Spousal and Common-Law Sponsorship
People who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor their spouse or common-law partner to obtain permanent residence in Canada.
General information about the spousal sponsorship program
Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are over 18 years of age may sponsor their spouse or partner for permanent residence in Canada. The Spousal Sponsorship program is designed to help families reunite and build their future together in Canada.
Canada recognizes different types of relationships under this program, including married spouses and common-law partners. A common-law relationship generally refers to two people who have lived together in a marriage-like relationship continuously for at least 12 months. Applicants applying under the common-law category must usually provide documents showing shared residence and a genuine relationship, such as joint leases, utility bills, bank accounts, insurance policies, photographs, travel records, and other supporting evidence.
Applications may be submitted either from inside Canada or outside Canada, depending on the couple’s situation. In many inland sponsorship applications, the sponsored spouse or partner may also be eligible to apply for an open work permit while the permanent residence application is being processed.
Immigration officers carefully review each application to confirm that the relationship is genuine and was not entered into primarily for immigration purposes. Proper preparation and strong supporting documents are very important for a successful application.
At Diyar, we assist clients throughout the sponsorship process, including eligibility assessments, document review, application preparation, and submission support. We understand that every relationship and family situation is unique, and we work closely with our clients to prepare complete and well-organized applications.
Sponsors under the spouse or common-law sponsorship program must agree to financially support their partner by covering basic living expenses such as food, clothing, housing, and other essential needs for up to three years after permanent residence is granted.
As part of the sponsorship undertaking, the sponsor must also agree that the sponsored spouse or common-law partner will not rely on social assistance from the Government of Canada during the undertaking period. If the sponsored person receives social assistance during this time, the sponsor may be required to repay those amounts to the government.
Individuals who have previously sponsored someone who later received social assistance may face restrictions on sponsoring another family member in the future. In addition, people receiving social assistance themselves for reasons other than disability may not qualify to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner.
It is important to understand that the sponsorship undertaking remains legally binding even if the relationship ends after permanent residence is granted. Certain sponsorship restrictions may also apply to both the sponsor and the sponsored person following a separation or divorce.
Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship
Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are over 18 years of age may sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence in Canada.
The sponsor must provide a financial undertaking to the Government of Canada to support these individuals for up to 20 years. Please note that this financial obligation cannot be withdrawn or cancelled once it is in effect.
The sponsor must also meet the minimum income requirement set by the Government of Canada for the past three years. This required income level is generally 30% higher than the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO). In some cases, you may also include your household income to meet the requirement.
Sponsoring Your Child
You can sponsor your child or adopted child who is under 22 years of age and single for permanent residence in Canada.
The sponsor must be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Naturally, you must not be incarcerated, bankrupt, under a removal order, or have had your citizenship revoked.
The sponsor must sign a financial undertaking to support the child for 10 years after they obtain permanent residence, or until the child turns 25, whichever comes first.
