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and:

• Are at least 18 years old
• Reside in Canada or plan to return to Canada once your partner becomes a permanent resident
• Are able and willing to support your partner financially for three years

• Outland Sponsorship Class

Outland Sponsorship Class is for cases where the spouse or common-law partner (the principal applicant) lives outside Canada, and you reside in Canada but do not plan to stay here during the application process. While living together may be challenging until the application is approved, the spouse can apply for a temporary visa to come to Canada during processing.

• In Canada Sponsorship Class

In Canada Sponsorship Class is for applicants who live with the sponsor in Canada, have valid immigration status, and wish to apply for an open work permit while their application is processed. If the applicant is out of status, they may still apply under this stream but must remain in Canada throughout the process and avoid traveling outside the country.

Inland Sponsorship allows the foreign partner to obtain an Open Work Permit, enabling them to work in Canada while awaiting permanent residency approval. This provides financial stability and the opportunity to contribute to the Canadian workforce. It also allows the couple to stay together in Canada during the application process, which can be comforting and reduce stress.

Outland Sponsorship offers greater flexibility as the foreign partner can travel in and out of Canada during processing and return as a visitor.

Yes, your spouse, conjugal partner, or common-law partner can include any dependent children on their permanent residence application.

The government processing fees are as follows:

• Sponsorship fee: $85
• Principal applicant processing fee: $545
• Right of permanent residence fee: $575
• Biometrics: $85
• Total: $1290

If there are dependent children included in the application, an additional $175 per child is required.

For sponsorship in Quebec, additional documents and fees may apply.

As a sponsor, you must provide for your partner’s basic needs, including daily and health expenses, for three years. You must ensure they do not require social assistance before signing the sponsorship agreement. If they do receive government financial aid, you are responsible for reimbursing the full amount received during your sponsorship period. Failure to repay will affect your ability to sponsor other family members.

Your financial obligation remains in effect even if:

• Your partner becomes a Canadian citizen
• The relationship ends
• Your partner moves to another country or province
• You face financial difficulties

Sponsorship applications may be refused if you cannot prove that your relationship is genuine. Visa officers assess various factors, including traditional evidence like wedding photos and family attendance, as well as unique cultural practices. For unconventional relationships, providing additional evidence and letters of explanation can help clarify the legitimacy of your relationship. Note that online marriage ceremonies are not accepted for Canadian immigration purposes.

Yes, you can withdraw your sponsorship application at any time before the person you’re sponsoring obtains permanent residency in Canada.

Sponsoring a spouse to Quebec involves a different process compared to other provinces. Quebec requires additional documents and fees for the application.  To understand these unique requirements and navigate the process effectively, book a consultation with our immigration lawyers.

To ensure a swift processing of your sponsorship application, it is essential to submit it correctly from the beginning. The team at HMD is experienced in handling spousal sponsorship cases and can assist you throughout the process. Find out how HMD can support you in bringing your loved ones to Canada by completing our free online assessment.

We offer high-quality Canadian immigration services, delivered by some of the top immigration family sponsorship lawyers in Canada. With a meticulous, detail-driven approach, we ensure that every case is handled with precision, leaving nothing to chance. This commitment to excellence is the key to our success and our proven track record of successful outcomes for clients. Our services are accessible online from anywhere, at competitive rates, with no hidden fees. We proudly serve clients across Canada and around the world, including in: