8 min

Bringing your partner to Canada through Canadian spousal sponsorship is a major step that involves careful planning. The process includes several official forms, documents, and checks.

This guide will walk you through the Canadian spousal sponsorship process step by step.

Step 1:Understand Canadian Spousal Sponsorship Basics

Spousal sponsorship allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to bring their partner to live in Canada permanently. It’s part of Canada’s commitment to keeping families together.

You can sponsor your partner if you’re legally married, in a common-law or conjugal relationship. The relationship must be real, not just for immigration.

Before applying, both the sponsor and the applicant need to meet specific rules. We’ll explain those in the next section so you can avoid common mistakes from the start.

Step 2: Check Eligibility Before Applying

Before you apply, it’s important to confirm that both you and your partner meet the basic requirements. IRCC will not process applications that don’t meet the eligibility criteria.

Sponsor Requirements

To sponsor your partner, you must:

Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Be 18 years or older
Live in Canada, or plan to return if applying from abroad
Not receive social assistance, unless it’s for a disability
Agree to support your partner for 3 years financially
Not be in prison, bankrupt, or under a removal order
Not sponsored a spouse in the last 5 years

Applicant Requirements

To be sponsored, your partner must:

IRCC may ask for detailed proof to confirm eligibility, and if either of you doesn’t qualify, the application won’t move forward.

Step 3: Choose the Right Application Stream

When applying for Canadian spousal sponsorship, you’ll need to choose between two streams: Inland or Outland. The right choice depends on where your partner lives and your plans during processing.

Inland Sponsorship

For partners already in Canada on a valid status (visitor, student, or worker)
You must live together while the application is being processed
Your partner may be eligible for an open work permit
No right to appeal if the application is refused
Travel outside Canada during processing is not recommended

It’s best if you’re both living in Canada and plan to stay during the process.

Outland Sponsorship

For partners outside Canada, or in Canada but planning to travel
The application is processed through the visa office in the applicant’s country
Travel is allowed during the process
You can appeal a refusal
No automatic work or study rights unless separately permitted

Best if you’re living apart or want the option to travel while waiting.

Step 4: Gather All Required Documents

Having the right documents ready is key to avoiding delays or refusals. Incomplete or missing paperwork is one of the most common reasons IRCC returns applications.

Core Forms

Both the sponsor and applicant must complete these:

IMM 1344 – Sponsorship Application
IMM 5532 – Relationship Information
IMM 0008 – Application for Permanent Residence
IMM 5406 – Additional Family Information
IMM 5669 – Background Declaration
Any country-specific forms, if applicable

Proof of Relationship

You must show your relationship is real. Include:

Personal Documents

Police Certificates

Your partner must submit police clearances from every country they’ve lived in for 6+ months since turning 18.

Medical Exam

Do not complete this until IRCC requests it. You’ll be instructed to see a panel physician at the right time.

Step 5: Complete the Application Forms Accurately

Filling out the forms is one of the most important steps, and one of the easiest places to make mistakes. Even small errors can lead to delays or your application being returned.

What to Watch For

Don’t leave blank fields — use “N/A” if something doesn’t apply
Be consistent — dates, names, and details must match across all forms and documents
Use the latest forms — always download them directly from the IRCC website
Validate PDF forms — this creates the required barcodes
Sign all required fields — missed signatures are a top reason for rejection

Reminder on Forms

Always check which forms apply to your specific case (based on whether you’re applying Inland or Outland, and your country of residence).

If you’re not confident filling them out yourself, the professional review can save time and stress.

Step 6: Pay the Government Fees

Once your forms are ready, you’ll need to pay the required fees through IRCC’s online payment portal. You must include the receipt with your application.

Current Fees (CAD)

Fee Type	Amount
Sponsorship fee	$85
Principal applicant processing fee	$545
Right of permanent residence fee	$575
Biometrics (per person)	$85

Typical total: $1,290 (more if you’re sponsoring dependents)

Tips:

Step 7: Submit the Application via the IRCC Online Portal

Once you’ve completed the forms, gathered your documents, and paid the fees, it’s time to submit your application.

All spousal sponsorship applications are submitted online through the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal.

Steps to Submit:

Create an IRCC account
Use an email address you check often.
Upload your documents
Include all forms, proof of relationship, police certificates, and your payment receipt. Follow the portal’s upload instructions carefully.
Review before submitting
Double-check everything. Incomplete applications are returned without processing.
Submit the application
After submission, you’ll get a confirmation screen and email.
Wait for Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR)
This confirms that your application passed the initial check and is now in the processing queue.

Step 8: What Happens After Submission

After you submit your application, IRCC will begin reviewing it. Here’s what typically happens next:

1. Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR)

This confirms that your application has been received and passed the initial completeness check. It includes your application number.

2. Biometrics Request

If your partner hasn’t given biometrics before, they’ll receive instructions to complete them.

3. Medical Exam Request

IRCC will send instructions when it’s time for your partner to complete a medical exam.

4. Additional Document Requests

Sometimes, IRCC asks for extra documents or clarification.

Step 9: Track Your Application Status

Once your application is in process, you can monitor its progress in a few ways:

1. IRCC Online Portal

Log in to the same portal you used to submit your application. You’ll see updates, document requests, and messages from IRCC.

2. Email Notifications

IRCC sends important updates to the email you used to apply. Check your inbox — and your spam folder — regularly.If your partner hasn’t given biometrics before, they’ll receive instructions to complete them.

3. Application Status Tracker

Use the IRCC Application Tracker for a detailed view of your application’s progress. You’ll need:

It shows which stage you’re in — eligibility, background check, medicals, etc.

4. Check Processing Times

Average processing time for spousal sponsorships is around 10–13 months, but it varies by stream and country.

Check current estimates here.

Step 10: Decision and Next Steps

After reviewing your application, IRCC will make a decision. Here’s what happens depending on the outcome:

If Approved

Your partner will receive:

If you applied through the Inland stream and your partner received an open work permit, it remains valid until their PR card arrives.

If More Information Is Needed

IRCC might request:

Respond on time and upload everything as requested. Late responses can cause delays or rejection.

If Refused

If the application is refused, the letter will explain why.

Final Note

The Canadian spousal sponsorship process can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it’s manageable.

Focus on the details: accurate forms, strong relationship proof, and complete documents. That’s what makes the difference between delays and smooth approval.

Ready to move forward?

Book a consultation with WEICS and reach out with your questions — we’re here to help bring you and your partner together in Canada.