🇨🇦 Spouse / Common-law / Conjugal Partner Sponsorship for Permanent Residency
Category: Family · Processing time: 12 months (inland and outland)
⚡ Quick Answer
Spousal sponsorship gives PR to the partner of a Canadian citizen or PR. Inland applicants get an open work permit while waiting.
Visa record in MigrantIQ database.
Apply through official authority
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-05-07.
Visa type
Family
Processing time
12 months (inland and outland)
Fees
RightOfPRFee: CAD 575
Validity
Confirm on official source
Stay duration
Confirm on official source
Entry type
Confirm single/multiple entry rules
Insurance
Confirm if required
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Overview
Permanent residency for the spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Leads to permanent residency: Yes
- Requires job offer: No
- Language required: No
- Minimum education: Not specified
- Financial requirement: Confirm current proof-of-funds rules on the official source
- Accommodation proof: Confirm if accommodation proof is required
- Return ticket: Confirm if onward/return travel proof is required
Estimated Costs
- - RightOfPRFee: CAD 575
- - BiometricsFee: CAD 85
- - SponsorshipFee: CAD 75
- - PrincipalApplicantFee: CAD 490
Required Documents
- - Sponsor proof of citizenship / PR
- - Marriage certificate or proof of common-law (12+ months cohabitation)
- - Relationship history evidence (photos, communications, leases)
- - Police certificates
- - Medical examination
- - Sponsor financial undertaking (Form IMM 1344)
Application Steps
- Sponsor checks eligibility (must be 18+, Canadian citizen or PR)
- Compile relationship evidence
- Submit sponsor + applicant application package
- Pay all fees including right-of-PR fee
- Submit biometrics
- Pass medical and background checks
- Receive PR decision
Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) →
Travel Insurance Requirement
- Mandatory: Confirm with official source
- Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules
- Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions
- Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority
Embassy, Consulate & Appointments
Embassy, consulate, jurisdiction, and appointment details vary by applicant location. Confirm the correct office before booking travel or paying fees.
Open appointment or official portal →Application checklist
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Benefits & What This Visa Allows
- - Permanent residency on approval
- - Open work permit during processing (inland)
- - Family settlement in Canada
Trust & safety
Before you pay or submit documents
Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract.
Relevant laws
- Housing Contract and Deposit Rules
Housing · Severity: Medium
Rental contracts in Canada may require written terms, legal deposit handling, inventory records, notice periods, and landlord registration. Never rely only on informal chat messages for long-term housing.
- Immigration Status and Overstay Rules
Immigration · Severity: Critical
Your right to stay in Canada depends on the exact visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free allowance you hold. Do not assume a pending application, job offer, or school admission automatically extends your lawful stay.
- Tax Residency and Income Reporting
Tax · Severity: High
Living in Canada for long enough, working locally, or registering as a resident may trigger tax-residency or income-reporting duties even if your income is paid from abroad.
Active scam alerts
Some agents overcharge newcomers for translations, notarisation, apostilles, or courier services for Canada, and may produce documents that are not accepted by official authorities.
Scammers impersonate airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents and claim you must pay a special fee to enter Canada, avoid questioning, release documents, or fast-track border checks.
Fraudsters offer admission, scholarships, or student visa packages for Canada through unofficial agents. Victims may receive fake acceptance letters that fail verification during visa processing.
Scammers advertise fake apartments in Canada, pressure newcomers to transfer a deposit before viewing, and disappear after sending a fake lease or copied property photos.
Quick Eligibility Check
Use this self-check for Spousal / Common-law Sponsorship. It does not replace official legal assessment.
Common Rejection Reasons
- - Incomplete or inconsistent documents
- - Insufficient financial evidence
- - Unclear purpose of visit or weak ties to home country
- - Missing translations, signatures, appointment confirmations, or required forms
Application Tips
- - Start with the official checklist before paying any third party.
- - Keep bank statements, employment letters, travel plans, and accommodation details consistent.
- - Book appointments early and keep copies of every submitted form, receipt, and confirmation.
- - Do not use agents who guarantee approval or request payment to personal accounts.
Sources & References
Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ.
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements.
- MigrantIQ visa record
Summary record maintained for planning and source verification.
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Frequently Asked Questions
To immigrate to Canada from Pakistan with family, consider the Spousal/Common-law Sponsorship program. Ensure you meet eligibility requirements, submit the application, and provide necessary documentation. Rules can change, so check official sources or consult licensed immigration advisors for case-specific decisions.
To immigrate to Canada from India with family, consider the Spousal/Common-law Sponsorship program. Ensure you meet eligibility requirements, submit the application, and provide necessary documents. Processing times vary. Rules can change, so check official sources or consult licensed immigration advisors for case-specific decisions.
To immigrate to Canada from the Philippines with family, consider the Spousal/Common-law Sponsorship program. Ensure you meet eligibility criteria, gather necessary documents, and submit your application. Rules can change, so check official sources or consult licensed immigration advisors for case-specific guidance.
To immigrate to Canada from Nigeria with your family, consider applying for Spousal/Common-law Sponsorship if you have a Canadian spouse or partner. Ensure you meet eligibility requirements and gather necessary documents. Rules can change, so check official sources or consult licensed immigration advisors for case-specific decisions.
To relocate to Canada from Nigeria with family under Spousal/Common-law Sponsorship, you must apply for sponsorship and meet eligibility criteria. Ensure all documents are prepared accurately. Immigration rules can change, so consult official sources or licensed immigration advisors for case-specific guidance.