Family Sponsorship (Spouse or Common-law Partner)
Canada
Last updated: December 21, 2025
Permanent (Indefinite stay)
$878
11-13 months
Medium
About this Visa
This program allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to bring their spouse or partner to Canada. If approved, your partner becomes a Permanent Resident (PR). This means they can live, work, and stay in Canada forever. IMPORTANT: If the sponsor lives in the province of Quebec, you cannot apply right now. Quebec has suspended new applications until June 2026. This suspension does not apply to the rest of Canada.
Key Benefits
- Work for any employer in Canada immediately after PR approval
- Get free government healthcare coverage
- Bring your dependent children with you
- Leave and re-enter Canada freely
- Apply for Canadian citizenship after living there for 3 years
- Study at Canadian schools and universities
- Apply for an open work permit while waiting (if applying from inside Canada)
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident
- Sponsor must be at least 18 years old
- Sponsor must not be in jail, prison, or a penitentiary
- Sponsor must not be bankrupt
- Sponsor must not have been convicted of violent or sexual crimes
- Partner must be at least 18 years old
- Partner must pass criminal and security background checks
- Both must prove the relationship is genuine and not just for immigration
Financial Requirement
No minimum income required. The sponsor must not be on government social assistance (welfare), unless it is for a disability.
Documents
- Marriage CertificateOr proof of living together for 12 months for common-law partners
- Relationship EvidencePhotos together, chat logs, joint bank accounts, shared bills to prove genuineness
- Police CertificatesFrom every country the partner lived in recently
- Medical ExamFrom a doctor approved by Canada
- Valid PassportCopies of identity pages
- Sponsorship AgreementContract signed by both partners
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.