FAMILY SPONSORSHIP
Spousal Sponsorship
Personal advice. A strategy built around your circumstances.
What it is
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their husband or wife for permanent residence, either from inside Canada (inland) or through a visa office abroad (outland). The officer's central question is whether the marriage is genuine.
Who is eligible
- A sponsor who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, 18 or older; permanent residents must live in Canada
- A marriage that is legally valid where it took place and under Canadian law; proxy, phone and online marriages are generally not accepted
- A sponsor who isn't on social assistance (other than for disability), isn't in default on a past sponsorship, and wasn't sponsored as a spouse in the last five years
- A three-year undertaking to support your spouse
Partners applying inland can usually get an open work permit while they wait, and must keep valid temporary status during processing.
Find out which route fits your relationship. Book a 30-minute consultation.
Service information supplied by Visazone · October 24, 2026. Program requirements can change; confirm the requirements that apply to your circumstances.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Let’s look at your options.
Book a 30-minute consultation for guidance tailored to your immigration history and goals.
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS HERE
Start with a clear assessment.
Tell us about your immigration matter. Let’s find a considered way forward.