Spousal Sponsorship in Canada - Spouse, Common-Law or Conjugal Partner
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor a husband, wife or partner for permanent residence. We check whether you both qualify, choose the inland or outland route, prepare the sponsorship and PR applications and the relationship evidence. The applications are submitted together in the Permanent Residence Portal. Our fee is CAD 2,000 per sponsorship application, IRCC fees are paid separately.
Planning to sponsor your spouse or partner? Write to us - we will check where to start.
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What we do for your spousal sponsorship
Spousal sponsorship is two applications filed together. The Canadian sponsor applies to become a sponsor and signs an undertaking to support the partner for 3 years after they become a permanent resident. The partner applies for permanent residence. IRCC checks both of you, including whether the relationship is genuine.
Most of the work is in the evidence. A marriage certificate alone proves little, so we build the file around how you met, how you live and what you plan together.
We check that the sponsor can sponsor (status, residence in Canada, past sponsorships, social assistance) and that the partner has no obvious inadmissibility issues.
Spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner - and inland or outland. The choice affects work during processing, travel and appeal rights.
We fill out the sponsorship and PR forms, declare every family member and organize the relationship evidence - photos, messages, joint lease or bills, travel records.
We explain IRCC letters, medical exam and biometrics instructions, and prepare answers to requests for documents.
Who you can sponsor
The partner must be at least 18 and in a genuine relationship with you, not one entered into only to immigrate. IRCC recognizes three types of relationships.
Relationship types
You are legally married. Any gender, both of you at least 18.
You are not married but have lived together for at least 12 consecutive months. Short trips apart for work or family are fine, long separations are a problem.
You have been in an exclusive relationship for at least 1 year but could not live together or marry for legal, religious or similar reasons. The partner must live outside Canada.
Inland - the partner lives in Canada with you and can apply for an open work permit while waiting. Outland - the partner can be anywhere, and if IRCC refuses, the sponsor can appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division.
How spousal sponsorship works
IRCC processing times change regularly, current ones are on the IRCC processing times page.
If you live in Quebec, there is one more step. After IRCC confirms the application, the sponsor signs an undertaking with the Government of Quebec.
Why spousal sponsorships get delayed or refused
Problems usually start with the relationship evidence or the sponsor's eligibility, so we check both before anything is filed.
Not ready to apply yet and just want your partner to visit? Start with a Canada visitor visa. Sponsoring parents or children instead - see family sponsorship.
Want to sponsor your partner without surprises?
Discuss your situation with an immigration lawyer.
ReLocate is a team of immigration lawyers. For almost 20 years we have supported clients in immigration matters and assisted with complex visa applications. We specialize in immigration law, passport and visa regulations, and border control procedures.
A team of lawyers will work on your case
Spousal sponsorship cost
Our fee is CAD 2,000 per sponsorship application. You pay IRCC fees directly. If you sponsor from the US or are an American married to a Canadian, the same rules apply - the sponsor must live in Canada or show a plan to live there once the partner becomes a permanent resident. Prices for other services are on our prices page.
IRCC fees are paid separately
| Sponsorship, processing and right of permanent residence fees (spouse or partner) | 1,260 CAD |
| Each dependent child included | 180 CAD |
| Biometrics (per person / family maximum) | 85 / 170 CAD |
* According to the IRCC fee list, checked in November 2026. The right of permanent residence fee (CAD 600) is refunded if the application is withdrawn or refused. Fees change, we check them again before you apply.
Why our services are not expenses, but an investment
Ready to discuss your situation?
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