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Spousal Visa

Bring Your Spouse to Canada: Your Guide to Spousal Sponsorship

Who Can You Sponsor?

You can sponsor your:

  • Spouse (legally married partner)
  • Common-law partner (lived together for at least 12 consecutive months in a committed relationship)
  • Conjugal partner (in a committed relationship for at least one year but unable to live together due to circumstances beyond your control)

To be eligible to sponsor, you must:

  1. Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident 
  2. Be 18 years or older 
  3. Be financially capable of supporting your spouse 
  4. Live in Canada (or plan to return if you’re abroad) 
  5. Not receive social assistance (except disability benefits)


Both you and your spouse must provide specific documents to support your application.

  • Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
  • Financial documents showing your ability to provide support
  • Completed sponsorship application forms
  • Valid passport
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Proof of relationship (photos, joint bills, messages, travel history)
  • Police clearance certificates
  • Medical examination results

As a sponsor, you must sign an undertaking agreement to provide basic needs for your spouse, including:

  • Food, clothing, and shelter
  • Health-related expenses (dental and vision care not covered by public healthcare)


Important:
You’ll need to repay any government financial assistance your sponsored spouse receives during the sponsorship period.

Most spousal sponsorship applications take 10 to 12 months to process. Timing varies based on:

  • Your spouse’s country of residence
  • Application completeness and accuracy
  • Need for additional documents or interviews

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Can I sponsor my spouse if I’m not living in Canada? Yes, if you’re a Canadian citizen abroad and plan to return once your spouse receives permanent residency. Permanent residents must live in Canada to sponsor.
  2. Can my spouse work during the application process? If your spouse is in Canada with valid temporary status, they may qualify for an open work permit while awaiting the sponsorship decision.
  3. What if my application is refused? You can appeal the decision, submit a new application with stronger documentbration, or explore other immigration options. Working with an immigration consultant helps prevent common refusal reasons.
  4. Can I sponsor my spouse as a new permanent resident? Yes, if you live in Canada and meet all sponsorship requirements.


Spousal sponsorship requires detailed paperwork, specific documentation, and financial commitments.

Working with SNY Immigration Inc. offers: 

  • Expert guidance to avoid costly errors and omissions 
  • Personalized support tailored to your case 
  • Peace of mind knowing professionals handle your application


Making your dream of reuniting with your spouse in Canada a reality is within reach.