Overview
Spouse / Common-Law Partner Sponsorship lets eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsor their spouse or partner to become a permanent resident of Canada. This pathway focuses on sponsor eligibility, admissibility checks, and proving a genuine relationship with consistent supporting evidence.
Who this sponsorship is for
This pathway may suit you if:
- You are sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner
- You are eligible to sponsor (age, status, and residency conditions apply)
- You can provide clear relationship proof and accurate documentation
Key requirements
A strong spousal/partner sponsorship file typically demonstrates:
- Sponsor meets eligibility (including living in Canada, with special rules for citizens abroad)
- Relationship is genuine and not entered into primarily for immigration purposes (evidence-based)
- Both sponsor and applicant complete required forms and signatures correctly (online submission process)
- Sponsor understands the undertaking responsibility (financial support period)
Typical supporting documents (examples)
- Identity documents (passports, IDs)
- Relationship evidence (marriage certificate, cohabitation proof, communication, shared finances)
- Sponsor status proof (citizenship/PR)
- Forms, declarations, and any IRCC-requested documents
How we support you
- Confirm sponsor eligibility and application type
- Build a structured relationship evidence pack (timeline + categories)
- Review forms for consistency and reduce missing-document delays
- Final audit before submission