Canada is known not just for its scenic landscapes and economic opportunities, but also for its strong emphasis on family unity. The spouse sponsorship program under Canada’s Family Class immigration category allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residency. If you’re planning to reunite with your loved one in Canada, understanding the sponsorship process is crucial.

In this blog, Greenhill Immigration—your trusted Canadian immigration consultant—breaks down the key requirements, timelines, and expert tips to make your spouse sponsorship journey smooth and successful.

What is Spouse Sponsorship?

Spouse sponsorship allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their legally married spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to become a permanent resident of Canada. This program is one of the most popular and efficient ways to reunite families under the Canadian immigration system.

Who Can Be Sponsored?

Under the spouse sponsorship category, you can sponsor:

• Spouse: Legally married to you and the marriage is recognized under Canadian law.

• Common-law partner: You’ve lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months.

• Conjugal partner: You’re in a committed relationship for at least a year but haven’t been able to live together due to reasons beyond your control (like immigration barriers or persecution).

Who Can Sponsor?

To be eligible to sponsor your spouse or partner, you must:

• Be 18 years or older

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

• Live in Canada or plan to return to Canada once your spouse becomes a permanent resident

• Not be receiving social assistance, except for disability

• Be able to provide financial support for basic needs (shelter, food, clothing)

Documents Required for Spouse Sponsorship

Here’s a basic checklist:

• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, photos, communication, etc.)

• ID and immigration documents of both sponsor and applicant

• Police clearance certificates

• Medical exam results for the sponsored spouse

• Signed sponsorship agreement and undertaking

Greenhill Immigration can help you organize and verify all required documents to ensure nothing delays your application.

Types of Spouse Sponsorship Applications

You can apply through two pathways:

1. Inland Sponsorship

If your spouse is already in Canada (on a valid visa), you can apply for sponsorship without them having to leave the country. They may also be eligible for an open work permit while the application is processed.

2. Outland Sponsorship

If your spouse is outside Canada, this is the typical route. Applications are processed through their country’s visa office. Outland applications often have slightly shorter processing times and allow for international travel during the process.

Processing Time for Spouse Sponsorship in Canada

As of 2025, the average processing time for spouse sponsorship applications is around 10–12 months, depending on the country of origin and the complexity of the case. Factors that can impact timelines include:

• Completeness of the application

• Country of residence of the sponsored spouse

• Any additional background checks required

At Greenhill Immigration, we’ve helped clients reduce unnecessary delays by ensuring accurate and complete applications from day one.

Cost of Spouse Sponsorship

The current government fees are:

• Sponsorship fee: CAD $75

• Principal applicant processing fee: CAD $490

• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD $515

• Biometrics fee: CAD $85

Total: Approximately CAD $1,165
(Additional fees may apply for police certificates or translations.)

Tips to Make Your Sponsorship Application Strong

Provide Strong Proof of Relationship

Photos, chats, call logs, travel history together—anything that establishes your genuine relationship will strengthen your case.

Be Transparent

Don’t withhold any personal history or information. Misrepresentation can lead to bans or rejections.

Submit a Complete Application

Missing documents or incorrect forms can cause major delays or even rejection.

Stay Updated

Immigration rules can change. A professional consultant like Greenhill Immigration ensures your application aligns with current regulations.

Get Professional Help

Spouse sponsorship can seem straightforward but often involves complex paperwork and legal nuances. Working with Greenhill Immigration reduces your risk of errors and increases your chance of a successful outcome.

Why Choose Greenhill Immigration?

At Greenhill Immigration, we understand how important family is. We specialize in spouse sponsorship applications and have helped numerous clients successfully reunite with their loved ones in Canada. Our approach is personal, professional, and fully transparent.

We assist with:

• Eligibility assessments

• Application preparation and submission

• Document review

• Post-submission updates and follow-up

• Interview preparation (if required)

Let us help bring your loved one closer—because your family deserves to be together.