Sponsorship within Canada

Canadian citizens or permanent residents already living with their spouse or common-law partner in Canada can apply to sponsor through the Family Sponsorship Program for spouses, partners or dependent children. This process allows the sponsored spouse to remain in Canada while his or her application for permanent residence is being processed.

The interior sponsorship process

Frequently asked questions :

Can I travel abroad while my application is being processed?

Yes, it is possible to travel, but it is not recommended. If the sponsored person is refused entry to Canada, his or her application may be cancelled, and he or she will have to submit a new application.

What if the sponsored person is not legally resident in Canada?

If this is not the case, a sponsorship request will have to be made from abroad.

Requirements to become a spouse sponsor

To be eligible to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident must meet the following criteria:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada (or intending to live in Canada when the partner becomes a permanent resident).
• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
• Not have benefited from spousal sponsorship in the last five years.
• Not be bankrupt, in prison or charged with a serious offence.
• Not under a removal order (if sponsor is a permanent resident).
• Prove that you do not receive social assistance, except in cases of disability.

• A legal marriage: The marriage must be valid under Canadian law or the law of the country where it was celebrated.
  
  
• A de facto spouse: Partners must have lived together continuously for at least 12 months without legal proof of their commitment.

Minimum income to sponsor a spouse

No minimum income is required to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner. This means that Canadian citizens or permanent residents are not required to prove their financial ability to sponsor their spouse. However, if you are sponsoring additional family members, such as parents or grandparents, you will need to meet income requirements commensurate with the size of your family.

The benefits of internal sponsorship

Open work permit for spouse :

If the sponsored person only holds a temporary visa that prevents them from working, they can apply for an open work permit at the same time as the sponsorship application. This allows the sponsored spouse to work for any employer in Canada, reducing financial strain during the process.

Staying together during the procedure:

The main advantage of in-Canada sponsorship is that couples can stay together while their application is being processed. This reinforces the emotional support and stability of the couple, unlike sponsorship from outside the country, where separations can occur.

Sponsorship in Quebec

If the sponsor resides in Quebec, he or she must meet specific requirements, including a commitment to financially support the family member he or she is sponsoring. This obligation generally lasts three years in the case of a spouse or de facto spouse.

Additional conditions for the sponsored person :

• Valid temporary status in Canada (student, worker or visitor).
• Not be a close relative of the respondent.
• Be at least 18 years old.

Frequently asked questions :

Do I need to prove my income to sponsor my spouse?

No, you do not need to prove your income if you are sponsoring only your spouse or common-law partner. However, for other family members such as parents or grandparents, the minimum income requirement must be met.

Can I sponsor a spouse who is currently visiting Canada on a tourist visa?

Yes, a temporary visitor visa is sufficient to start an inland sponsorship application, as long as the sponsored person is legally residing in Canada while the application is being processed.

How long does it take for my sponsorship application to be processed?

As a general rule, spousal sponsorship applications are processed within about 12 months, but this can vary according to individual circumstances.