Official sources checked: October 23, 2026
General information, not an individual eligibility decision. IRCC decides applications. No approval or processing time is guaranteed.
Who can sponsor?
A sponsor must be at least 18 and be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered under the Indian Act. Residence, financial obligations and disqualifications must be checked. Citizens abroad need a plan to return; permanent residents abroad cannot sponsor. Quebec has additional requirements.
IRCC: Who can sponsor?Spouse, common-law or conjugal partner?
A spouse is legally married. Common-law requires at least 12 consecutive months of cohabitation. Conjugal partners live outside Canada and face barriers to marriage or cohabitation after at least a year together. Partners must be at least 18; the relationship must be genuine and admissibility requirements apply.
IRCC: Spouse, common-law or conjugal partner?Inland versus outland
The in-Canada class is for eligible spouses or common-law partners living together in Canada. Family Class can cover partners abroad and some couples in Canada. Travel plans, status and appeal options affect the choice; location alone does not decide the category.
IRCC: Inland versus outlandCan the sponsored partner work?
An open work permit is not automatic. IRCC considers cohabitation in Canada, the sponsorship application, acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) and temporary status. Limited AOR exceptions and separate instructions for applicants without status exist. Check the applicable instructions before applying or working.
IRCC: Can the sponsored partner work?Financial commitment: undertaking
The sponsor promises financial support and may have to repay social assistance. For spouses and partners outside Quebec, the undertaking lasts three years after permanent residence begins, even if the relationship ends. Check Quebec-specific obligations where applicable.
IRCC: Financial commitment: undertakingTypical documents
Prepare identity and civil-status records, sponsor-status evidence, relationship and cohabitation evidence, and the applicable checklist. Translations, police certificates, medical examinations and biometrics depend on IRCC instructions. Use the current country-specific document package.
IRCC: Typical documentsMistakes and refusal risks
Missing required documents can cause a return, which is different from refusal. Inconsistent relationship evidence, undisclosed family members, inaccurate answers or unresolved eligibility and admissibility issues need attention. Never fabricate evidence. Review the official checklist and explain relevant discrepancies.
IRCC: Mistakes and refusal risksFrequently asked questions
Does marriage guarantee approval?
No. Sponsor eligibility, the relationship and the applicant’s admissibility must all be assessed.
IRCCHow much does it cost and how long does it take?
Check the current IRCC fee list and processing-time tool linked below. Estimates are not a promise for an individual application.
IRCCCan I work as soon as I apply?
Submitting sponsorship does not itself authorize work. Check your existing authorization and the IRCC open-work-permit requirements.
IRCCOfficial resources
Request an online consultation via Google Meet
Tell us where each partner lives, your relationship history and your questions. The team confirms the responsible professional, scope and appointment before you commit. Do not send identity documents through a public form.
Request an online consultation via Google Meet