Spousal and partner sponsorship lets a Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence. Applications can be filed outland (partner applies from outside Canada) or inland (partner is already in Canada), and the right choice affects processing, travel restrictions, and work permit eligibility while the application is in process.
- Best For
- Canadian citizens or PRs sponsoring a spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner.
- Key Distinction
- Outland generally allows travel; inland generally allows an open work permit while you wait.
- Good to Know
- Relationship evidence quality matters far more than which route you choose.
Who This Is For
This service is for Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsoring a spouse or partner, and for couples who are unsure whether they qualify as common-law or need to strengthen a relationship's evidence before applying.
How We Help
- Determining whether outland or inland sponsorship better fits your situation
- Building the relationship evidence package that genuinely demonstrates a bona fide relationship
- Sponsor eligibility review, including income and prior sponsorship obligations where relevant
- Open work permit applications for inland applicants while the sponsorship is processed
- Guidance through requests for additional information and interviews, if IRCC requests them
What to Expect
Spousal sponsorship refusals are almost always about the strength and clarity of the relationship evidence, not paperwork technicalities. We work with couples to build an honest, well-documented case — the same standard we'd want if it were our own family's application.