Reviewed by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (licensed by the CICC)Last updated:
Short answer
A spousal sponsorship needs three things: sponsor forms showing the Canadian citizen or PR is eligible, permanent residence forms for the spouse or partner, and strong evidence that the relationship is genuine, such as marriage or cohabitation proof, photos over time, communication history, joint finances and travel records.
Inland or outland?
| Inland (spouse in Canada) | Outland (spouse anywhere) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where the couple lives | Together in Canada | Anywhere |
| Open work permit while waiting | Often possible | Not through this route |
| Travel during processing | Risky: you must stay in Canada | Free to travel |
| Appeal if refused | No appeal (court review only) | Appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division |
Core documents
- Sponsorship and permanent residence forms from the current IRCC document checklist
- Passports, birth certificates and national IDs
- Marriage certificate, or proof of 12 months of living together for common-law partners
- Proof the sponsor is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Police certificates and medical exam for the person being sponsored
- Divorce or death certificates for any previous marriages
Relationship evidence that works
- Photos together over the whole relationship, with family and friends, with dates and places
- Wedding or ceremony evidence: invitations, guest list, photos, receipts
- Communication history across time, not hundreds of pages from one week
- Joint lease, bank accounts, bills, insurance or beneficiary designations
- Travel records and boarding passes for visits
- Letters from people who know you as a couple
Mistakes that cause delays or refusals
- Inconsistent dates between forms, letters and evidence
- Not disclosing previous relationships, refusals or children
- Missing translations for documents not in English or French
- Very little evidence for short relationships, large age gaps or arranged marriages, which need extra explanation
Frequently asked questions
How much relationship evidence is enough?
Enough to show the full story of your relationship clearly. Quality, variety and consistency matter more than volume.
Can my spouse work while we wait?
Spouses in Canada applying inland can often get an open work permit. We confirm eligibility for your case.
Information on this site is general and is not legal advice. We never guarantee approvals. Only Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) makes decisions on applications.