Spousal sponsorship remains one of the most widely used pathways to permanent residence in Canada, but processing times changed considerably in May 2026. Here is the current state of the program and tips for preparing your file well. See also our page on sponsoring a spouse. See also our page on sponsoring a common-law partner.
Processing times — spousal sponsorship May 2026
| Type of application | May 2026 time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse living outside Canada (processing outside Canada) | 24 months | Most common |
| Spouse in Canada — change of status (processing in Canada) | 18 months | Temporary resident permit included |
| Spouse in Canada + accelerated sponsorship (PR+) | 12 months | Strict criteria |
| Spousal sponsorship — Québec (IRCC + MIFI) | 38 months | Two levels of approval |
Processing in Canada vs. outside Canada: which option to choose?
If your spouse is already in Canada with valid temporary status (work permit, study permit, visitor), processing in Canada (18 months) is generally faster than processing outside Canada (24 months). In addition, with processing in Canada, your spouse receives a temporary resident permit (TRP) allowing them to stay legally in Canada while the file is being processed.
Accelerated PR+ sponsorship: for whom?
The PR+ program offers 12-month processing for couples who can demonstrate:
- A marriage of more than 2 years with continuous cohabitation
- Legally recognized children in common
- A file with no history of IRCC refusals
Contact us to assess whether you are eligible for this program.
Key documents for a strong sponsorship file
- Official, legalized marriage certificate (apostille if required)
- At least 12 to 20 pieces of evidence of the genuine relationship : photos, communication records, joint financial evidence, letters from third parties
- Forms IMM 1344 (Application to Sponsor), IMM 0008 (Permanent Residence), IMM 5562 (Supplementary Information)
- Medical exam by an IRCC-designated physician (form IMM 1017)
- Police certificate for the principal applicant and dependants aged 18 and over
Conditional permanent resident status
For couples married for less than 2 years with no children in common, permanent residence is granted under conditions for 2 years. During this period, the couple must maintain a genuine conjugal relationship. A separation or divorce within 2 years may result in the revocation of permanent residence.
For any question about your family sponsorship file, consult our team.
Tip: Never submit an incomplete sponsorship file. IRCC returns incomplete files and the clock restarts from zero. Support from an RCIC helps you submit a complete file the first time.
Your situation is unique — let’s review it together
Mohamed Rachid Trissia, RCIC R420535, supports you at every step of your Canadian immigration plan.
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