Sponsor Your Spouse, Partner or Child
Reunite with your family in Canada. Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent children for permanent residence.
Program Overview
The Spousal and Family Sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent children to become permanent residents of Canada. This is one of the most important pathways in Canada's immigration system — built on the principle that families belong together. Applications can be submitted whether your family member is living inside Canada or abroad.
Two Application Streams
In-Canada Stream
Your spouse or common-law partner is already living in Canada as a temporary resident. Both the sponsorship and permanent residence applications are submitted together.
Sponsored spouse may apply for an Open Work Permit while PR is being processed.
Overseas Stream
Your spouse, partner, or dependent children are living outside Canada. The PR application is processed at a Canadian visa office abroad.
Sponsored spouse abroad may apply for a visitor visa to visit Canada while waiting.
Who You Can Sponsor
The program covers four relationship categories. Select each one to see the specific requirements:
A person you are legally married to. The marriage must be legally valid in both the country where it took place and in Canada. The relationship must be genuine — not entered into primarily for immigration purposes.
Requirements
Sponsor Eligibility Requirements
Income Requirement
There is no minimum income requirement to sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner — and no income requirement to sponsor a dependent child.
Exception: An income requirement applies if your spouse or partner has dependent children of their own who will be included in the application. In that case, you must demonstrate sufficient income to support the entire family unit.
Your Sponsorship Undertaking
When you sponsor a family member, you sign a legally binding undertaking with the Government of Canada. This means you take on financial responsibility for your sponsored family member's basic needs — food, clothing, shelter, and health needs not covered by public insurance.
Undertaking Periods
| Who You Are Sponsoring | Duration of Financial Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner | 3 years from the date they become a permanent resident |
| Dependent children under 22 at time of application | 10 years, or until they turn 25 — whichever comes first |
| Dependent children 22 or older at time of application | 3 years from the date they become a permanent resident |
The undertaking remains in effect even if your relationship ends, you separate, or your circumstances change. Understanding this commitment is an important part of the sponsorship process — our RCIC will walk you through what this means for your specific situation before you apply.
Open Work Permit for Sponsored Spouse in Canada
If your spouse or partner is already in Canada, they may be eligible to work while their permanent residence application is being processed.
Who is Eligible
All Conditions Must Be Met
Cannot Apply If
OWP Extension: You may extend your OWP for 2 more years if your AOR has been received and your PR application is still being processed with no decision made.
Government Processing Fees
Government fees are set by IRCC and are subject to change without notice. Always verify the latest fees at canada.ca before submitting.
IRCC Government Fees — Spousal & Family Sponsorship
| Fee Item | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship Application Fee (Sponsor) | $150 CAD |
| Principal Applicant Processing Fee | $490 CAD |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | $575 CAD |
| Dependent Child Processing Fee (per child) | $150 CAD |
| Biometrics (per person, if required) | $85 CAD |
Important: The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) is recommended to be paid upfront to avoid delays. It is refundable if the application is not approved. Government fees are subject to change by IRCC at any time. Asteco's professional fees are separate and will be outlined in your personalized quote.
Application Process
Assess Eligibility
Confirm you meet the sponsor eligibility requirements and that your family member qualifies under the appropriate relationship category.
Choose Your Stream
Determine whether to apply under the In-Canada stream (SCLPC) or the Overseas stream (Family Class), based on where your family member currently lives.
Gather Documents
Collect all required documents — proof of relationship, identity documents, police certificates, medical exams, photos, and proof of status.
Submit Application
Both the sponsorship application and the permanent residence application are submitted together online through the IRCC Permanent Residence (PR) Portal.
Receive AOR
IRCC reviews your application for completeness and issues an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR). The AOR contains your application number and confirms processing has begun.
Apply for OWP (if eligible)
If your spouse or partner is in Canada, they can apply for an Open Work Permit after AOR is received, allowing them to work for any employer while waiting.
IRCC Decision
IRCC processes the application, may request additional documents, and issues a decision. Approved applicants receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
How Asteco Can Help
Spousal sponsorship applications require careful preparation. A missing document, incorrect form, or unclear relationship evidence can cause significant delays or refusals. Our RCIC team manages every detail so your family can be together as quickly as possible.
Disclaimer: Family sponsorship eligibility requirements, fees, and processing times are established by IRCC and are subject to change without notice. The information on this page reflects IRCC guidelines as of February 26, 2026. This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult our RCIC before making any immigration decisions.
Quick Info
*Income requirement applies if sponsored spouse has dependent children of their own.
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