How to Sponsor Your Spouse to Canada in 2025: Complete Guide to Partner Immigration

If you're looking to bring your spouse or partner to Canada in 2025, the spousal sponsorship program remains one of the most reliable ways to secure Canadian permanent residence for your loved one.

Whether your partner is overseas or already in Canada, this pathway is designed to keep families together and offers options for married couples, common-law relationships, and even long-term partners unable to live together due to circumstances beyond their control.

Let’s walk through the essentials of how to sponsor a spouse to Canada, the eligibility requirements, process details, interview tips, and everything in between.

Who Can Sponsor a Spouse for Canada PR?

To qualify as a sponsor, you must:

• Be 18 years or older;

• Hold Canadian citizenship or permanent residence;

• Reside in Canada (only citizens can apply from abroad if planning to return when PR is granted);

• Prove you can financially support your spouse or partner;

• Not be receiving social assistance (unless it's due to a disability).

Certain situations can make you ineligible to sponsor, including past sponsorship defaults, specific criminal convictions, or being under a removal order.

Who You Can Sponsor: Spouse, Common-Law, or Conjugal Partner

Under the spousal sponsorship 2025 program, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor:

• A legally married spouse (must be recognized in both countries);

• A common-law partner (cohabiting for at least 12 consecutive months);

• A conjugal partner (in a committed relationship for over a year but unable to live together due to legal or external barriers).

You may also include dependent children in the application, provided they meet IRCC’s age and dependency requirements, if applicable.

Inland vs. Outland Spousal Sponsorship in Canada

There are two main pathways when applying for spousal sponsorship:

1. Inland Sponsorship (Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada Class)

If your partner is currently in Canada, this route allows them to stay while the application is processed. In most cases, they may also qualify for a spousal open work permit (SOWP), enabling them to work while awaiting their PR status.

💡 Key facts:

• The sponsor and the applicant must both continue to reside in Canada for the duration of the application process. While short trips outside of Canada are generally permitted, Canada must remain the primary place of residence for both parties and entry back into Canada must be granted.

• Appeals are not available for inland applications if refused.

• Processing time: ~24 months (as of 2025).

2. Outland Sponsorship (Family Class)

If your partner lives outside Canada—or you're a citizen living abroad—this is typically the route you’ll take. This pathway often has shorter processing times and does not require residence in Canada.

💡 Key facts:

• Available to all partner types, including conjugal.

• Right to appeal if the application is refused.

• Processing time: ~10 months (as of 2025).

Spousal Sponsorship Requirements: Proving Your Relationship

To be approved, you’ll need to prove the genuineness of your relationship. IRCC looks for strong evidence such as:

• Photos from events or travels together;

• Joint leases, utility bills, or bank accounts;

• Social media screenshots or chat history;

• Affidavits/letters from friends and family;

• Birth certificates of children (if applicable).

Marriage by proxy, phone, internet, or any form where both individuals weren't physically present will not be recognized.

Interview Tips: What to Expect in a Spousal Sponsorship Interview

Some applicants are called for interviews if IRCC has questions about the relationship. Expect to be interviewed separately and asked personal questions like:

• How you met and where;

• Names of each other’s family members;

• Your daily routines;

• Details about your wedding or future plans;

• Household responsibilities;

• Shared goals or hobbies.

Honesty and consistency are crucial.

What Is the Undertaking Period?

By sponsoring a spouse or partner, you’re agreeing to support them financially for three years from the day they become a permanent resident. During this period:

• They cannot access social assistance (or you must repay it);

• The obligation remains even if the relationship ends;

• The agreement cannot be cancelled once PR is granted.

Cost of Spousal Sponsorship to Canada (2025)

Here’s a breakdown of the 2025 Canadian spousal sponsorship fees:

Add $170 per dependent child, if applicable. Be prepared for additional costs such as medical exams, police certificates, and translation of documents.

Trending in 2025: Why Spousal Sponsorship to Canada Is in High Demand

As interest in immigration to Canada through family sponsorship grows, spousal sponsorship remains one of the top searched Canadian immigration topics in 2025.

This is largely due to:

• Faster processing for Family Class applicants;

• The availability of the Open Work Permit for spouses;

• Canada’s continued emphasis on family reunification;

• Fewer requirements compared to other PR streams.

If you're considering applying to sponsor your spouse for Canadian permanent residence, now is the time to gather your documents, check eligibility, and start the application process.

About the Author: Lauren Shannan is a Senior Immigration Consultant with 10 years of experience helping foreign nationals navigate their journey in Canada. With her extensive knowledge of immigration processes and policies, Lauren provides valuable insights to those looking to make Canada their new home.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized advice, please consult with a licensed immigration professional.