Overview
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner for permanent residence. Couples can apply from outside Canada (outland) or, when living together here, from inside Canada (inland), where the sponsored partner may qualify for an open work permit during processing. There is generally no minimum income requirement, and sponsored partners receive full, unconditional permanent residence. We help you choose the right route and present your relationship clearly and convincingly.
Who it’s for
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents married to a partner living abroad
- Couples living together in Canada where one partner holds temporary status
- Common-law partners who have lived together for at least 12 months
- Canadian citizens abroad who plan to return to Canada with their partner
Key requirements
- The sponsor is at least 18 and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered under the Indian Act
- Permanent residents must live in Canada; citizens living abroad must show they will return when their partner becomes a permanent resident
- A genuine relationship as a legally married spouse, or as a common-law partner after at least 12 months of continuous cohabitation
- Conjugal partners need a relationship of at least one year where significant legal or immigration barriers prevented living together or marrying
- The sponsor signs a 3-year undertaking of financial support and is not receiving social assistance other than for disability
- No disqualifying history, such as defaulting on a previous sponsorship or court-ordered support, an undischarged bankruptcy or certain criminal convictions
- The sponsored partner is at least 18 and admissible to Canada (medical, security and criminality checks)
How it works
- 01
Assess & choose a route
We confirm both partners' eligibility and recommend inland or outland processing based on where you live, your travel plans and work needs.
- 02
Build your relationship evidence
We help you organize proof of a genuine relationship, from marriage or cohabitation records to photos, communication history and shared finances.
- 03
Prepare & submit
We prepare the sponsorship and permanent residence applications together and submit them online to IRCC.
- 04
Biometrics, medicals & work permit
We guide your partner through biometrics and medicals, respond to IRCC requests, and apply for an open work permit where eligible.
- 05
Welcome to Canada
Once approved, your partner receives confirmation of permanent residence and completes landing.
Advantages
- Sponsored partners receive permanent residence directly — there is no conditional status
- Generally no minimum income requirement for sponsoring a spouse or partner
- Partners living in Canada with their sponsor may be eligible for an open work permit while the application is processed
- Your partner's dependent children can be included in the same application
Good to know
- If a spouse or partner sponsored you, you cannot sponsor a new partner for five years after becoming a permanent resident, even after citizenship.
- Inland applicants should generally stay in Canada during processing, and only outland (Family Class) refusals can be appealed to the Immigration Appeal Division.
- Sponsors living in Québec must also meet Québec's own sponsorship requirements.
FAQ
Should we apply inland or outland?
Inland suits couples already living together in Canada and lets eligible partners work on an open work permit. Outland is required if your partner lives abroad and is often preferred by couples who need to travel, as it also carries appeal rights. We recommend the route that fits your situation.
Can I sponsor my partner if I live outside Canada?
Canadian citizens can, if they show they will live in Canada once their partner becomes a permanent resident. Permanent residents must be living in Canada to sponsor.
Do we need to be married?
No. Common-law partners who have lived together continuously for at least 12 months qualify, and conjugal partners may qualify when significant barriers prevented them from living together or marrying.
Last reviewed: October 2026. This page provides general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change often — we confirm the latest requirements for your situation during your consultation.