Unlock the pathway to love in Canada! Find out how to bring your partner to this diverse and inclusive country. From eligibility criteria to required documents, we’ve got you covered. Embrace a future of togetherness and explore the possibilities that Canada offers to couples from around the world.
Everything you need to know about bringing your partner to Canada
In 2023, over 64,000 people were sponsored for Canadian immigration by their spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners. Indians were the largest beneficiaries of this program, with over 10,000 people being sponsored.
Over 10,000 Canadians sponsored their spouses from India, this data released last year by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) showed.
10,715 to be exact.
Discover everything you need to know about bringing your partner to Canada. Learn about eligibility criteria, required documents, fees, and the application process. Canada welcomes spouses, common-law partners, and conjugal partners, including same-sex couples.
To qualify for the program,
- Spouses need to be married to their sponsor. Virtual marriages are not recognized, so the wedding ceremony needs to be in-person.
- Common-law partners need to demonstrate that they have lived together for at least 12 months.
- Conjugal partners are living outside the country and have been together for at least one year. They need to prove there are legal or social barriers preventing them from getting married or living together.
You can be a sponsor if:
- You are at least 18 years of age
- A Canadian citizen, permanent resident living in Canada, or person registered under the Canadian Indian Act
- You live in Canada or are a Canadian citizen planning to return to the country
- You are not receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability
- You can provide for your basic needs, those of your spouse or partner and, if applicable, those of dependent children
As a sponsor you must:
- Be able to support your partner financially;
- Make sure they will not require social assistance from the government.
How much does it cost to sponsor your spouse or partner?
| Sponsorship Fee | $75 |
| Principal applicant processing fee | $475 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | $500 |
| Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) | $85 |
| Dependent children | $150 for each child |
| Total | $ 1,135 |
If you live in Quebec or intend to live in Quebec when permanent residence is issued, an additional fee of $289 CAD will also be required.
Can you sponsor your same-sex spouse or partner?
Since Canada recognizes same-sex marriages and relationships, you can sponsor your partner, as long as both parties meet all the eligibility criteria. If you are married and the event took place outside of Canada, it must be legally recognized in the country where it took place.
Documents you need to submit to prove your relationship
- Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation Questionnaire
- Birth certificates, marriage certificates or adoption records of any children you and your common-law partner have together
- Photos of you and your common-law partner that show your relationship
- Documents proving that you are recognized as common-law partners of each other, such as employment or insurance benefits
- Proof of shared expenses between you and your partner
- Proof of your relationship (letters, emails, social media)
How can you apply?
The application process will require you to submit two applications at the same time:
- Your application to sponsor your spouse or partner
- Your spouse or partner’s permanent residence application
The process:
Step 1. Download the application package found on the government website.
Step 2. Pay the online application fee, which includes the following:
- Processing fees for all persons included in the application
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee
- Biometrics fees
- Other third-party fees, if applicable
Step 3. Submit your application by following the submission instructions provided in the guide you downloaded.
Step 4. Submit the required supporting documents when prompted.
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Summary & Conclusion
Bringing your partner to Canada
Bringing your partner to Canada is an exciting journey that can be filled with love, paperwork, and anticipation. Canada’s Spousal and Common-law Sponsorship program has helped over 64,000 couples build a life together in this beautiful nation.
To qualify for sponsorship, you must meet certain criteria, including:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Living in Canada or planning to return to Canada
- Being able to financially support your partner for at least three years
- Providing evidence of your relationship, such as photographs, shared expenses, and communication records
The application process involves submitting two applications simultaneously: one to sponsor your partner and the other for their permanent residence. The application fees are $1,040 for sponsorship and $550 for permanent residence.
Canada is a welcoming and inclusive country that recognizes same-sex marriages and relationships. If you are ready to start this journey of love, togetherness, and new beginnings, please contact an immigration lawyer or accredited representative for assistance.
Here are some additional tips for sponsoring your partner:
- Start the application process early. The processing time for sponsorship applications can be up to 12 months.
- Gather all of the required documentation. This includes your partner’s passport, birth certificate, and proof of relationship.
- Be prepared to answer questions about your relationship. The immigration officer will want to know how you met, how long you have been together, and how you plan to support your partner financially.
