What is the difference between inland and outland spousal sponsorship?

Inland: the sponsored person is already in Canada and can apply for an open work permit while waiting. Outland: the sponsored person is outside Canada and remains there until approved. Outland is generally processed faster but the applicant cannot work in Canada during processing.

Can I sponsor my spouse if we are separated?

You may be able to sponsor a separated spouse if you are still legally married and the relationship is genuine. However, if you are divorced, you cannot sponsor your ex-spouse as a spouse. Common-law partners must demonstrate they have been cohabiting for at least 12 months.

What if my sponsored spouse has children?

Dependent children of your spouse can be included in the same application. Additional fees apply for each dependent. All dependents must undergo medical exams and background checks.

Family Sponsorship

Spousal / Partner Sponsorship

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence. This is one of the most common family sponsorship categories, with approximately 12-month processing times.

Eligibility Requirements

You are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
You are at least 18 years old
Your relationship is genuine and not primarily for immigration purposes
You are not in prison, charged with a serious offence, bankrupt, or under a removal order
You are not in default on a previous sponsorship undertaking
Your spouse/partner is not inadmissible to Canada

Documents Checklist

Marriage certificate or proof of common-law/conjugal relationship

Identity documents (passport, birth certificate) for both sponsor and applicant

Proof of relationship genuineness (photos, communications, joint finances)

Police certificates from all countries lived in 6+ months since age 18

Immigration medical exam (IME) results

Two passport-style photos for the sponsored person

Proof of status in Canada (for inland applications)

Digital photos of the couple together

Processing Timeline

Submission & AOR

Weeks 1-4

Submit application and receive Acknowledgement of Receipt.

Sponsor approval

Months 2-4

IRCC verifies sponsor eligibility and financial ability.

PR application processing

Months 4-10

Background checks, medical verification, and eligibility assessment.

Decision & COPR

Months 10-12

Decision issued. If approved, Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) is sent.

Fees

Fee	Amount (CAD)
Sponsorship fee	$75
Principal applicant PR processing fee	$490
Right of permanent residence fee	$515
Biometrics	$85
Total	$1,165

Tips & Important Notes

Inland applications: The sponsored person can apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) while waiting. They must have valid temporary status in Canada.

Outland applications: The sponsored person stays outside Canada while the application is processed. Generally faster processing.

Provide extensive proof of relationship genuineness: photos together, travel records, chat logs, joint bank accounts, shared leases.

Both inland and outland applications can be submitted online through the IRCC portal.

Common-law partnerships require proof of 12+ months of continuous cohabitation.

Spousal / Partner Sponsorship

Eligibility Requirements

Documents Checklist

Processing Timeline

Submission & AOR

Sponsor approval

PR application processing

Decision & COPR

Fees

Tips & Important Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

Family Sponsorship Hub

Parent & Grandparent Sponsorship

Dependent Children

Processing Times

Visit Canada / Super Visa

Immigration Pathways