🇨🇦 Spousal Sponsorship Visa – Canada Immigration Guide
What is a Spousal Sponsorship Visa?
The Spousal Sponsorship Visa allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residency (PR) in Canada. This immigration pathway is part of the Family Class sponsorship program under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
It helps keep families together and gives the sponsored spouse the right to live, work, and study in Canada as a permanent resident.
Who Can Apply?
Sponsor Eligibility:
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- At least 18 years old
- Not receiving social assistance (except disability)
- Can financially support the spouse for 3 years
Sponsored Person Eligibility:
- Must be legally married, in a common-law relationship (12+ months), or in a conjugal relationship
- Must be admissible to Canada (medical, criminality, etc.)
- Must be at least 18 years old
Types of Applications
- Inland Sponsorship: The spouse is already in Canada (may be eligible for an open work permit)
- Outland Sponsorship: The spouse is outside Canada (processed through visa office abroad)
How to Apply
- Gather required documents (IDs, marriage certificate, proof of relationship, etc.)
- Complete the sponsorship and permanent residence forms (IMM 1344, IMM 0008, etc.)
- Pay the government processing fees online
- Submit the full application package to IRCC
- Attend biometrics appointment and medical exam
- Wait for IRCC decision (may request more documents or interviews)
Processing Times (2025 Estimates)
| Application Type | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Inland Sponsorship | 8 – 12 months |
| Outland Sponsorship | 9 – 13 months |
| Open Work Permit (Inland) | 4 – 5 months (after AOR) |
Government Fees
| Fee Type | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship Fee | $75 |
| Principal Applicant Processing Fee | $515 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | $515 |
| Biometrics (per person) | $85 |
| Medical Exam | $200–$300 (varies by country) |
| Total (Approx.) | $1,200–$1,400+ |
Immigration Consultant Agency Fees (Typical in 2025)
| Service | Typical Range (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Complete Sponsorship Package (Full Service) | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Review-Only Package (Consultation + Forms) | $500 – $1,200 |
| Open Work Permit (Add-on) | $300 – $800 |
Example – Lawseph & Associates Inc.:
- $500 deposit, followed by monthly installments
- Full legal submission letter included
- Government and biometric fees not included
Why Hire an Immigration Consultant?
- Increases chance of approval
- Avoids errors or incomplete documentation
- Support with refusal reapplications
- Access to custom letters of explanation
- Professional document checklists
Benefits of Spousal Sponsorship
- Reunites families in Canada
- Simplified PR process (no job offer or education requirement)
- Eligible for health care, work, and study in Canada
- Spouse can apply for open work permit (inland)
Important Notes
- Fraud or misrepresentation leads to 5-year ban
- Fake marriages are criminal offenses
- Strong documentation is required to prove relationship legitimacy
- Sponsor is financially responsible for spouse for 3 years after PR
Best regards,
Lawseph & Associates Inc.
Licensed RCIC Immigration Consultants
432-100 Richmond St. W., Toronto, ON, M5H-3K6
📞 416-962-3334 |
🌐 lawsephandassociates.com
