Spousal sponsorship is a Canadian immigration program that allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their spouse or partner for permanent residence. The program falls under the Family Class category and is designed to reunite families in Canada.

A sponsor must be at least 18 years old and be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The sponsor must live in Canada (or plan to return if a citizen abroad) and must not be under a removal order, bankrupt, incarcerated, or in default of a previous sponsorship.

You can sponsor your legally married spouse, your common-law partner (after living together for at least 12 months), or a conjugal partner if marriage or cohabitation is not possible due to serious barriers.

Most spousal sponsorship applications are processed in approximately 12 months. Processing times can vary depending on the complexity of the case, completeness of the application, and whether additional documents or interviews are required.

Inland sponsorship applies when your spouse or partner is already inside Canada and living with you. Outland sponsorship applies when the sponsored person is outside Canada or when the application is processed through a visa office abroad. Each option has different implications for travel and work permits.

In many inland sponsorship cases, the sponsored spouse may be eligible for an open work permit while the application is being processed, as long as they meet current eligibility requirements.

There is no minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship. However, immigration officers still assess whether the sponsor can meet basic sponsorship obligations and provide financial support if required.

Applicants must show that their relationship is genuine and not entered into primarily for immigration purposes. This often includes marriage certificates, proof of cohabitation, communication records, photos, travel history, and supporting letters from family or friends.

In some situations, yes. Canada allows spousal sponsorship even if the sponsored person has fallen out of status, but these cases require careful handling to avoid enforcement risks or refusals.

Yes. Canada fully recognizes same-sex marriages and partnerships for spousal sponsorship, provided the relationship meets all program requirements.

Not all applications require an interview. Interviews are usually scheduled if immigration officers have concerns about the genuineness of the relationship or identify inconsistencies in the application.

If an application is refused, you may be able to reapply or appeal, depending on the circumstances. A refusal should always be reviewed carefully to understand the reasons before submitting a new application.

Yes, you can reapply. However, a successful reapplication must directly address the refusal reasons and include stronger evidence or clearer explanations. Re-submitting the same information often leads to another refusal.

Yes. Being unemployed does not automatically disqualify you from sponsoring your spouse. Immigration officers look at overall circumstances rather than a fixed income threshold.

Spousal sponsorship is one of the most reliable pathways for long-term family reunification, but it is not always the fastest option. Temporary visas or work permits may be explored in parallel, depending on eligibility.