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Spousal Sponsorship

A Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or a person registered under the Indian Act may be able to sponsor a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner if they meet IRCC’s requirements, including:

  • being 18 years of age or older;
  • for permanent residents, living in Canada (a permanent resident who lives outside Canada cannot sponsor);
  • for Canadian citizens living outside Canada, showing that they plan to live in Canada when their partner becomes a permanent resident; and
  • signing an undertaking to support the sponsored person for three years.

In most cases there is no minimum income requirement for sponsoring a spouse or partner, except in Quebec, which has its own rules. Some people cannot sponsor, for example if they were themselves sponsored as a spouse or partner less than five years ago, are in prison, are an undischarged bankrupt, or receive social assistance for a reason other than disability. Processing times change often, so please check IRCC’s current processing time. Your spouse or partner can also include their dependent children in the permanent residence application.

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