Spouses & Common-Law Partners
Canada’s Family Sponsorship program lets citizens and permanent residents sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence. Applications may be inland or outland depending on where the sponsored person resides.
To qualify, the sponsor must be at least 18 and eligible under IRCC rules, sign a financial undertaking, and not be barred by prior defaults. The applicant must show the relationship is genuine and not primarily for immigration.
Cohen Visa advises sponsors and applicants on eligibility, evidence, and compliance for family reunification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about sponsoring a spouse or partner
Inland applications are generally for partners living together in Canada with valid temporary status; outland applications are processed through a visa office abroad when the applicant is outside Canada or when inland is not suitable. Each route has strategic trade-offs for work permits, travel, and processing; Cohen Visa advises on the better fit for your situation.
Sponsors must be at least 18, be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act (with limits for citizens living abroad), and not be barred by bankruptcy defaults, criminality, removal orders, or prior sponsorship undertakings still in force.
IRCC expects documentary and narrative evidence of commitment, cohabitation history (for common-law), marriage legitimacy (where applicable), communications, financial intertwining, and social recognition of the relationship. Weak or inconsistent evidence is a common reason for refusal.
The sponsor signs an undertaking to provide financial support for the partner for a set number of years from approval, even if the relationship ends. The length depends on age and relationship type under regulations.
Eligible inland applicants may apply for an open work permit tied to a received sponsorship file in many cases. Outland applicants may have other options depending on facts; we plan status and work authorization carefully.
We assess eligibility for sponsor and applicant, select inland or outland strategy, compile relationship evidence, draft submissions, and manage forms and timelines for a complete file.