Family & sponsorship
Canadian Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship
Lets a Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsor their spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner for permanent residence in Canada.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Canada government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Sponsor your spouse, partner or children (spouse/partner)
- Route type
- Family-class sponsorship for permanent residence
- Sponsor must be
- A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person registered under the Canadian Indian Act, aged 18+
- Income requirement
- In most cases, none for sponsoring a spouse or partner
Who it is for
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents wanting to bring a spouse or partner to live permanently in Canada
- Married spouses, common-law partners (12 months of cohabitation), and conjugal partners
Requirements
- Sponsor is at least 18 and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act
- A genuine, qualifying relationship (spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner)
- Sponsor signs the sponsorship undertaking to support the partner's basic needs
- Sponsor is not barred (e.g. by certain past sponsorships, defaults, or criminal history)
What you can do
- The sponsored partner becomes a permanent resident if approved
- A partner sponsored from within Canada may qualify for an open work permit during processing
How to apply
- The sponsor and the person being sponsored complete their parts of the application
- Both the sponsorship and permanent residence applications are submitted together online via the Permanent Residence Portal
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Canadian visas
- FAMILYPARENTS GRANDPARENTSEXTENDED VISITSCanada Super VisaA visa for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, allowing extended visits to family in Canada.View visa details
- FAMILYPARENTS GRANDPARENTSPERMANENT RESIDENCEParents and Grandparents Sponsorship (PGP)Lets eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence, subject to an income requirement and an invitation-based intake.View visa details
- FAMILYCHILDRENPERMANENT RESIDENCEDependent Child SponsorshipLets a Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsor their dependent children, including adopted children, for permanent residence.View visa details