Spousal Sponsorship – Reunite, Settle & Build Your Life in Canada
What makes IRCC question the genuineness of a marriage—even when it’s real?
We see genuine couples getting refused due to:
• Poorly organized evidence
• Cultural or timeline inconsistencies
• Weak relationship narrative
As RCICs, we specialize in building strong, story-based relationship submissions, addressing cultural differences, communication gaps, and timeline challenges to ensure IRCC clearly sees the genuineness of your relationship.
What Is Spousal Sponsorship?
Spousal Sponsorship is a family immigration program that allows:
- Canadian citizens, and
Permanent residents
to sponsor their spouse or partner to become a Permanent Resident of Canada.
The program supports:
✔ Spouse (legally married)
✔ Common-law partner (cohabiting for 12+ months)
✔ Conjugal partner (relationship with barriers preventing cohabitation/marriage)
The government prioritizes family unity and provides multiple application pathways to keep couples together.
Types of Spousal Sponsorship Applications
Inland Spousal Sponsorship
For couples living together in Canada.
Benefits:
- Applicant may be eligible for an Open Work Permit (OWP)
- Stay inside Canada during processing
Ideal for spouses already in Canada on Visitor/Student/Work status
Outland Spousal Sponsorship
For couples living in different countries.
Benefits:
- Applicant can remain in their home country during processing
- Faster processing in many regions
-
Travel flexibility
The right pathway depends on your personal situation — our RCIC will guide you
Eligibility Requirements for Spousal Sponsorship
Sponsor Requirements
The sponsor must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Be 18 years or older
- Not be receiving social assistance (except disability benefits)
- Have no serious criminal history
- Not be bankrupt
- Not have sponsored a previous spouse within the last 3 years
- Commit to financially supporting the spouse for 3 years
Applicant (Spouse/Partner) Requirements
The applicant must:
- Be 18 or older
- Pass medical exams
- Have no criminal inadmissibility
- Prove the relationship is genuine
-
Provide all required documents
No minimum income requirement except when dependents with children are included.
Processing Time for Spousal Sponsorship
IRCC’s average processing time:
- Inland Sponsorship: 10–16 months
- Outland Sponsorship: 8–12 months (varies by country)
Open Work Permit (for inland applications):
-
4–7 months
Processing time depends on background checks, travel history, documents, and relationship proof.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A program allowing Canadian citizens and PRs to sponsor their spouse/partner for Permanent Residence.
Inland is for couples living in Canada; outland is for partners living outside Canada.
Yes — if applying inland, they can apply for an Open Work Permit.
Typically 8–16 months, depending on the type and country.
Weak relationship proof, incomplete forms, criminal history, or inconsistent evidence.
At Richfield, you get the best possible advise and the most expert guidance for making your future in Canada.
Bring Your Spouse to Canada.
End-to-end RCIC guidance for genuine relationship proofs & fast approvals.
We have decades of experience in Canadian immigration.
Contact us today, we look forward to hearing from you.