Family Reunification: Sponsoring a Spouse or Partner to Canada

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence under the Family Class sponsorship program. The process takes between 12–24 months depending on where the application is processed (inland or outland) and IRCC's current processing times.

Key requirements: you must be over 18; not receiving social assistance (except for disability); have no criminal record for certain offences; and sign an undertaking to financially support your sponsored spouse for 3 years (citizen) or 3 years from when they become a PR (if you are a PR). Strong documentation of the genuine relationship is essential — include photos, communication records, financial evidence, and statutory declarations from people who know you as a couple.