How to Bring Your Spouse to Canada — Complete Spousal Sponsorship Guide 2026
Spousal sponsorship is one of the most common and emotionally significant immigration processes. If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse or common-law partner to join you in Canada. This guide explains the complete process.
Who Can Sponsor?
- Canadian citizens 18 or older
- Canadian permanent residents 18 or older living in Canada
- You must not have been sponsored yourself within the last 5 years
- You must not be in default of a previous sponsorship obligation
Who Can Be Sponsored?
- Spouse — legally married
- Common-law partner — lived together 12+ consecutive months
- Conjugal partner — in certain exceptional circumstances
Required Documents — Sponsor
- Canadian citizenship certificate or PR card copy
- Proof of income — Notice of Assessment from CRA
- Completed sponsorship application forms
- Proof of address in Canada
- Application fee payment
Required Documents — Sponsored Person
- Valid passport
- Police certificate from every country lived in for 6+ months since age 18
- Medical examination by IRCC-approved physician
- Marriage certificate (apostilled if required)
- Proof of genuine relationship — photos, communication records, joint accounts
- Sponsor's financial documents
Processing Times
Spousal sponsorship processing time varies. Spouses of Canadian citizens applying from outside Canada: approximately 12-18 months. Spouses of PR holders: similar timeline. Inland applications (spouse already in Canada): 12 months with option for open work permit during processing.
Proving Genuine Relationship
IRCC scrutinizes the relationship carefully. Include:
- Wedding photos and video
- WhatsApp/text message history
- Flight tickets and hotel receipts from visits
- Joint bank accounts or shared bills
- Photos together over multiple years
- Communication records — calls, messages
- Statutory declarations from friends and family
❤️ Bring Your Spouse to Canada
Our AI guides you through every document required for your specific situation — whether you are a citizen or PR, wherever your spouse is coming from.
Get Complete Spouse Visa Guide →⚠️ For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Always verify with official government sources. ApproveMyVisa is not a law firm.