Guide

Spousal and common-law sponsorship

Can I sponsor my spouse or partner, and how is this different from other pathways?

Yes, if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence. Unlike Express Entry or provincial programs, eligibility here is based on your relationship, not points, occupation, or language scores — which is why this pathway isn’t covered by our points-based assessment tool.

Who can be sponsored

You may sponsor a spouse (legally married), a common-law partner (cohabiting for at least 12 continuous months), or a conjugal partner (in a committed relationship but unable to cohabit or marry, typically due to circumstances outside your control). The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered under Canada’s Indian Act, and at least 18 years old.

Why this doesn’t fit a points-based assessment

Programs like Express Entry and provincial nominee streams score candidates on factors like age, education, language, and work experience. Spousal and common-law sponsorship works differently: eligibility centers on the genuineness of the relationship and the sponsor’s ability to meet their obligations, not on the applicant’s occupation or credentials. That’s why this pathway is covered here as a guide rather than run through our assessment tool.

Inland vs. outland processing

If the sponsored partner is already living in Canada, sponsorship can often be processed inland, which may allow an open work permit while the application is in progress. If the partner lives outside Canada, it’s processed outland, through the visa office responsible for their region. Each path has different timelines and considerations.

The sponsor’s obligations

Sponsoring a spouse or partner involves signing an undertaking to financially support them for a set period after they become a permanent resident, and to repay any social assistance they receive during that time. This is a serious, binding commitment separate from the application itself.

Verify before you act

Requirements, processing times, and forms change. Confirm current details directly with the Government of Canada and IRCC, and consult a licensed immigration lawyer or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) about your specific situation, especially if your relationship history or circumstances are complex.