Spouse
A legally valid marriage and a genuine relationship that was not entered into primarily to obtain immigration status.
Family sponsorship · Permanent residence
Spousal sponsorship guidance built around your real relationship
A strong sponsorship application must establish eligibility, document the relationship and present consistent information across forms and evidence. MZIC helps couples organize those facts into a clear and credible application.
Two connected applications
Support the sponsor and permanent residence applications together
Spousal and partner sponsorship combines an application to become a sponsor with the sponsored person’s application for permanent residence. IRCC reviews both parts and may request additional information, biometrics, medical examinations, police certificates or an interview.
The right approach depends on whether the relationship is a marriage, common-law partnership or qualifying conjugal partnership, where each person lives, immigration status and the family’s complete history.
Relationship categories
Identify the correct category before preparing evidence
Common-law partner
A genuine conjugal relationship supported by evidence of at least 12 consecutive months of cohabitation.
Conjugal partner
A specific category for certain partners outside Canada who have been in a genuine, interdependent relationship for at least one year but face significant barriers to marriage or cohabitation.
Where MZIC can help
Prepare a complete story supported by reliable evidence
The application should make it easy to understand the relationship, family history, living arrangements and any facts that may otherwise appear inconsistent.
- 01
Eligibility and history review
Assess the sponsor, applicant, relationship category, previous relationships, immigration history and potential sponsorship restrictions.
- 02
Relationship evidence strategy
Identify appropriate evidence of communication, cohabitation, financial connection, visits, family recognition and shared plans without relying on generic document lists.
- 03
Forms and consistency review
Check dates, addresses, family information and relationship details across forms and documents, and address material gaps or discrepancies.
- 04
Preparation and representation
Organize the online application, supporting documents and submissions, and assist with IRCC communication according to the retained scope.
While the application is processed
Temporary status and work authorization require separate assessment
A sponsorship application does not itself grant temporary status or authorization to work. A spouse or partner in Canada may qualify for an open work permit under the current policy, while a family member outside Canada may separately apply to visit if eligible.
Common questions
Spousal sponsorship FAQs
Who can sponsor a spouse or partner for Canadian permanent residence?
A sponsor generally must be at least 18 and be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada or a person registered in Canada under the Indian Act. Other eligibility rules and possible bars to sponsorship must also be reviewed. A Canadian citizen living outside Canada may need to show plans to return, while a permanent resident generally must live in Canada.
Is there a minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship?
In most spousal or partner sponsorship cases, there is no specific minimum income requirement. The sponsor must still sign an undertaking and show that they can support the sponsored person’s basic needs. An income threshold can apply in certain cases involving dependent children who have dependent children of their own.
What is the difference between a spouse and a common-law partner?
A spouse is legally married to the sponsor. A common-law partner is not married to the sponsor but has generally lived with the sponsor in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months. The applicable definition and evidence must be assessed carefully.
Can a sponsored spouse or partner apply for an open work permit in Canada?
Some spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners and accompanying dependent children living in Canada may qualify for an open work permit while the permanent residence application is processed. Eligibility, status and timing requirements must be checked under the current IRCC policy.
Does marriage automatically make a sponsorship application eligible?
No. IRCC assesses sponsor eligibility, the legal validity and genuineness of the relationship, admissibility, forms, documents and the complete circumstances. A marriage certificate alone does not establish every requirement.
Can MZIC guarantee approval of a sponsorship application?
No. IRCC makes the final decision, and no representative can guarantee approval. MZIC can help identify concerns, organize evidence and prepare a clear and complete application within the agreed scope.
Official information
Check the current sponsorship rules and application guide
Program requirements, forms and public policies can change. Confirm the current instructions through IRCC before acting.
Review spousal and partner sponsorship on Canada.ca ↗Read IRCC’s complete application guide ↗
Discuss your family’s circumstances
Get advice before preparing the sponsorship application
Book a consultation with Edmonton RCIC Mouli Tasnuva to review the relationship category, eligibility, evidence and practical next steps.