Spouse or Common-law Sponsorship

Spousal or common-law sponsorship application, also known as spousal reunion, is the most common immigration category among family sponsorship, which accounts for 70% – 80%of family class immigration in annual immigration quotas. It enables permanent residents living in Canada, or Canadian citizens, to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner and live with them.

Application Eligibility

Sponsor eligibility
  • At least 18 years old
  • Permanent resident or Canadian citizen living in Canada
  • Able to prove that sponsor is not receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability and can provide for the basic needs of any person you are sponsoring
  • Relationship is genuine and has no bigamy
  • No criminal record in Canada
  • Had completed the previous sponsorship obligation (i.e. had previously sponsored others)
  • In the 5 years preceding the application, sponsor did not become permanent resident after being sponsored as a spouse, common law or conjugal partner
Sponsored person eligibility
  • At least 18 years old
  • Sponsor’s spouse or common-law partner
  • Demonstrate the relationship is genuine and was not entered primarily for the purpose of obtaining the resident status in Canada
  • No bigamy record
  • Meet medical examination
  • No criminal record

Application Processing Time

Approximately 12 months