# How to Sponsor Your Spouse to Canada in 2026

Canadian citizens and permanent residents may be able to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residence in Canada. Spousal sponsorship is a family-class immigration pathway designed to reunite families, but applicants must meet specific eligibility, relationship and documentation requirements. This 2026 guide explains who can sponsor a spouse, which application class may apply, what documents are commonly required and how the process works.

What Is Spousal Sponsorship?

Spousal sponsorship allows an eligible Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner for Canadian permanent residence.

IRCC currently provides two main application classes for spouses and common-law partners: the Family Class and the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class. The appropriate class depends largely on where the sponsored person lives and the circumstances of the application.

Step 1: Check Whether You Can Sponsor Your Spouse

Before beginning the application, the sponsor should confirm that they meet the basic eligibility requirements.

Generally, the sponsor must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered in Canada under the Indian Act.
• Live in Canada, subject to the rules for Canadian citizens living abroad.
• Sign an undertaking agreeing to financially support the sponsored family member.
• Meet the other applicable requirements under Canadian immigration legislation.

A permanent resident living outside Canada cannot sponsor a spouse or partner. A Canadian citizen living outside Canada may be able to sponsor, but must demonstrate plans to live in Canada when the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident.

Step 2: Confirm That Your Relationship Qualifies

IRCC recognizes different relationship categories for family sponsorship.

Spouse

If you are legally married, your marriage must be legally valid. For marriages performed outside Canada, IRCC generally requires the marriage to be legally recognized both in the country where it took place and under Canadian law.

Common-Law Partner

A common-law partner generally means someone with whom you have lived in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 consecutive months.

Conjugal Partner

A conjugal partner is a specific immigration category with additional requirements. The relationship must generally be genuine and there must be significant barriers preventing the couple from living together or marrying.

Because the requirements differ between categories, applicants should carefully determine which relationship category applies before submitting an application.

Step 3: Decide Between Family Class and In-Canada Sponsorship

If your spouse lives outside Canada, the Family Class is generally the relevant sponsorship class.

If your spouse or common-law partner lives with you in Canada and meets the applicable temporary-status requirements, the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class may be available.

The choice can affect certain aspects of the application, including circumstances surrounding travel to Canada and eligibility for an open work permit. Applicants should review their individual circumstances before selecting the class.

Step 4: Prepare the Sponsorship and PR Applications

Spousal sponsorship involves two connected applications:

• The sponsorship application submitted by the sponsor.
• The permanent residence application submitted by the sponsored spouse or partner.

IRCC currently requires these applications to be submitted together online through the Permanent Residence Portal. The principal applicant submits both applications together using the portal.

Step 5: Gather Your Supporting Documents

The exact document checklist depends on the applicant’s circumstances. Common documents can include:

• Passports and identity documents
• Marriage certificate, where applicable
• Birth certificates
• Proof of the relationship
• Photos and communication records where requested
• Police certificates
• Medical examination documentation
• Required sponsorship forms
• Financial and employment information where applicable
• Documents relating to previous marriages or relationships, if applicable

IRCC provides a personalized document checklist and applicants should follow the checklist generated for their specific application rather than relying only on a general online list.

Step 6: Demonstrate That Your Relationship Is Genuine

One of the most important aspects of a spousal sponsorship application is demonstrating that the relationship is genuine and was not entered into primarily to obtain Canadian immigration status.

Depending on the circumstances, supporting evidence may include marriage documentation, photographs, correspondence, travel records, evidence of shared activities, financial information or other documents demonstrating the history and nature of the relationship.

There is no single document that proves a relationship is genuine. The evidence should accurately reflect the couple’s circumstances and relationship history.

Step 7: Understand the Financial Sponsorship Obligation

In most spouse, common-law partner and dependent-child sponsorship cases, there is no minimum income requirement. However, the sponsor generally signs an undertaking agreeing to provide financial support for the sponsored person and ensure they do not need certain forms of social assistance.

The undertaking creates a financial responsibility that continues for a specified period after the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident.

There are exceptions and additional income requirements in certain family circumstances, so applicants should review the current IRCC rules before applying.

Step 8: Complete Medical and Police Requirements

The sponsored spouse and applicable family members may need immigration medical examinations and police certificates.

Police certificate requirements depend on the person’s age and residence history. Medical requirements also depend on the applicable immigration rules and instructions provided by IRCC.

Applicants should follow the personalized instructions issued for their application rather than relying on documents from an older application.

Step 9: Pay the Required Fees

Spousal sponsorship involves government processing fees. Depending on the application, fees can include the sponsorship fee, permanent residence processing fee, right of permanent residence fee and applicable biometrics fees.

Because government fees can change, applicants should verify the current amounts directly through IRCC before submitting payment.

Step 10: Track the Application After Submission

After submitting the application, IRCC reviews the sponsorship and permanent residence components. Applicants may receive requests for additional documents, biometrics, medical examinations, interviews or other information during processing.

Applicants should monitor their IRCC account and respond to requests within the deadlines provided.

Can a Sponsored Spouse Work in Canada?

In certain circumstances, a spouse or common-law partner being sponsored from inside Canada may be eligible for an open work permit while their permanent residence application is being processed.

IRCC currently provides an open work permit process for eligible sponsored spouses and common-law partners in Canada. Eligibility and application timing depend on the person’s status and circumstances.

This is separate from the permanent residence application, so applicants should check the current IRCC requirements before applying for a work permit.

Common Spousal Sponsorship Mistakes

• Using the wrong application class
• Submitting incomplete forms
• Providing inconsistent relationship information
• Failing to disclose previous relationships or marriages
• Submitting unclear or insufficient supporting evidence
• Missing police certificate requirements
• Failing to respond to IRCC requests on time
• Using outdated forms or instructions
• Not reporting important changes after submission

Spousal Sponsorship Process at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Canadian permanent resident sponsor their spouse?

Yes. A permanent resident who meets the sponsorship requirements may generally sponsor their spouse, common-law partner or eligible family member. However, a permanent resident must live in Canada to sponsor.

Can a Canadian citizen sponsor a spouse while living outside Canada?

Yes, in certain circumstances. A Canadian citizen living outside Canada may sponsor their spouse if they can demonstrate that they plan to live in Canada when the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident.

Is there a minimum income requirement to sponsor a spouse?

In most spouse and partner sponsorship cases, there is no minimum income requirement. However, certain family situations can create additional income requirements.

Can I sponsor my spouse if they are outside Canada?

Yes. A spouse living outside Canada can generally be sponsored through the Family Class if the sponsor and applicant meet all applicable requirements.

Can my spouse work in Canada while the sponsorship application is being processed?

Eligible spouses and common-law partners living in Canada may be able to apply for an open work permit while their permanent residence application is being processed. Eligibility depends on the applicable requirements and the applicant’s circumstances.

How do I apply for spousal sponsorship in 2026?

IRCC currently requires spouse, partner and dependent-child sponsorship applications to be submitted online through the Permanent Residence Portal. The sponsorship application and permanent residence application are submitted together.

Final Thoughts

Spousal sponsorship can provide a pathway for families to reunite permanently in Canada, but applicants should not treat it as a simple form-filling process. The sponsor must meet the eligibility requirements, the relationship must qualify, and the application must include the documents and information requested by IRCC.

Start by confirming your eligibility, determine the appropriate application class, prepare your personalized checklist and make sure the information throughout your application is complete and consistent.

Immigration policies, forms, fees and processing procedures can change. Always verify the latest requirements directly with IRCC before submitting your application.