Spousal Sponsorship
Sponsor Your Spouse or Common-Law Partner for Permanent Residence — From Inside or Outside Canada
What Is Spousal Sponsorship?
Spousal sponsorship allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residence, whether that partner is living inside Canada with valid temporary status, or living outside Canada.
Applicants sponsored from inside Canada can often apply for an open work permit alongside their sponsorship application, allowing them to work for almost any employer in Canada while their application is being processed. Applicants sponsored from outside Canada can generally travel more freely while their application is in process.
At Immisa Immigration, we help couples prepare a complete spousal sponsorship application, whether inland or outland, including proof of the genuine relationship, to support timely processing.
Inland vs. Outland Spousal Sponsorship
Inland Sponsorship (From Inside Canada)
The sponsored spouse or partner must be living in Canada with valid temporary status. This route allows eligibility for an open work permit during processing, but the applicant is generally expected to remain in Canada throughout the process.
Inland applications are well suited to couples who are already living together in Canada and want to avoid separation during processing.
Outland Sponsorship (From Outside Canada)
The sponsored spouse or partner applies from outside Canada, or from inside Canada while retaining the flexibility to travel in and out during processing.
This route does not include eligibility for an open work permit through the sponsorship application itself, but offers more flexibility for travel while the application is in process.
Choosing the right route depends on the couple’s current location, travel needs, and work situation, and should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Who Can Apply For Spousal Sponsorship
Married Spouses
Canadian citizens or permanent residents sponsoring a legally married spouse living with them in Canada.
Common-Law Partners
Couples who have cohabited in a conjugal relationship in Canada for at least 12 continuous months.
Conjugal Partners in Canada
Partners in a committed relationship living together in Canada who meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
Step-by-Step Spousal Sponsorship Process
Confirm Eligibility
We review the sponsor's and applicant's eligibility, including status, relationship type, and residency in Canada.
Gather Relationship Evidence
We help compile evidence of a genuine relationship, such as proof of cohabitation, shared finances, and communication history.
Submit Sponsorship & PR Application
The sponsorship application and permanent residence application are submitted together to IRCC.
Apply For an Open Work Permit
Where eligible, an open work permit application is submitted alongside the sponsorship to allow the applicant to work while waiting.
Receive a Decision
Once processing is complete, the sponsored spouse or partner receives a decision on permanent residence.
WHY CHOOSE IMMISA For Spousal Sponsorship
Genuine Relationship Evidence
We help couples build a well-organized evidence package to demonstrate a genuine and ongoing relationship.
Open Work Permit Guidance
We assess eligibility for an open work permit and prepare that application alongside your sponsorship.
Inland vs. Outland Strategy
We help couples choose the sponsorship route that best fits their location, travel needs, and timeline.
Responsive Case Support
We monitor your application and respond promptly to any requests for additional information from IRCC.
Our Approach to Spousal Sponsorship
Relationship & Eligibility Review
Every case begins with a detailed review of the couple's relationship history and eligibility for inland sponsorship.
Evidence & Application Preparation
We help prepare a thorough application package supported by strong, well-documented evidence.
Processing & Follow-Up
We track the sponsorship and permanent residence application through to a final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between inland and outland spousal sponsorship?
Inland sponsorship applies when the sponsored spouse or partner is living in Canada with valid status, and may include eligibility for an open work permit. Outland sponsorship applies when the applicant is outside Canada, or wants more flexibility to travel during processing.
Can I work in Canada while my inland sponsorship is being processed?
In many cases, sponsored spouses or partners applying inland can apply for an open work permit alongside their sponsorship application, allowing them to work while the application is processed.
Do I need to be legally married to sponsor my partner?
No. Common-law partners who have cohabited for at least 12 continuous months, and conjugal partners in certain circumstances, may also be eligible for sponsorship.
What evidence do we need to prove our relationship is genuine?
Common evidence includes proof of cohabitation, joint finances or leases, photos together, travel history, and communication records showing an ongoing relationship.
Can I travel outside Canada while my inland sponsorship is in process?
Traveling while an inland application is pending can affect processing and re-entry, so it should be carefully considered and discussed before making travel plans.
What happens if my temporary status expires during the sponsorship process?
It is important to maintain valid status in Canada throughout the process where possible, which may involve extending a work permit, study permit, or visitor record while the sponsorship is pending.
How long does inland spousal sponsorship take to process?
Processing times vary based on IRCC’s current workload and the completeness of the application, so timelines should be confirmed based on current processing standards at the time of application.
How can Immisa Immigration help with my spousal sponsorship application?
We assess your eligibility, help gather strong supporting evidence, and prepare and submit your sponsorship, permanent residence, and open work permit applications accurately and on time.
Ready To Take that First Step ?
Whether you and your spouse or partner are living together in Canada or apart while you wait, spousal sponsorship may be the right path to permanent residence. Contact Immisa Immigration to discuss your eligibility and next steps.