Sponsorship Application for
Spouse, Partner, or Dependent Child
Learn how to sponsor your spouse, partner, or dependent child for permanent residence in Canada,
step-by-step.
Table of Contents
Who Can Apply to Sponsor a Loved One?
A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a Registered Indian
At least 18 years old
Living in Canada (or planning to return if sponsoring from abroad) You can sponsor:
A spouse or common-law/conjugal partner (in Canada or overseas)
Your dependent child
Who Cannot Use This Sponsorship Application?
An adopted child
Orphaned relatives
Other relatives not listed above
Instead, use the appropriate sponsorship package for adopted children or other relatives.
What Are My Responsibilities as a Sponsor?
When you become a sponsor, you must:
Sign a legal undertaking to provide basic needs (food, shelter, health care not covered by public services)
Repay any social assistance received by the sponsored person during the undertaking period
Support the person even if your personal or financial situation changes
How Long Am I Financially Responsible for My Sponsored Family Member?
Spouse/Partner: 3 years
Dependent child (22+ years): 3 years
Dependent child (under 22): 10 years or until age 25 (whichever comes first)
Apply Now to Sponsor Your Loved One for Permanent Residence
Am I Eligible to Sponsor ?
If children are directly impacted by your application, IRCC will assess factors such as:
Child’s age and level of establishment in Canada.
Educational and medical needs.
Conditions in the country of origin.
Potential impact on the child’s well-being.
You must provide specific evidence showing how the decision will affect the child.
Who Can I Sponsor Under This Application ?
You are responsible for presenting all facts and hardship factors in your application.
Cost or inconvenience of leaving Canada is not sufficient for H&C consideration.
You must clearly state the exemption(s) you seek and support your request with documents.
If you are inadmissible (e.g., for criminality, health reasons, financial issues, or misrepresentation), you should try to resolve the inadmissibility first, or request an exemption based on exceptional circumstances.
What Happens if the Person I Sponsor Has Criminal or Immigration Issues ?
The person being sponsored must not be:
Criminally inadmissible
Under a removal order (unless public policy applies)
Using a diplomatic or official passport Criminal inadmissibility may be resolved through a record suspension or rehabilitation application.
Which Sponsorship Class Should I Choose?
Choose the appropriate class based on where the sponsored person lives:
Spouse/Common-law in Canada: If cohabiting with valid or exempt status
Family Class: For applicants outside Canada or those who plan to leave Canada
Do I Need to List a Child I Don't Have Custody Of?
Even if a child is in the sole custody of a previous partner, they must still be declared in the application and complete medical/security checks to preserve future sponsorship eligibility.
Can My Sponsored Spouse or Partner Work or Study in Canada ?
Sponsored spouses or partners in Canada may be eligible to apply for an open work permit. Extensions must be applied for before expiry. Leaving Canada could cancel temporary status.
Sponsorship Process Timeline
Stage | Action | Estimated Time |
Application Preparation | Gather required documents, complete sponsorship and permanent residence applications, and prepare supporting documents. | Varies (usually 2–8 weeks depending on document readiness) |
Submission of Application | Submit the complete application through the portal. Pay application and biometric fees. | Immediate |
Sponsorship Eligibility Assessment | IRCC reviews the sponsor’s eligibility. | 2–4 months |
Biometric Collection (if required) | Sponsored persons complete biometric appointments after receiving the Biometric Letter . | Within 30 days of receiving |
Background, Security, and Medical Checks | IRCC conducts background checks, criminality screening, and medical exams for the sponsored person and dependents. | 2–6 months |
Final Decision | IRCC finalizes the application and makes a decision. | Total processing time: about 12 months (average) |
Permanent Residence Confirmation | f approved, IRCC issues a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and/or visa (if required). | Shortly after approval |
Landing as a Permanent Resident | Sponsored person completes the landing process and officially becomes a permanent resident of Canada. | Immediate after confirmation |
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that the process can be confusing and you may have many questions.
Below are some common FAQs that can help guide you.
No. You cannot sponsor a fiancé(e) unless you qualify as common-law partners (lived together for at least 12 months) or get married.
If your sponsorship is refused, you may have the right to appeal the decision to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) if you applied under the Family Class.
It depends. If the sponsored spouse has a criminal record, they may need to apply for criminal rehabilitation or a record suspension before they can be approved.
If applying under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada class, your spouse must live in Canada. If they leave Canada, they may not be able to return easily.
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