Spouse and partner sponsorship brings together two assessments: the sponsor’s eligibility and the applicant’s eligibility for permanent residence. The application needs an accurate relationship history supported by relevant records. Marriage, common-law partnership and conjugal partnership have different definitions and evidence requirements. Your location and circumstances also affect the application route. Plan the sponsorship alongside temporary status, travel and any separate work permit eligibility while processing continues.
What to plan
- Check sponsor and relationship-category eligibility.
- Compare the relevant application routes.
- Organize a consistent relationship and address history.
- Plan temporary status and possible work authorization separately.
The process, step by step.
This is the typical sequence to discuss when agreeing your service. The exact requirements depend on your circumstances and current instructions.
Assess the sponsor and relationship
Check sponsor eligibility, the legal relationship category and the application route suited to where both people live and plan to settle.
Build the relationship record
Prepare identity, civil status and authentic relationship evidence with a consistent chronology, including previous marriages and relevant family details.
Review the undertaking and application
Understand the financial commitment, complete required forms and declarations, and review the combined sponsorship and permanent residence file before submission.
Respond and maintain temporary status
Complete requested checks and report changes; assess any in-Canada work permit or status extension separately from the sponsorship application.
Complete permanent residence confirmation
If approved, follow the appropriate confirmation or arrival instructions and understand the continuing sponsorship undertaking after permanent residence begins.
What to prepare
These are starting points for a discussion. The official checklist and your circumstances determine the documents required for an application.
- Marriage or qualifying partnership evidence
- Sponsor’s citizenship or permanent residence evidence
- Relationship history and supporting records
- Identity, civil status and required background documents
Your questions, answered.
No. Eligible common-law and conjugal partners have distinct routes. Each has its own legal definition and evidence requirements.
IRCC requires permanent resident sponsors to live in Canada. Different rules apply to Canadian citizens who can establish a return plan.
Check the official guidance
Research checked 13 October 2026. Program rules, intake, fees, and processing times can change. Use the current official instructions before making a decision.