Your Complete Guide to Spouse Sponsorship in Canada Canada ’ s spouse sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their loved ones by sponsoring their spouse or partner for permanent residence. Family reunification is a core value of Canadian immigration, and spouse sponsorship is one of the most commonly used pathways to settle together in Canada. This guide explains everything you need to know about spouse sponsorship in Canada, including eligibility, application t ypes, required documents, timelines, and common mistakes to avoid. What Is Spouse Sponsorship in Canada? Spouse sponsorship is a family - class immigration program that allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their legally married spouse, common - law partner, or conjugal partner to become a permanent resident of Canada. The goal of spouse sponsorship is to keep families together while ensuring the relationship is genuine and not entered into primarily for immigration purposes. Who Can Be S ponsored Under Spouse Sponsorship? Under Canada ’ s spouse sponsorship program, you may sponsor: Spouse – legally married partner Common - law partner – lived together for at least 12 consecutive months Conjugal partner – relationship of at least one year with exceptional circumstances preventing cohabitation or marriage Same - sex relationships are fully recognized under Canadian spouse sponsorship laws. Who Can Sponsor a Spouse? To qualify as a sponsor under the spouse sponsorship program, you must: Be at least 18 years old Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident Live in Canada or plan to return when your spouse becomes a permanent resident Not be receiving social assistance (except disability benefits) Not be bankrupt, imprisoned, or convicted of certain se rious offences Be financially able to support your spouse Unlike other sponsorship programs, spouse sponsorship does not require a minimum income , which makes it more accessible for many families. Types of Spouse Sponsorship Applications There are two main types of spouse sponsorship in Canada: Inland Spouse Sponsorship The sponsored spouse is already living in Canada The applicant may be eligible for an open work permit Processing can take longer Leaving Canada during processing can be risky Outland Spouse Sponsorship The sponsored spouse is living outside Canada Faster processing in many cases Appeals are possible if refused The spouse can still visit Canada while the application is in progress Choosing the right type of spouse sponsorship depends on your situation, location, and long - term plans. Documents Required for Spouse Sponsorship A successful spouse sponsorship application requires strong documentation. Common documents include: Marria ge certificate or proof of common - law relationship Photos together over time Chat logs, call records, emails, and messages Joint bank accounts, leases, or bills Travel records and boarding passes Letters from friends and family supporting the relationship Police certificates and medical exams The most important part of spouse sponsorship is proving the relationship is genuine and ongoing Processing Time for Spouse Sponsorship Spouse sponsorship processing times generally range from 10 to 14 months , dependi ng on: Application completeness Country of residence Background and security checks Accuracy of documents Delays often happen due to missing documents, unclear relationship evidence, or incorrect forms. Common Reasons Spouse Sponsorship Applications Are Refused Spouse sponsorship refusals can occur for several reasons, including: Insufficient proof of a genuine relationship Inconsistent information between partners Missing or incorrect documents Prior sponsorship violations Concerns about marriage of conv enience Working with an experienced immigration lawyer can significantly reduce the risk of refusal. Can You Work While Waiting for Spouse Sponsorship? If you apply through inland spouse sponsorship , your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit , all owing them to work anywhere in Canada while the application is processed. This is a major benefit for many couples. Importance of Legal Guidance in Spouse Sponsorship Spouse sponsorship applications can appear simple but are often refused due to small mist akes or weak evidence. An immigration lawyer helps by: Assessing eligibility Preparing strong relationship evidence Ensuring forms are accurate and complete Responding to immigration requests Handling refusals or appeals if needed Professional guidance imp roves approval chances and reduces stress. Final Thoughts Spouse sponsorship in Canada is a powerful pathway that helps families build a future together. With the right preparation, strong documentation, and proper guidance, couples can successfully naviga te the process and achieve permanent residence. If you are planning to sponsor your spouse or partner, understanding the requirements and avoiding common mistakes is essential. A well - prepared spouse sponsorship application can make all the difference in r euniting your family in Canada.