Spousal Sponsorship in Canada:
Canada remains an attractive country for family reunification. Through its Spousal Sponsorship program, eligible Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, and dependent children to become Canadian permanent residents. Understanding the requirements, procedures, and the most recent government updates is crucial to ensuring a smooth application process.
Who Can Sponsor? (Who is eligible to sponsor their spouse, partner or child?)
You can become a sponsor if:
- You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident living in Canada, or a person registered under the Canadian Indian Act.
- You are 18 years of age or older.
- You can meet the financial needs of the person(s) you want to sponsor (if applicable).
- You agree to sign an undertaking promising to provide financial support for the sponsored person’s basic needs if necessary.
- You are not under a removal order or declared inadmissible.
- You meet all eligibility requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Note: If you are a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you must show that you intend to live in Canada once the sponsored family members become permanent residents.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
You may sponsor the following individuals under the Family Class:
- Your spouse: A legal marriage partner recognized by Canadian law.
- Your common-law partner: A partner with whom you have cohabited for at least one year in a marriage-like relationship.
- Your conjugal partner: A partner with whom you have a genuine relationship for at least one year but exceptional circumstances prevent you from living together.
- Your dependent children: Children under the age of 22 who do not have a spouse or common-law partner (exceptions apply for children with specific medical or financial conditions).
Canadian Spousal Sponsorship Requirements:
- Proof of Relationship:
You must demonstrate that your relationship with your spouse/partner is genuine. This includes providing documents such as marriage certificates, joint financial statements, photos, and letters from family or friends. For common-law partners, showing joint lease agreements or utility bills may be required. - Financial Support:
Sponsors must sign an undertaking to provide basic needs (e.g., food, shelter, clothing, dental/eye care) for 3 years after the spouse/partner becomes a permanent resident. - Police Certificates:
Both the sponsor (in specific cases) and the applicant (spouse/partner) may need to provide police certificates from each country where they have resided for 6 months or more since age 18. - Medical Examination:
Sponsored individuals must undergo a medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician. This exam aims to ensure applicants do not pose a risk to Canada’s public health or safety. - Application Forms and Guide:
Sponsors and applicants should review Guide 5289 (Sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent child) for step-by-step instructions. This guide details the correct application package, including relevant forms and supporting documents.
Income Requirements for Sponsorship:
Although there is generally no specific minimum income required to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner alone (unless dependent children also have children of their own), IRCC may still evaluate the sponsor’s financial situation if needed. For complete instructions on how to fill out the Financial Evaluation (Form 1283), refer to IRCC Guide 5482.
Below is the 2024 Federal Income Table (Low Income Cut-Off, or LICO) that applies outside of Quebec if you are sponsoring additional eligible relatives or a dependent child who has children of their own. You and any co-signer must meet or exceed these amounts in such cases:
| Size of Family Unit | Minimum Necessary Income (2024) |
| 1 person (the sponsor) | $29,380 |
| 2 persons | $36,576 |
| 3 persons | $44,966 |
| 4 persons | $54,594 |
| 5 persons | $61,920 |
| 6 persons | $69,834 |
| 7 persons | $77,750 |
| Each additional person above 7 | Add $7,916 |
Important: If IRCC determines you must meet these levels, your available income must be at least the amount shown for your household size. If you cannot produce a Notice of Assessment that meets or exceeds the minimum amount, you must provide other documentation to establish your earned income in the 12 months preceding your application.
Important: The sponsor may need to meet or exceed these amounts under certain conditions. Always check the latest updates on the IRCC website for current figures.
Income Requirements if You Reside in Quebec:
Sponsors who live in Quebec must meet Quebec’s provincial income requirements, which differ from the federal Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) amounts. The tables below show the annual income thresholds in effect from January 1 to December 31, 2025, as published by the Government of Quebec. You must demonstrate that your income meets or exceeds these amounts for:
- Your own family size (Table A), and
- Any sponsored person(s) (Table B).
If you already have an active (in-force) undertaking for other family members, you must also add those individuals into your calculations.
Table A – Basic Income Required for the Sponsor’s Own Family
| Total Number of Family Members of your own family (including yourself) | Required Annual Income (2025) |
| 1 | $29,047 |
| 2 | $39,211 |
| 3 | $48,409 |
| 4 | $55,678 |
| 5 | $61,967 |
| Each additional person above 5 | Add $6,289 |
Table B – Additional Amount Required for the Sponsored Persons
Use Table B to calculate the extra amount you must add to your basic income (Table A) based on the number of sponsored people, their ages, and any other dependents. Combine Table A and Table B totals to determine the total annual income you need to sponsor.
Case 1: No persons aged 18 or older among the sponsored individuals:
| # of People 18+ | # of People Under 18 | Gross Annual Amount Required |
| 0 | 1 | $10,055 |
| 0 | 2 | $15,935 |
| Each additional person under 18 | Add $5,313 |
Case 2: One person 18 or older among the sponsored individuals:
| # of People 18+ | # of People Under 18 | Gross Annual Amount Required |
| 1 | 0 | $21,246 |
| 1 | 1 | $28,546 |
| 1 | 2 | $32,234 |
| Each additional person under 18 | Add $3,684 |
Case 3: Two persons 18 or older among the sponsored individuals:
| # of People 18+ | # of People Under 18 | Gross Annual Amount Required |
| 2 | 0 | $31,157 |
| 2 | 1 | $34,902 |
| 2 | 2 | $37,678 |
| Each additional person under 18 | Add $2,766 | |
| Each additional person 18+ | Add $9,904 |
Example:
- If you have a family of 3 (you + 2 dependents) from Table A = $48,409
- You’re sponsoring 1-person aged 18+ from Case 2 (1 adult, 0 children) = $21,246
Total Annual Income Required = $48,409 (Table A) + $21,246 (Table B) = $69,655
Sponsorship Process:
- Prepare Your Documents
- Marriage or common-law documents (if applicable)
- Civil status documents (birth certificates, divorce judgments)
- Proof of your genuine relationship (photos, joint statements, etc.)
- Police certificates and medical exam receipts
- Completed IRCC forms (as listed in Guide 5289)
- Submit the Sponsorship Application
- The sponsor’s forms and supporting evidence.
- The spouse/partner’s immigration forms and documents
- Processing fees (sponsorship fee, principal applicant fee, biometric fee, etc.)
- Application Processing
- IRCC reviews your application for completeness.
- Incomplete applications or missing fees may be returned.
- If the application is complete, IRCC will send you an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) and an application number.
- IRCC will then assess your eligibility as a sponsor and the sponsored person’s eligibility for permanent residence.
- Decision and Confirmation of Permanent Residence
- If approved, the sponsored spouse/partner receives a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
- The final step involves becoming a permanent resident, either at a Canadian port of entry (if outside Canada) or through an in-Canada landing process.
Possibility of Faster Processing for Visitor Visas:
After submitting a spousal sponsorship application, your spouse or partner may benefit from faster processing for a visitor visa. This option could allow them to join you in Canada sooner while waiting for their permanent residence application to be finalized. Eligibility typically includes:
- Having submitted an application to sponsor your spouse or partner for permanent residence.
- Having received an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) from IRCC.
- Meeting all visitor visa requirements.
Applications that require additional information (e.g., custody documents for a child) may take longer. If your spouse or partner is granted a visitor visa and arrives in Canada, they may also apply for an open work permit once inside the country, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Open Work Permit for Spouses or Common-Law Partners in Canada:
If the sponsored spouse or common-law partner is already living in Canada, they may be eligible for an open work permit while their sponsorship application is in process. This measure allows them to live and work in Canada for any employer during the waiting period. Eligibility for the open work permit typically includes:
- Valid temporary resident status in Canada (e.g., as a visitor, student, or worker).
- A submitted spousal/common-law sponsorship application under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class.
- Meeting all additional requirements outlined by IRCC.
Applicants must complete the open work permit forms and submit them along with or after filing the sponsorship application. If approved, the work permit is usually valid for up to two years or until a final decision is made on the permanent residence application.
Table: Key Steps and Estimated Timelines:
| Step | Action Required | Approximate Timeline |
| Gather required documents | Collect proof of relationship, financial evidence, police certificates, medical exam, etc. | Varies based on availability |
| Complete and submit application | Fill out all sponsorship forms and pay fees | Immediate upon readiness |
| IRCC Review & Request for Additional Info | Provide any additional documents or clarifications | Depends on case complexity |
| Final Decision & Issuance of COPR | Receive IRCC decision and, if approved, Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) | Typically 12 months (can vary) |
| Landing as a Permanent Resident | Complete landing process in Canada or at port of entry | Soon after COPR issuance |
Note: Processing times can fluctuate. Always check the IRCC website for the most up-to-date information.
Refusals and Next Steps:
- Refusal of Permanent Residence: If the sponsored family member is refused, you’ll receive details on the reason for refusal and information about appeal options (if applicable).
Additional Requirements During Processing:
While reviewing the application, IRCC may request:
- Biometrics: The sponsored family member must book an appointment to provide fingerprints and a photo.
- Medical Exams: Must be completed by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
- Police Certificates: To ensure admissibility.
Keeping your information up to date (e.g., address changes, marital status changes, birth or adoption of a child) is crucial to avoid delays. If you reside in Quebec, you must also follow Quebec-specific steps, including submitting an undertaking application to the provincial government.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Incomplete Applications: Ensure all forms are correctly filled out and signed.
- Insufficient Proof of Relationship: Providing minimal documents can lead to doubts about the genuineness of your relationship.
- Missed Deadlines: Delays or missing documents can prolong processing times and may result in refusal.
- Inaccurate Information: Any misleading or incorrect statements can hurt your application and, in some cases, lead to bans on future applications.
How LMRT Immigration Can Help:
LMRT Immigration is committed to providing personalized services for spousal sponsorship applications. Our expertise includes:
- Assessing your specific circumstances and eligibility.
- Guiding you through the necessary documents and forms.
- Reviewing your application package to ensure completeness.
- Advising on faster visitor visa processing options.
- Representing you in case of any issues or requests from IRCC, including assistance with open work permit applications.
Conclusion
Spousal sponsorship remains one of the most effective ways to reunite families in Canada. By following Guide 5289, complying with IRCC requirements, and exploring faster visitor visa or open work permit options (if eligible), you can improve your chances of success. From completing accurate forms to providing solid proof of a genuine relationship, meticulous attention to detail is essential.
If you need assistance with your spousal sponsorship application, LMRT Immigration is here to help. We stay informed on all updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, ensuring you receive timely and accurate advice for your unique case.
Disclaimer: This information is current as of the last update and is subject to change based on IRCC’s new regulations and procedures. Always consult official IRCC resources or a qualified professional for the most up-to-date guidance.
Once the application has been submitted, it will be reviewed by immigration officials to determine whether the couple meets the requirements for spousal sponsorship. If the application is approved, the sponsored spouse or partner will be issued a permanent resident visa and will be able to immigrate to Canada.
It is important to note that the process of spousal sponsorship in Canada can be complex and can take several months or even years to complete. Things you must know about spousal sponsorship in Canada.
Couples who are considering spousal sponsorship are encouraged to seek legal advice and assistance from a qualified Montreal immigration consultants to help them navigate the process and ensure that their application is completed correctly.
Overall, spousal sponsorship in Canada is a valuable option for couples who are married or in a committed relationship and wish to be reunited in Canada. It allows for the sponsorship of a spouse or common-law partner for immigration to Canada and offers the opportunity for couples to build a new life together in this beautiful country.
