Sponsor Your Spouse to Canada

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Bring Your Spouse to Canada

A spousal relationship refers to two people that are legally married to each other.

The marriage can be performed in any country and will be recognized as valid by the Canadian immigration authorities as long as it was conducted in accordance with the laws of that country and is otherwise consistent with Canadian law. The immigration authorities will require a valid marriage certificate as proof of the spousal relationship. This is the simplest and most straight-forward type of relationship for sponsorship purposes since the marriage certificate is generally sufficient to demonstrate the legality of the spousal relationship.

Spousal Sponsorship Toronto
See if you are qualified to sponsor your spouse

Fill out our FREE Family Sponsorship Assessment form to see if you are qualified to sponsor your spouse or partner to Canada.

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Requirements to Sponsor Spouse to Canada:

  • Be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident.
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Reside in Canada if you are a Permanent Resident.
  • Sign a 3-year undertaking to be financially responsible for the spouse or partner once they arrive in Canada.
  • Meet certain financial requirements, including not being in receipt of social assistance other than for a disability.
  • Not have been convicted of certain crimes or currently be detained.
  • Not be subject to a removal order.
  • Not have already applied to sponsor your current spouse, partner or child and a decision on your application has not been made yet.
  • Not have been sponsored yourself as a spouse or partner within the last 5 years.

NOTE: If you have previously sponsored a spouse or partner, you must wait three years since this person became a permanent resident to sponsor another person

Requirements for Foreign Spouse or Partner:

  • Be in a genuine relationship.
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Not be inadmissible to Canada.
Spousal or Partner Sponsorship Requirements
Where to File Spousal Sponsorship

Inland vs Outland Spousal Sponsorship Applications

Spouse or common-law partner sponsorship applications can be made either outside of Canada to a visa office abroad, or inside Canada to a local immigration office.

Outland Spousal Sponsorship To Canada

The regular process of sponsoring a foreign spouse or partner is through an outside of Canada application, whereby the foreign spouse or partner remains residing in their home country or otherwise outside of Canada while the application processes, and the Canadian sponsor remains residing in Canada. In a typical spousal or common-law sponsorship application the sponsor will remain in Canada while the person they are sponsoring will wait in their home country until their application is approved and their visa issued before they come to Canada.

Inland Spousal Sponsorship To Canada

In-land spousal sponsorship is when a Canadian permanent resident or citizen sponsors their spouse or common-law partner while they are both living together in Canada. Of course, the foreign spouse or partner will first have to enter Canada before this type of application can be made, either on the basis that they are from a visa-exempt country, or by first obtaining some kind of temporary visa.

Bring Your Spouse to Canada

Here’s how we can help you:

  • Formulate a strategy based on your particular circumstances
  • Collect and review supporting documentation to sufficiently establish the genuineness of your relationship
  • Prepare you and your spouse or partner for any requested interviews
  • Provide expert legal submissions in support of your application
  • Communicate with the immigration authorities on your behalf to ensure you don’t miss anything, which could lead to significant delays

If you’re looking for an immigration lawyer for spousal sponsorship, Matthew Jeffery has over 20 years of experience and specializes in handling spousal sponsorships with high success rates. To see if you qualify for spousal sponsorship, fill out our FREE Sponsorship Assessment form. 

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Important Things To Know

In the event of a refusal of a spouse or partner sponsorship application, an appeal may be made. Spousal sponsorship appeals re-address the refusal of a sponsorship application by the immigration authorities in an attempt to sponsor a family member such as a spouse, partner, child or parent for permanent residence in Canada.

For outside-Canada cases the appeal will proceed before the Immigration Appeal Division, and for inside-Canada cases the appeal will go to the Federal Court. There are strict deadlines for these appeals so action must be taken immediately in the event of a rejection.

» Contact us for spousal sponsorship appeals

The dependent children of the spouse or partner must be added to the sponsorship application and, if accompanying, will obtain permanent residence at the same time as their parent. Any child under the age of 22 and unmarried is considered to be a dependent. Non-accompanying children must also be added to the application and examined, including attending medical examinations, in case the spouse or partner wants to sponsor them later after obtaining permanent residence.

The time it will take the immigration authorities to process a spouse or partner sponsorship application varies according to the immigration office where the application is processing, and fluctuates depending on the office’s work load. The quality of the application will also impact on processing times since every time the immigration authorities require additional information this will result in delays. However, as a general rule, a sponsorship application will take about one year to be completed after being filed.

One of the concerns of the immigration authorities when assessing sponsorship applications involving spouses or partners is whether the spouse or partner is in a genuine relationship with their Canadian partner or whether they are simply trying to obtain immigration status in Canada. If the immigration authorities believe the relationship not to be genuine, then they will refuse the sponsorship application. In making their assessment of whether the relationship is genuine the immigration authorities will consider various factors such as the duration and quality of the relationship leading up to the marriage or partnership, whether the marriage was conducted in conformity with local norms, and the overall compatibility of the spouses or partners.

Any criminal conviction that is or could be the equivalent of an indictable offence in Canada will in many cases permanently render a foreign national criminally inadmissible to Canada, meaning that they cannot be sponsored or otherwise enter Canada. This will apply to just about any criminal offence, including relatively minor offences such as impaired driving and shoplifting. A foreign spouse with a criminal record can overcome this inadmissibility by obtaining a pardon or the foreign equivalent of a pardon suspending their criminal record. Another way to overcome the inadmissibility is to make an immigration application for rehabilitation if five years have passed since the day that the criminal sentence was completed. If more than ten years have passed since a single, minor conviction, then the foreign national may be deemed rehabilitated.

Sponsors will have to pay a fee of $75, while the applicant will need to pay a $475 fee. These fees need to be paid at the time the application is filed. Also, a fee of $500 for the Right of Permanent Residence will also be required once the immigration authorities are ready to finalize the application. This makes the total fee to sponsor your spouse or partner to be $1,050 CAD. It’s recommended that this be paid at the time of your initial application to speed up the processing time.

There is no minimum necessary income to sponsor a spouse in Canada or a specific income that’s required of you as the sponsor. The requirement to show a certain level of income only applies to parental or grandparent sponsorship applications. However, the immigration authorities will want to see that the sponsor has the financial capacity to support their spouse or partner once they arrive in Canada. To that end, the sponsor should be employed and have enough income to reasonably support two people, or should have savings or assets to enable them to support their spouse or partner.

Spousal and Partner Sponsorship FAQ

Questions about spouse or partner sponsorship? Contact us.

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Success Stories

Shamil & Nino

We are happy to have helped Shamil bring Nino into Canada in a professional and smooth immigration process. At the law office or Matthew Jeffery, we strive to help couples like Shamil and Nino fulfill their dream of building their new life together in Canada.

Elham

We helped Elham process her husband’s spousal sponsorship application. With so many nuances and varying documents required depending on the country, the application process can get overwhelming. We provided Elham with clear guidance every step of the way and gathering all the necessary documents to ensure success.

Dominic

We helped Dominic resolve his Spousal Application which had been pending since September 2015. Dominic, a Nigerian-Canadian residing in Hamilton, Ontario had sought help from four Members of Parliament with the hope that they would influence the CIC to speed up the process, but this did not help. Daniel had also been duped by fraudulent attorneys.

Kait L Google Review

My husband and I highly recommend this lawyer office for spousal sponsorship. Special recognition goes to John. All of our questions and concerns were addressed in a timely manner and explained well. Because of them, my husband from Guyana was able to come to Canada to live with me. The process was completed in about 14 months (despite covid delays).
  » View on Google

Kait L

Congratulations to this lawyer he did a perfect job during my spousal sponsorship , thanks to God and to Matthew Jeffery I'm with my wife in Canada as PR. I highly recommend this lawyer!!!
  » View on Google

Gabriel R

Simon Song Google Review

My wife just received her passport request as part of our spousal sponsorship thanks to Mr. Jeffery and his team. We're incredibly relieved and excited! Our case was not a straight forward case and Mr. Jeffery and his team continued to give us hope when my wife and I were feeling hopeless and Mr. Jeffery continued to believe in our case despite setbacks. We are forever thankful to Mr. Jeffery and his team for their support and belief in our case.
  » View on Google

Simon S

Tiffany Edwards Google Review

I'm so glad we found Law Firm of Matthew Jeffery to help my husband through his immigration journey. It's been very reassuring knowing that Matthew was always a phone call away to help ease our fears and guide us on what to expect. His advice was always practical and realistic, and he was able to clearly explain to us what we needed to do. His passion for his work was evident, and I would definitely recommend him to anybody seeking Canadian immigration lawyer.
  » View on Google

Tiffany E

Avoiding Common Mistakes in Spousal Sponsorship

The journey to navigate the complexities of the Canadian spousal sponsorship process often reminds many of the intricacies of a labyrinth. Numerous applications, year after year, face obstacles due to avoidable mistakes. Common hurdles include:

Incomplete or Inconsistent Information: Applications that are peppered with inconsistencies or missing pieces of information are immediate red flags for immigration officers.

Insufficient Documentation of Relationship: Being married isn’t the sole qualifier. Robust evidence like photographs, shared documents, and correspondence needs to back up the authenticity of the union.

Failure to Meet Financial Requirements: Demonstrating the ability to support the incoming spouse financially is a critical prerequisite for sponsors.

However, with the expert guidance of the Law Office of Matthew Jeffery, Canadian Immigration Lawyer based in Toronto, these challenges can be mitigated with ease. With over two decades of exclusive experience in Canadian immigration law, Matthew Jeffery ensures your application is detailed, accurate, and professionally presented. His office offers comprehensive guidance on collecting evidence and understanding financial requirements.

CANADA IMMIGRATION SPOUSAL SPONSORSHIP: UPDATES AND CHANGES

Change is a constant with Canadian immigration rules, especially surrounding spousal sponsorship. To steer clear of application glitches, staying informed about these shifts is paramount. From adjusting financial criteria to evolving documentation mandates, each year brings its own set of nuances.

Relying on an experienced immigration lawyer, such as Matthew Jeffery, Barrister & Solicitor, based out of Toronto, can be instrumental. Holding a prestigious certification as a Certified Specialist in Immigration Law by the Law Society of Ontario, Mr. Jeffery ensures that your application aligns seamlessly with the latest regulatory frameworks.

SPOUSAL SPONSORSHIP AND WORK IN CANADA

Re-entering the professional realm in Canada requires a deep understanding of work permits. Drawing from his vast experience in immigration law, Matthew Jeffery and his team offer strategic insights, ensuring a seamless transition into the Canadian job market.

Choose the expert path. With a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto and recognition as a Specialist in Immigration Law by the Law Society of Ontario, Matthew Jeffery, Canadian Immigration Lawyer, brings to the table unparalleled expertise in the domain. From Express Entry applications to Judicial Review before the Federal Court of Canada, trust the expertise that has been honed over two decades.

Common Questions About Spouse Sponsorship

Many applicants face obstacles due to errors such as providing incomplete or inconsistent information, insufficient documentation of their relationship, and failing to meet financial requirements to support the incoming spouse.

Simply being married isn’t enough. Immigration officers look for robust evidence like photographs, shared documents, and correspondence to ensure the authenticity of the relationship.

With over two decades of exclusive experience in Canadian immigration law, Matthew Jeffery offers expert guidance in navigating the complexities of the Canadian spousal sponsorship process. His office helps ensure that your application is detailed, accurate, and aligns with the latest regulatory frameworks.


Canadian immigration rules, especially around spousal sponsorship, are ever-evolving. Changes can range from financial criteria adjustments to evolving documentation requirements. Staying updated is crucial to avoid application glitches.

Engaging with local communities, attending Canadian cultural events, and leveraging community resources are essential steps. Guidance from experienced immigration lawyers, like Matthew Jeffery, can provide tailored insights for newcomers, aiding in the integration process.

It’s essential to understand work permits when re-entering the professional realm in Canada. Matthew Jeffery’s expertise in immigration law ensures that clients are well-prepared for a seamless transition into the Canadian job market.

Mr. Jeffery holds a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto and has been certified as a Specialist in Immigration Law by the Law Society of Ontario. This recognition is a testament to his expert status in the field, further bolstered by over two decades of experience in immigration law.

Yes, Matthew Jeffery, Canadian Immigration Lawyer, specializes in a range of immigration law areas, from Express Entry applications to Judicial Review before the Federal Court of Canada.

Immigration Spouse Sponsorship Overview

Welcome to our FAQ section about Spouse Sponsorship! If you’re navigating the complexities of common law relationships and immigration, we’re here to provide you with some answers. Read on to find clarity on the most common questions we encounter:

Additional Articles: Sponsoring Spouse From Different Countries