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Who can you sponsor?
- Spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner. Common-law partners generally need to have lived together for at least 12 continuous months.
- Dependent children, including adopted children, who meet the age and dependency rules.
- Parents and grandparents, through the Parents and Grandparents Program when IRCC opens intake. The Super Visa is a long-stay alternative.
- In limited cases, other relatives (for example an orphaned brother, sister, niece, nephew or grandchild).
Who can be a sponsor?
Generally, a sponsor must be at least 18, a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident living in Canada, or a person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act, and must sign an undertaking to support the people they sponsor for a set number of years. Some people cannot sponsor, for example if they defaulted on an earlier sponsorship, receive social assistance for reasons other than disability, or have certain criminal convictions. Parents and grandparents sponsorship also has minimum income requirements.
Inland or outland spousal sponsorship?
An inland application is for couples living together in Canada; the partner being sponsored may be able to get an open work permit while it is processed. An outland application is processed through the visa office responsible for the partner's country and can be used whether the partner lives in or outside Canada. The best choice depends on travel plans, status in Canada and appeal rights, which we explain in your consultation.
Proving a genuine relationship
Officers must be satisfied that the relationship is genuine and was not entered into mainly for immigration. Strong applications usually include:
- Marriage certificate or proof of cohabitation (joint lease, bills, mail at the same address).
- Photos together over time, with family and friends, and from the wedding if there was one.
- Communication history, travel records and proof of visits.
- Evidence that family and friends know about the relationship.
How we help
- Eligibility review for both sponsor and applicant, including past refusals or immigration history.
- Personalised document checklist and review of every document before submission.
- Forms and portal submission, relationship questionnaire and a clear submission letter explaining your relationship.
- Follow-up with IRCC until a decision, including biometrics, medicals and additional document requests.
Frequently asked questions
How long does spousal sponsorship take?
Processing times change regularly and depend on the visa office. Check the current times on the IRCC website; we will give you a realistic estimate for your case.
Can my spouse work in Canada while we wait?
If your spouse or partner lives with you in Canada and you apply inland, they may be eligible for an open work permit while the sponsorship is processed.
What if we were refused before?
A previous refusal does not always mean a new application will fail, but the reasons must be addressed. We can review the refusal and, where useful, request the officer notes (GCMS notes) first.
Can I sponsor my parents now?
Parents and grandparents can only be sponsored when IRCC invites sponsors to apply. If intake is closed, a Super Visa may let your parents visit for long periods.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules, fees and processing times change often; always confirm current requirements on the official IRCC or IRB website, and get advice about your own situation before you apply. No consultant can guarantee the outcome of an application.