Spousal and Common-Law Partner Sponsorship

Official processing times

Taken from IRCC's own processing times tool and synced twice a month.

IRCC data updated: October 9, 2026 · Synced by us: 2026-10-20

• Check the current times on IRCC's site ↗

Processing times are IRCC's statistics on applications it has already finished — a guide, not a commitment. Individual files vary with document completeness, requests for more information and background checks. For applications where the time depends on where you file, only a few common locations are listed; use IRCC's tool for others.

Three relationship types you can sponsor

All three categories are gender-neutral — same-sex marriages and partnerships qualify.

Sponsor eligibility

• At least 18 years old
• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person registered under the Indian Act
• Living in Canada; citizens abroad may sponsor if they show they will return to Canada when the applicant becomes a permanent resident, but permanent residents abroad cannot sponsor
• Sign the sponsorship agreement and undertaking
• No minimum income in most cases — it applies only when the spouse or partner has a dependent child who has dependent children of their own
• Residents of Quebec must also meet Quebec's own sponsorship conditions and income thresholds

You cannot sponsor if you

• Were sponsored as a spouse or partner and became a permanent resident less than 5 years ago
• Sponsored a previous spouse or partner who became a permanent resident less than 3 years ago
• Are in jail, prison or a penitentiary
• Have unpaid immigration loans, performance bonds or court-ordered family support
• Failed to provide the financial support you agreed to in a previous sponsorship
• Are an undischarged bankrupt
• Receive social assistance for a reason other than disability
• Were convicted of a violent offence, an offence against a relative or a sexual offence
• Are under a removal order and must leave Canada

Inland versus outland applications

The assessment is the same; the difference is where the applicant is, whether they can work, and travel flexibility.

The undertaking

Sponsorship is a legally binding, long-term financial commitment — not just a signature.

• Spouse, common-law or conjugal partner: 3 years from the day they become a permanent resident
• Dependent children: 10 years or until age 25, whichever comes first, for children under 22; 3 years for children 22 or older
• You must provide basic needs — food, clothing, shelter — and health care not covered publicly
• Once the person becomes a permanent resident, the undertaking cannot be shortened or cancelled
• It stands even if you separate or divorce, move province or country, face financial hardship, or the person becomes a Canadian citizen
• If the person receives social assistance during the undertaking, you must repay it and cannot sponsor anyone else until you do
• Quebec has its own undertaking rules

How to apply

1. 1

   Confirm the relationship type and both parties' eligibility

   Decide whether you qualify as spouse, common-law or conjugal partners, and check the sponsor is not barred.

2. 2

   Gather proof the relationship is genuine

   Marriage certificate or proof of cohabitation, shared housing and finances, communication records, photos together, and statements from family and friends.

3. 3

   Submit the sponsorship and permanent residence applications together

   The sponsor's application and the applicant's permanent residence application are filed as one package.

4. 4

   Inland applicants can apply for an open work permit

   Once the Acknowledgement of Receipt arrives, apply online to work legally while permanent residence is processed.

5. 5

   Medical exam, police certificates and background checks

   Complete the medical and police certificates; IRCC may request more documents or an interview.

6. 6

   Approval

   Inland applicants become permanent residents in Canada; outland applicants land with a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).

Frequently asked questions