How Long Does Spousal Sponsorship Take In Canada
- Web Socialander
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
Love knows no borders, but immigration laws do. If you're eagerly waiting to reunite with your spouse or partner in Canada, you’re probably wondering: How long does spousal sponsorship take in Canada? The waiting period can feel overwhelming, especially when all you want is to start your life together. While the government estimates a standard processing time of 12 months, real-life experiences can vary based on factors like document accuracy, background checks, and application type. At InfoPlace Canada, we specialize in making the process smoother, and stress-free.
Are you worried about possible delays? Unsure whether Inland or Outland Sponsorship is right for you? Concerned about mistakes that could cause a rejection? You're not alone. Many applicants struggle with complex paperwork, missing documents, and unclear immigration guidelines. But don’t worry, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, helping you avoid pitfalls that could delay your spouse's arrival in Canada.
At InfoPlace Canada, we don’t just provide answers, we offer solutions. This page covers everything from processing times and common delays to expert tips on speeding up your application. Plus, our immigration specialists are ready to assist you with a flawless submission, ensuring you and your loved one are reunited as quickly as possible. Let’s get started on making your Canadian dream a reality!
What is Spousal Sponsorship?
Spousal sponsorship is a Canadian immigration program that allows you to sponsor your spouse or common-law partner for permanent residency. This pathway is designed to reunite families, giving you the chance to build a life together in Canada. However, navigating the process can be complex, which is why working with trusted experts like InfoPlace Canada makes all the difference.
To qualify to be a sponsor, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and provide proof of your genuine relationship. Depending on your spouse’s location, you can apply through inland sponsorship (if they are already in Canada) or outland sponsorship (if they are living outside Canada). Each application requires detailed documentation, and missing any step could lead to delays or refusals.
Am I Eligible to Sponsor?
If you’re thinking about bringing your spouse or common-law partner to Canada, you might be asking yourself, “Am I eligible to sponsor?” The good news is that many Canadian citizens and permanent residents can apply for spousal sponsorship, but there are important requirements to meet. That’s where InfoPlace Canada comes in, we help you navigate the process, ensuring your application is done correctly and efficiently.
To be eligible, you must:
Be 18 years or older
Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered under the Canadian Indian Act
Live in Canada or, if you’re a Canadian citizen abroad, have plans to return once your spouse gets permanent residency
Not be receiving social assistance (except for disability benefits)
Be able to financially support your spouse and any dependent children
Your Responsibilities as a Sponsor
Sponsoring a spouse isn’t just about paperwork—it’s a legal commitment. You must promise to provide for your partner’s basic needs, including:
Housing and utility bills
Food and daily essentials
Clothing and personal items
Medical expenses not covered by public health insurance, such as dental and vision care
Once your spouse becomes a permanent resident, you’ll be responsible for their financial support for three years. This undertaking cannot be withdrawn, even if your financial situation changes, so it’s essential to be fully prepared before applying.
Sponsorship applications require attention to detail, and even a small mistake can lead to delays or rejections. That’s why working with InfoPlace Canada gives you an advantage. Our team of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) will ensure your application is complete, reducing the risk of setbacks.
Who Can I Sponsor?
If you’re considering bringing a loved one to Canada, you might be wondering: Who can I sponsor? The good news is that Canada’s family sponsorship program allows you to sponsor certain relatives, helping them become permanent residents. However, the most common sponsorship category is spousal sponsorship, where you can bring your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to live with you in Canada.
At InfoPlace Canada, we simplify the sponsorship process, ensuring you meet all eligibility requirements and submit a strong application.
Who Qualifies for Sponsorship?
If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible to sponsor your spouse or partner under Canada’s Spousal Sponsorship Program. However, you must prove that your relationship is genuine and legally recognized under one of the following three categories:
#1. Spouse
You and your partner are legally married
Your marriage is recognized under Canadian law and in the country where it took place
#2. Common-Law Partner
You have lived together for at least 12 consecutive months in a marriage-like relationship
You can provide evidence of a shared life, such as joint bank accounts, shared bills, or a lease agreement
#3. Conjugal Partner
You have been in a committed relationship for at least 12 months
You cannot live together due to reasons beyond your control, such as immigration barriers, cultural restrictions, or religious beliefs
Who Cannot Be Sponsored?
You cannot sponsor your spouse or partner if:
They are under 18 years old
They fail security, background, or medical checks
Your relationship is considered fraudulent or entered into for immigration purposes
Can You Sponsor a Same-Sex Spouse or Partner?
Yes! Canada fully recognizes same-sex marriages and partnerships. If you and your partner meet the eligibility criteria under the spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner categories, you can apply for sponsorship. If your marriage took place outside Canada, it must be legally recognized in the country where it happened.
How to Prove Your Relationship Is Genuine
To strengthen your sponsorship application, you must provide supporting documents such as:
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Photos together over time
Proof of shared finances (bank accounts, bills, leases)
Correspondence (emails, letters, social media interactions)
Letters of Affidavit from family and friends confirming your relationship
How Can I Apply?
Applying to sponsor your spouse or partner to Canada involves several steps, and getting it right is crucial to avoid delays or rejections. At InfoPlace Canada, we simplify the process for you, ensuring that your application is complete and meets all requirements.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Get the Application Package
The Canadian government provides an official application package, which includes detailed instructions and forms to guide you through the process.
Step 2: Pay the Required Fees
The application fees include:
Processing fees for everyone included in the application
Right of Permanent Residence Fee
Biometrics fee
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Carefully follow the submission guidelines in your application package. Missing details or incorrect forms can lead to rejection or long delays.
Step 4: Provide Supporting Documents
Immigration officials may request additional documents to verify your relationship. This may include marriage certificates, joint financial records, photos, and letters from friends or family.
Outland vs. Inland Sponsorship – Which One is Right for You?
Outland Sponsorship
The sponsored spouse or partner lives outside Canada
The sponsor must remain in Canada during the application process
Processed at a visa office in the applicant’s home country
The sponsored person may visit Canada if they have a valid visa
Inland Sponsorship
Both partners must live together in Canada
The sponsored person must generally have legal temporary status in Canada (as a visitor, worker, or student) to apply for inland sponsorship. However, under a special public policy, applicants who are out of status may still be eligible to apply, provided they meet all other requirements.
The sponsored person can apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) while waiting for approval
Where Do I Submit My Application?
Outland Applications: These are submitted online by applicants residing outside Canada. Although the application is processed by the visa office serving the applicant’s country of residence, the entire submission is done through the IRCC online portal.
Inland Applications: These are submitted online as well, but by applicants who are already living in Canada with temporary status. All documents and forms are uploaded and submitted through the IRCC online platform, and processing is handled within Canada.
InfoPlace Canada Tip: If your spouse or partner is outside Canada, an Outland application may be faster. However, if they are already in Canada, Inland sponsorship with an Open Work Permit may be a better option.
How Long Does Spousal Sponsorship Take in Canada?
The standard processing time for spousal sponsorship applications is 12 months for outland a. However, delays can happen if:
You submit incomplete forms
Your relationship proof is insufficient
You fail to provide additional requested documents on time
At InfoPlace Canada, we help you avoid common mistakes that can lead to unnecessary delays. Our immigration experts ensure your application is done right the first time!
Why Could My Application Be Refused?
Some common reasons for refusal include:
Lack of proof that your relationship is genuine
Errors or missing information in your forms
Misrepresentation of facts in your application
Criminal records or inadmissibility issues
InfoPlace Canada Tip: Avoid mistakes that could cost you time and money! Our team ensures your application is error-free and properly documented for the best chance of approval.
Need expert guidance? Contact InfoPlace Canada today and let us help you reunite with your loved one in Canada!
How Much Does It Cost to Sponsor Your Spouse or Partner?
If you’re planning to bring your spouse or common-law partner to Canada, it’s important to understand the costs involved in the spousal sponsorship process. While the fees may seem overwhelming, having the right guidance from InfoPlace Canada can help you prepare financially and avoid unexpected expenses.
Here’s a breakdown of the government fees required for spousal sponsorship:
Fees | Amount (CAD) |
Sponsorship Fee | $85 |
Principal Applicant Processing Fee | $545 |
Right of Permanent Residence Fee | $575 |
Biometrics (Fingerprints & Photo) | $85 |
Total | $1,290 |
Additional Fees to Consider
Dependent Children – If your spouse or partner has dependent children, you’ll need to pay $150 for each child included in the application.
How Long Does Spousal Sponsorship Take in Canada?
If you’re planning to sponsor your spouse or common-law partner to Canada, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably: How long does spousal sponsorship take in Canada? The truth is that processing times can vary based on several factors, including your spouse’s location, the completeness of your application, and the workload of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
On average, spousal sponsorship applications take between 12 to 24 months to process. If your spouse is already in Canada and you apply through inland sponsorship, the process may take slightly longer, but they may be eligible for an open work permit while waiting. For outland sponsorship, processing times depend on the visa office handling the application, but with a well-prepared submission, approvals can happen sooner.
Get Hassle-Free Processing with InfoPlace Canada
Navigating the immigration system can be overwhelming, especially when delays or missing documents could set you back months. That’s why working with InfoPlace Canada is your best decision. Our team of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) understands the process inside out, ensuring your application is complete, accurate, and processed as quickly as possible.
We’ve already helped thousands of families successfully reunite in Canada, and we’re here to do the same for you! Contact InfoPlace Canada today, and let’s make your dream of living with your spouse in Canada a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Long Spousal Sponsorship Takes In Canada
Can I appeal if my application is refused?
Yes, if your sponsorship application is denied, you may be able to appeal the decision through the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). However, appeals can take time, require legal expertise, and are only available to outland applicants
Is an interview required for spousal sponsorship?
Not all applications require an interview. However, if IRCC has doubts about the authenticity of your relationship, they may request one. Providing strong relationship proof can reduce the chances of an interview
Can my spouse or partner work while waiting for sponsorship approval?
If your spouse or partner is applying under the Inland Sponsorship category, they can apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP). This allows them to work in Canada while waiting for their application to be processed.
How long does spousal sponsorship take in Canada?
On average, spousal sponsorship applications currently take 12 months to process for outland applicants and about 24 months for inland applicants. However, factors like incomplete documentation, additional requests for proof of relationship, or background checks can extend this timeline.
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