Spousal Sponsorship
The Spousal Sponsorship Program in Canada is a component of Canada’s immigration system, enabling Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners for permanent residency in Canada.
There are Three General Criteria which make you eligible for Spousal Sponsorship:
Spouse:
The sponsored person is legally married to the sponsor.
Common-law Partner:
The sponsored person and the sponsor have been living together in a conjugal relationship for at least one year continuously.
Conjugal Partner:
The sponsored person and the sponsor have been in a genuine and continuing relationship for at least one year but have been unable to live together or marry due to extenuating circumstances.
1. Family Class (Outland) Sponsorship Class.
- You should apply under the Family Class (Outland) sponsorship option if:
- Your spouse/common-law partner (i.e. “the principal applicant”) lives outside of Canada
- You are currently living in Canada with the sponsor but do not plan to stay in Canada for the duration of the application process.
2. In Canada Sponsorship Class.
- You should apply under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class (Inland) if:
- You live with the sponsor in Canada.
- You hold a valid immigration status in Canada
- You would like to apply for an open work permit in order to work in Canada while the application is in process.
