Spousal Sponsorship Canada – Bring Your Spouse to Canada
Sponsor your husband, wife, or partner for Canadian Permanent Residence. Our RCIC-licensed consultants at TopNation Immigration guide you through inland and outland spousal sponsorship applications with a 98% approval rate.
- 98% Approval Rate
- Fast Processing Strategy
Watch before you apply
How Spousal Sponsorship Works in Canada
Learn the step-by-step process for sponsoring your spouse or partner to Canada with TopNation Immigration in Edmonton.
Trusted by families across Canada
- Edmonton
- Toronto
- Calgary
- Vancouver
- Ottawa
Sponsor Your Spouse to Canada
Bringing your spouse or partner to Canada is one of the most important decisions you will make. At TopNation Immigration Consultant in Edmonton, we have helped more than 300 couples successfully navigate the spousal sponsorship Canada process and reunite in Canada.
The Canadian spousal sponsorship program allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence. Once approved, your partner receives PR status with the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada.
Our RCIC-licensed consultants specialize in all types of family sponsorship:
reunited in Canada
Benefits of Spousal Sponsorship
Discover why hundreds of couples choose TopNation Immigration to navigate the spousal sponsorship process in Canada and start their life together.
Reunite with Your Partner
End the long-distance separation. Spousal sponsorship allows your spouse or partner to join you permanently in Canada and build your life together.
Permanent Residence Status
Your sponsored spouse receives PR status upon approval, granting them the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada indefinitely.
Open Work Permit
For inland applications, your spouse can apply for an Open Work Permit to work for any Canadian employer while waiting for PR approval.
Path to Citizenship
After becoming a permanent resident, your spouse can apply for Canadian citizenship once they meet the residency and other requirements.
Ready to bring your spouse to Canada? Check your eligibility today.
Get Free AssessmentOur Spousal Sponsorship Process
From eligibility assessment to permanent residence approval – we guide you and your spouse through every step of the spousal sponsorship journey.
Free Eligibility Assessment
First, we evaluate whether you meet the sponsor requirements and confirm if your spouse or partner qualifies under IRCC's spousal sponsorship criteria.
Relationship Evidence Collection
Next, our team helps you gather compelling relationship evidence including photos, communication records, joint finances, and third-party declarations.
Application Submission
We professionally prepare your inland or outland application and submit it to IRCC, then apply for your spouse's Open Work Permit if eligible.
PR Approval & Reunification
Finally, we monitor your application status, respond to any IRCC requests, and guide your spouse through landing and starting your life together in Canada.
98% Approval Rate
Our thorough relationship evidence strategy and meticulous document preparation helps ensure your spousal sponsorship application meets all IRCC requirements.
300+ Couples Reunited in Edmonton & Across Canada
TopNation Immigration specializes in spousal sponsorship applications for married couples, common-law partners, and conjugal partners. Our RCIC-licensed consultants understand what IRCC looks for in genuine relationships.
- Expert guidance on relationship evidence that proves your genuine relationship to IRCC officers
- Inland and outland application strategies tailored to your specific situation
- Open Work Permit assistance so your spouse can work while waiting for PR approval
Through Spousal Sponsorship
Free Eligibility Check
Check your eligibility for Spousal Sponsorship in Canada.
Confidential & Secure • No Obligation
Spousal Sponsorship FAQs
Find answers to common questions about sponsoring your spouse to Canada, including inland vs outland applications, processing times, and relationship evidence requirements.
Current IRCC processing times for spousal sponsorship are approximately 12 months for both inland and outland applications. However, actual processing times depend on application completeness, background check requirements, visa office workload, and response times to document requests. TopNation Immigration helps ensure your application is complete and accurate from the start to avoid unnecessary delays that can add months to your processing time.
Inland spousal sponsorship is for spouses already in Canada with valid status—they can stay in Canada during processing and may apply for an Open Work Permit. Outland sponsorship is for spouses outside Canada—they can travel freely during processing but cannot live or work in Canada until approved. Both have similar processing times of approximately 12 months. Our Edmonton consultants help you choose the best option for your situation.
If you submit an inland spousal sponsorship application, your spouse may be eligible for an Open Work Permit (OWP) while waiting for the sponsorship decision. This allows them to work for any employer in Canada without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment. Your spouse must have valid temporary status in Canada and live at the same address as the sponsor. Outland applicants cannot work in Canada until they receive permanent residence.
Strong relationship evidence is critical for spousal sponsorship approval. Include: photographs from throughout your relationship (wedding, travel, everyday moments), communication records (call logs, messaging histories, emails), travel records (tickets, passport stamps showing visits), joint financial documents (shared bank accounts, leases, insurance policies), and statutory declarations from family and friends who witnessed your relationship. A complete, well-organized evidence package significantly increases approval chances.
Government fees for spousal sponsorship total approximately $1,165 CAD, including: sponsorship fee ($75), processing fee ($490), right of permanent residence fee ($515), and biometrics ($85). Additional costs include medical examinations ($200-400), police certificates (varies by country), certified translations if documents are not in English or French, and professional consulting fees. TopNation provides transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Yes, permanent residents can sponsor their spouse or common-law partner. The main requirement is that you must be living in Canada at the time you submit your sponsorship application. If you are outside Canada, you cannot sponsor until you return. Both citizens and permanent residents must sign an undertaking to provide financial support for three years from the date the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident.
A spouse is someone you are legally married to. A common-law partner is someone you have lived with in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months. A conjugal partner is someone you have been in a committed relationship with for at least one year but could not live together or marry due to significant barriers beyond your control (legal, immigration, or other serious barriers). Each category has specific documentation requirements that our consultants can help you prepare.
If your spousal sponsorship application is refused, you may have several options depending on the reason. These include appealing the decision to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD), submitting a new application with additional documentation addressing the refusal reasons, or requesting judicial review in Federal Court. Our immigration consultants review refusal letters carefully and advise on the best path forward—many refused applications can be successfully resolved with the right approach.
For most spousal sponsorship applications, IRCC does not apply a Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement. However, you must demonstrate that you are not receiving social assistance (other than for disability) and that you can reasonably support your spouse in Canada. If you are sponsoring a spouse who has dependent children with their own dependent children, income requirements may apply. Our Edmonton consultants review your financial situation to ensure you meet all sponsorship requirements.
Spousal sponsorship requires extensive documentation including: identity documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates), relationship evidence (photos, communication records, travel history, joint financial documents, statutory declarations from family and friends), financial documents (tax returns, employment letters, bank statements), and background documents (police certificates from every country lived in for 6+ months since age 18, medical exam results). A complete, well-organized application significantly reduces processing delays.
Have more questions about sponsoring your spouse? Get personalized answers from our experts.
Get Free ConsultationWhat Is Spousal Sponsorship in Canada?
Understanding the pathway to permanent residence for your spouse or partner
Spousal sponsorship is a family class immigration program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence in Canada. Once approved, your sponsored partner receives permanent resident status with the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada.
The program recognizes several types of relationships. A legally married spouse is someone you are legally married to according to the laws of the country where the marriage took place—Canada recognizes marriages performed in other countries as long as they were legal in that jurisdiction, including same-sex marriages.
A common-law partner is someone you have lived with in a conjugal relationship continuously for at least 12 months. A conjugal partner is someone you have been in a committed relationship with for at least one year but could not live together or marry due to significant barriers beyond your control, such as legal or immigration barriers.
Who Can Sponsor a Spouse to Canada?
To sponsor your spouse or partner, you must meet specific eligibility requirements set by IRCC:
- Be at least 18 years old — there is no exception to this requirement
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident — citizens can sponsor from inside or outside Canada; PRs must be living in Canada
- Not be in default on a previous sponsorship undertaking
- Not be receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability
- Not have sponsored a previous spouse who became a PR less than five years ago (with some exceptions)
- Sign an undertaking to provide financial support for three years from the date your spouse becomes a PR
Spousal Sponsorship Costs & Processing Times 2026
Current fees, timelines, and what affects your application
Understanding the full cost of spousal sponsorship and realistic timelines helps you budget appropriately and plan for your spouse's arrival in Canada. Processing times depend on application completeness, background checks, and visa office workload.
Government Fees for Spousal Sponsorship
| Fee Type | Amount (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship Application Fee | $75 | Non-refundable |
| Principal Applicant Processing Fee | $490 | For spouse/partner |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | $515 | Paid before PR issued |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 | Fingerprints & photo |
| Total Government Fees | $1,165 | Subject to change |
Additional Costs: Medical examination ($200-400 depending on physician and location), police certificates (varies by country, $25-100+), certified translations if documents are not in English or French, and professional consulting fees.
Current Processing Times
| Application Type | Processing Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Inland Spousal Sponsorship | ~12 months | Spouse stays in Canada + OWP eligible |
| Outland Spousal Sponsorship | ~12 months | Spouse can travel freely during processing |
| Open Work Permit (OWP) | Several months | Applied separately for inland cases |
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
- Insufficient relationship documentation — the most common reason for delays and refusals
- Inconsistent information — discrepancies between forms raise red flags
- Missing documents — incomplete applications are returned, adding months
- Poor quality copies — illegible documents may not be accepted
- Not using professional help — complexity and stakes make guidance valuable
Avoid Costly Mistakes in Your Application
Our experienced consultants ensure your spousal sponsorship application is complete and accurate from the start.
Get Your Free AssessmentWhy Edmonton Couples Choose TopNation for Spousal Sponsorship
Trusted by 300+ couples across Canada
Bringing your spouse to Canada is one of the most important decisions you will make. The complexity of spousal sponsorship—proving your genuine relationship, gathering extensive documentation, navigating inland vs outland options—makes professional guidance invaluable. Here's why couples throughout Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, and across Alberta trust TopNation.
RCIC-Certified Professional Consultants
All TopNation consultants are Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). This certification means our consultants have completed rigorous immigration law training, passed comprehensive licensing examinations, and maintain ongoing professional development specifically in spousal and family sponsorship cases.
98% Application Approval Rate
Our approval rate reflects our commitment to only submitting applications that are complete, accurate, and have a strong chance of success. We assess your eligibility honestly and help you present the strongest possible case for your genuine relationship.
300+ Couples Successfully Reunited
Experience matters in spousal sponsorship. We have handled every type of scenario—long-distance relationships, recent marriages, common-law partnerships, conjugal partner applications, inland and outland cases, and even appeals after initial refusals. This experience helps us anticipate IRCC's questions and prepare applications that address concerns proactively.
Relationship Evidence Strategy
The most critical part of any spousal sponsorship is proving your relationship is genuine. We help you identify and organize the most compelling evidence—photos, communication records, travel history, joint financial documents, and statutory declarations—presenting your love story in a way that satisfies IRCC's requirements.
Start Your Spousal Sponsorship Today
Call (587) 400-0077 or fill out our free assessment form. Our Edmonton office at 1253 91 St SW #102 serves couples across Alberta with in-person and virtual consultations.
Why Couples Trust TopNation
For spousal sponsorship Canada applications, our Edmonton-based team focuses on accuracy, strong relationship evidence, and clear guidance from start to submission.
RCIC Licensed
All consultants are Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants licensed by CICC, so your spousal sponsorship application is handled professionally, ethically, and compliantly.
Clear Timeline Guidance
We help you choose the right path (inland vs outland), set realistic expectations, and reduce delays by submitting a complete package with well-organized relationship evidence.
Couples Supported
We've helped more than 300 couples navigate the spousal sponsorship process with personalized checklists, careful form completion, and proactive follow-up with IRCC.
Ready to Sponsor Your Spouse?
Start your spousal sponsorship Canada journey with a free assessment. We’ll confirm eligibility, recommend the best approach, and help you build a strong, well-documented application.
