Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship
Spouses, common-law or conjugal partners of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
The Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship is a Canadian family & partner visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~CA$1,205 (sponsorship + processing + CA$575 RPRF), plus ~CA$85 biometrics) and processing time (~12 months (outland) or ~28 months (inland outside Quebec)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship is for
Spouses, common-law or conjugal partners of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Grants permanent residence directly to the sponsored partner.
Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship - eligibility criteria
- Sponsor is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18+
- A genuine marriage, common-law or conjugal relationship
- Sponsor not in default of a previous sponsorship undertaking
- Sponsor signs an undertaking to support the partner
- Both parties are admissible
Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship (Canada) is ~CA$1,205 (sponsorship + processing + CA$575 RPRF), plus ~CA$85 biometrics, with an indicative processing time of ~12 months (outland) or ~28 months (inland outside Quebec). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at IRCC (canada.ca).
| Type | Permanent residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online; inland (in Canada) or outland (outside Canada) |
| Length of stay | Permanent |
| Work rights | Full work rights once PR is granted (open work permit possible inland) |
| Study rights | Full study rights as a permanent resident |
| Government fee | ~CA$1,205 (sponsorship + processing + CA$575 RPRF), plus ~CA$85 biometrics |
| Processing time | ~12 months (outland) or ~28 months (inland outside Quebec) |
| Route to PR | Grants permanent residence directly to the sponsored partner. |
Pathway & next steps
Grants permanent residence directly to the sponsored partner.
Many applicants also compare Child Sponsorship · Dependent Child Sponsorship, PGP · Parents and Grandparents Program, Super Visa · Super Visa (Parents and Grandparents). Run a free VisaChief check to see which Canadian route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship pitfalls we fix
Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship - frequently asked questions
How much does the Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship cost?
The Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship government fee is ~CA$1,205 (sponsorship + processing + CA$575 RPRF), plus ~CA$85 biometrics. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at IRCC (canada.ca) before applying.
How long does the Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~12 months (outland) or ~28 months (inland outside Quebec). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship lead to permanent residence?
Grants permanent residence directly to the sponsored partner.
Can I work on the Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship?
Work rights: Full work rights once PR is granted (open work permit possible inland).
Who can apply for the Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship?
Spouses, common-law or conjugal partners of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Canada government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- IRCC (canada.ca) - official Canada immigration authority