Spousal Sponsorship Canada 2026: Complete Guide to Bringing Your Partner to Canada

Last Updated: January 2026 | By Waymark Immigration, RCIC R1034253

Reuniting with your spouse or partner in Canada is one of the most emotional immigration journeys. Canada's spousal sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their married spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about spousal sponsorship in 2026.

Who Can Sponsor a Spouse in Canada?

To sponsor your spouse or partner, you must be:

✅ A Canadian citizen OR permanent resident ✅ At least 18 years old ✅ Living in Canada (or planning to return when spouse arrives) ✅ Not in prison, bankrupt, or under removal order ✅ Not previously sponsored a spouse within 5 years (if applicable) ✅ Not receiving social assistance (except for disability)

Who Can Be Sponsored?

You can sponsor your:

Spouse: Legally married partner (same-sex marriages recognized)

Common-Law Partner: Living together for at least 12 continuous months in a marriage-like relationship

Conjugal Partner: In a committed relationship for at least 1 year but unable to live together due to immigration barriers or other circumstances (e.g., same-sex couples from countries where such relationships aren't recognized)

Dependent Children: Unmarried children under 22 years old (or over 22 if dependent due to disability)

Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship: Which is Better?

Inland Sponsorship

Best for: Spouse already in Canada

Pros:

• Can apply for Open Work Permit (OWP) while waiting
• Can stay in Canada during processing
• No need for spouse to leave Canada

Cons:

• Longer processing time (12-14 months)
• Cannot leave Canada without Advance Travel Document
• If refused, no appeal outside Canada

Processing Time 2026: 12-14 months

Outland Sponsorship

Best for: Spouse living outside Canada

Pros:

• Faster processing (10-12 months)
• Spouse can visit Canada during processing
• Can convert to inland if spouse enters Canada

Cons:

• Spouse must remain outside Canada
• May require interview at visa office
• More documentation required

Processing Time 2026: 10-12 months

Spousal Sponsorship Processing Time 2026

Current IRCC processing times:

StreamProcessing TimeInland Sponsorship12-14 monthsOutland Sponsorship10-12 monthsOpen Work Permit (Inland)2-4 monthsVisitor Record Extension1-2 months

Processing times vary by case complexity and country of origin

Required Documents for Spousal Sponsorship

For the Sponsor (Canadian citizen/PR):

• Canadian passport or PR card
• Proof of Canadian status
• Employment letter and pay stubs
• Income tax returns (Notice of Assessment)
• Proof of address in Canada
• Previous marriage/divorce documents (if applicable)
• IMM 1344 (Sponsorship Agreement)
• IMM 5532 (Relationship Information)

For the Applicant (Spouse):

• Valid passport
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (or common-law declaration)
• Police certificates from all countries lived in
• Medical examination results
• Photos (IRCC specifications)
• Proof of relationship (photos, messages, travel history)
• IMM 0008 (Generic Application Form)
• Schedule A (Background Declaration)

Proof of Genuine Relationship

IRCC carefully reviews relationship authenticity. Provide:

• Photos together: At wedding, events, holidays, with family
• Communication history: Messages, call logs, video chat history
• Joint finances: Bank accounts, leases, bills, shared assets
• Travel history: Flight tickets, hotel bookings, passport stamps
• Third-party evidence: Statutory declarations from friends/family
• Timeline of relationship: How you met, milestones, future plans

Spousal Sponsorship Costs 2026

Fee TypeCost (CAD)Sponsorship fee$75Principal applicant fee$490Right of Permanent Residence fee$515Biometrics$85Medical examination$200-400Police certificates$50-200Total Government Fees~$1,365

Additional costs may include translation, courier, and consultant fees.

Open Work Permit for Sponsored Spouses

Spouses applying through inland sponsorship can apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP):

Eligibility:

• Submitted complete spousal sponsorship application
• Spouse legally in Canada
• Passed first stage of eligibility assessment

Benefits:

• Work for any Canadian employer
• Valid until PR decision made
• Processing time: 2-4 months

How to Apply:

• Submit online through IRCC portal
• Include copy of spousal sponsorship acknowledgement
• Pay $255 fee ($155 work permit + $100 OWP holder)

Common Reasons for Spousal Sponsorship Refusal

1. Relationship not genuine - Insufficient proof of authentic relationship
2. Misrepresentation - False or misleading information
3. Criminality - Serious criminal convictions
4. Medical inadmissibility - Health conditions creating excessive demand
5. Incomplete application - Missing documents or forms
6. Sponsor ineligibility - Sponsor doesn't meet requirements
7. Marriage of convenience - Relationship primarily for immigration

Tips for a Successful Spousal Sponsorship Application

1. Document Everything

Keep records of your relationship from the beginning: photos, messages, receipts, travel tickets.

2. Be Consistent

Ensure all dates, facts, and information match across all forms and documents.

3. Write Detailed Personal Statements

Both sponsor and applicant should write genuine letters explaining:

• How you met
• How relationship developed
• Your shared plans for the future
• Why you want to be together in Canada

4. Include Third-Party Evidence

Statutory declarations from friends and family who know your relationship strengthen your case.

5. Hire a Licensed RCIC

Complex cases benefit from professional help. An RCIC can:

• Review documents for completeness
• Identify potential issues before submission
• Respond to IRCC requests properly
• Guide you through interviews

Spousal Sponsorship for Same-Sex Couples

Canada fully recognizes same-sex marriages and common-law relationships. Same-sex couples have identical rights in spousal sponsorship. If your country doesn't recognize same-sex marriage, Canada still accepts your relationship for immigration purposes.

What Happens After Approval?

Once approved:

Inland Application:

• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) issued
• Attend PR card application appointment
• Receive PR card by mail (4-6 weeks)

Outland Application:

• Counterfoil placed in passport at visa office
• Enter Canada as permanent resident
• PR card mailed to Canadian address

Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents

If you're interested in sponsoring parents or grandparents:

Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP):

• Opens annually (usually January)
• Lottery-based selection
• Processing time: 20-24 months
• Income requirements apply

Super Visa:

• Faster alternative (8-12 weeks processing)
• Multiple-entry visa valid up to 10 years
• Allows stays up to 5 years per visit
• Medical insurance required

Why Choose Waymark Immigration for Spousal Sponsorship?

At Waymark Immigration in Abbotsford, BC, we specialize in family sponsorship applications. Our team provides:

✅ Compassionate service - We understand the emotional journey ✅ Thorough documentation - Complete applications avoid delays ✅ RCIC representation - Licensed consultant Arshdeep Singh Brar ✅ Local expertise - Serving Abbotsford, Vancouver, Surrey, and BC ✅ Commissioner for Oaths - Statutory declarations prepared in-office

Start Your Spousal Sponsorship Today

Ready to reunite with your partner in Canada?

1. Check your eligibility with our AI assessment tool
2. Get document checklist using our Document Checklist Generator
3. Book a consultation at our Abbotsford office

Waymark Immigration Unit 312, 34334 Forrest Terrace Abbotsford, BC V2S 1G7 Phone: 604-750-8846 | 778-317-7697

Compassionate Family Immigration Services Since Day One

Related Articles:

• Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship 2026
• Super Visa vs Parent Sponsorship
• Common-Law Sponsorship Requirements

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Processing times and requirements change. Consult with a licensed RCIC for current guidance.