Family Reunification

Spousal and Common Law Sponsorship

Canada is committed to keeping families together through the Spousal and Common Law Sponsorship Program, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner to live and work in Canada.

Family Unity

Reunite With Your Loved One in Canada

The Spousal and Common Law Sponsorship program is designed to help families stay together. Whether you are newly married, in a long-term relationship, or have lived together in a common-law relationship, this program provides a pathway for your loved ones to join you in Canada.

As a sponsor, you make a commitment to provide financial support for your spouse or partner, ensuring they have the necessities of life including food, clothing, shelter, and healthcare not provided by public health services. This commitment demonstrates your dedication to helping your spouse or partner establish themselves in Canada.

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Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply for Spousal Sponsorship?

To sponsor your spouse or common-law partner, both the sponsor and the person being sponsored must meet certain requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Sponsor Requirements

Requirements for Sponsors

Citizenship Status

You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act. If you are a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you must demonstrate that you plan to live in Canada when the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident.

Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible to sponsor your spouse or common-law partner for Canadian permanent residence.

Financial Capability

You must demonstrate that you can financially support your spouse or partner for the duration of the sponsorship period. Unlike other family sponsorship categories, there is no minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship, but you must not be receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability.

Relationship Requirements

Eligible Relationships

Spousal Relationship

Your spouse must be legally married to you. The marriage must be legally recognized in the country where it took place and under Canadian law. Same-sex marriages are recognized for immigration purposes if they were legally performed in Canada or in a foreign country where same-sex marriages are legal.

Common-Law Partnership

Your common-law partner must have been living with you in a conjugal relationship for at least one year continuously. This means you have combined your affairs and set up a household together. You must provide evidence of cohabitation such as joint bank accounts, shared lease agreements, or utility bills in both names.

Genuine Relationship

The relationship must be genuine and not entered into primarily for immigration purposes. IRCC will assess the authenticity of your relationship based on evidence such as photos together, communication records, travel history, and statements from friends and family who know you as a couple.

Ineligibility Factors

Factors That May Prevent Sponsorship

There are certain circumstances that may make you ineligible to sponsor your spouse or common-law partner. Understanding these factors is crucial before beginning the application process.

Criminal History

You may be ineligible to sponsor if you have been convicted of an offense of a sexual nature, a violent criminal offense, or an offense that caused bodily harm to a family member.

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Previous Sponsorship

If you have previously sponsored a spouse or partner and became a permanent resident less than 5 years ago, you may not be eligible to sponsor another spouse or partner.

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Financial Issues

You may be ineligible if you are in default of a previous sponsorship undertaking, court-ordered support payments, or government assistance (other than for disability).

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Bankruptcy

If you are an undischarged bankrupt, you may not be eligible to sponsor your spouse or common-law partner until your bankruptcy is discharged.

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Immigration Detention

If you are detained in a penitentiary, jail, reformatory, or prison, you cannot sponsor while you are incarcerated.

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Misrepresentation

If you or your spouse has misrepresented information on a previous immigration application, you may be ineligible to sponsor or be sponsored for a period of 5 years.

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Application Process

How to Apply for Spousal Sponsorship

The spousal sponsorship application process involves several steps that must be followed carefully to ensure a successful outcome. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

Determine Eligibility: Ensure both you and your spouse or partner meet all eligibility requirements.
Choose Application Type: Decide between the Inland or Outland sponsorship process based on your circumstances.
Gather Documentation: Collect all required documents for both the sponsor and the person being sponsored.
Complete Application Forms: Fill out all necessary forms accurately and completely.
Pay Fees: Submit the required processing fees, right of permanent residence fee, and biometric fees.
Submit Application: Send your complete application package to the appropriate processing center.
Biometrics: The sponsored person will need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
Medical Examination: The sponsored person must undergo a medical examination by an approved physician.
Interview: In some cases, an interview may be required to assess the genuineness of the relationship.
Wait for Processing: Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the case and the volume of applications.

Application Guide

Application Types

Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship

There are two main pathways for spousal sponsorship: Inland and Outland. Each has its advantages and considerations depending on your specific situation.

Inland Sponsorship

Inland sponsorship is for spouses or common-law partners who are already living in Canada with valid temporary status (such as a work permit, study permit, or visitor record).

Advantages:

Eligible for an open work permit while the application is processing
Couples can remain together in Canada during processing
No need to travel for the final landing process

Considerations:

The sponsored person should not leave Canada during processing
If temporary status expires before approval, may need to apply for restoration of status
Generally longer processing times than outland applications

Learn More About Inland Sponsorship

Outland Sponsorship

Outland sponsorship is for spouses or common-law partners who are living outside of Canada, or who are in Canada but prefer the outland process.

Advantages:

Generally faster processing times than inland applications
The sponsored person can travel freely during processing
No requirement to maintain status in Canada during processing

Considerations:

Couples may be separated during the processing period
Not eligible for the spousal open work permit pilot program
May need to travel for medical exams and interviews

Learn More About Outland Sponsorship

Required Documents

Essential Documents for Your Sponsorship Application

A complete and well-organized application package is crucial for a successful spousal sponsorship application. Make sure to include all the following documents to avoid delays or refusals.

Personal Documents

Valid passports for both parties
Birth certificates
Digital photos meeting specifications
National identity cards (if applicable)

Relationship Documents

Marriage certificate (for spouses)
Proof of cohabitation (for common-law)
Joint bank accounts or shared bills
Photos together over time

Application Forms

Sponsorship application (IMM 1344)
Sponsorship agreement (IMM 1344A)
Generic application form (IMM 0008)
Schedule A – Background/Declaration

Communication Evidence

Text message or chat histories
Email correspondence
Phone records
Letters or cards exchanged

Travel Documents

Travel itineraries
Boarding passes
Hotel reservations
Passport stamps showing visits

Supporting Statements

Relationship narrative letters
Statutory declarations
Letters from friends and family
Social media evidence

Common Challenges

Overcoming Spousal Sponsorship Challenges

Many applicants face challenges when applying for spousal sponsorship. Understanding these common issues can help you prepare a stronger application and avoid potential pitfalls.

Common Application Challenges

Proving Relationship Authenticity

Difficulty demonstrating that the relationship is genuine and not for immigration purposes

Incomplete Documentation

Missing or insufficient evidence to support the application

Previous Marriages or Relationships

Complications from prior marriages or relationships that weren't properly dissolved

Medical Inadmissibility

Health conditions that may cause excessive demand on health or social services

Criminal Inadmissibility

Criminal records that may make the sponsored person inadmissible to Canada

Our Solutions

How We Can Help You Overcome Challenges

Our team of immigration experts specializes in spousal and common-law sponsorship applications and has helped hundreds of couples successfully navigate the application process. We understand the common pitfalls and know how to avoid them.

We provide comprehensive support throughout the entire sponsorship process, from initial eligibility assessment to document preparation and submission. Our expertise can help you:

Determine the best application strategy (Inland vs. Outland)
Gather compelling evidence of your genuine relationship
Prepare a complete and accurate application package
Address any inadmissibility issues proactively
Respond to requests for additional information
Prepare for interviews if required

Get Expert Help

Our Services

Comprehensive Spousal Sponsorship Support Services

Our team of immigration experts provides comprehensive support throughout the spousal sponsorship process, from initial assessment to final approval and beyond.

Eligibility Assessment

We conduct a thorough assessment of your eligibility for spousal sponsorship, reviewing your relationship, immigration history, and any potential inadmissibility issues to determine the best path forward.

Application Preparation

Our experts will help you prepare a complete and accurate application package, including all required forms and supporting documents. We ensure that your application presents your relationship in the strongest possible light.

IRCC Communication

We manage all communication with IRCC on your behalf, responding to requests for additional information or clarification promptly and effectively to ensure your application continues to progress smoothly.

Interview Preparation

If an interview is required, we provide comprehensive preparation to ensure you are confident and ready to demonstrate the genuineness of your relationship to immigration officials.

Status Maintenance

We provide guidance on maintaining legal status in Canada throughout the application process, ensuring you remain compliant with immigration regulations at all times.

Settlement Support

Our support doesn't end when permanent residence is granted. We provide guidance on settlement services, healthcare access, employment opportunities, and other aspects of establishing a new life together in Canada.

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Our Spousal Sponsorship Services

Michael & Aisha

Toronto, ON

After our wedding in Nigeria, we were overwhelmed by the sponsorship process. Apni Immigration guided us through every step, helping us gather the right evidence to prove our relationship was genuine. Thanks to their expertise, Aisha received her permanent residence in just 8 months!

Sarah & Juan

Vancouver, BC

As a common-law couple, we were concerned about proving our relationship. Apni Immigration helped us organize our documentation and present our case effectively. Their attention to detail and knowledge of the process made all the difference. We're now happily living together in Canada!

David & Wei

Montreal, QC

Our case was complicated by previous relationships and immigration history. The team at Apni Immigration provided exceptional guidance, addressing potential issues before they became problems. Their strategic approach and responsive communication made the process much less stressful than we expected.

Ready to Begin Your Family Reunification Journey?

Our expert immigration consultants will guide you through every step of the spousal and common-law sponsorship process, from determining eligibility to document preparation and submission.

Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward building your life together in Canada.

Request a Free Consultation

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