Spousal / Common-Law Partner Sponsorship
🇨🇦 Canada visas · Family
What it is
Family-class permanent residence pathway letting Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependent child to immigrate to Canada.
Key facts
- Category
- Family
- Duration
- Permanent residence
- Application fee
- CAD 1,205
- Processing time
- 12 months
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Key requirements
- Sponsor must be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Indian Act
- Sponsor must live in Canada (citizens living abroad must show intent to return when sponsored person lands)
- Sign an undertaking and sponsorship agreement (3 years of financial responsibility for spouse/partner)
- No income requirement in most cases (exceptions apply where dependent child has dependent children)
- Sponsor must not be on social assistance (other than for disability), bankrupt, in jail, or in default on prior undertakings
- Sponsored spouse/partner must be in a genuine relationship not entered for immigration purposes
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 7 June 2026.