Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Before beginning the application process, carefully assess whether both you and your spouse or partner meet the eligibility requirements for spousal sponsorship.

Consider which application stream is most appropriate for your situation:

• Inland Sponsorship: If your spouse or partner is already living in Canada (with or without legal status)
• Outland Sponsorship: If your spouse or partner is living outside Canada

Step 2: Prepare and Submit Application

Gather all required documents and complete the application forms. The application package includes forms for both the sponsor and the applicant.

Common documents include:

• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, photos, correspondence, joint accounts)
• Proof of sponsor's status in Canada
• Identity documents for both parties
• Police certificates
• Medical examination results

Submit your complete application package to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) along with the required fees.

Step 3: Application Processing

After submitting your application, IRCC will review it to ensure it's complete. If accepted for processing, they will assess the sponsor's eligibility first, followed by the applicant's eligibility.

Processing times vary depending on whether you applied through the Inland or Outland stream and the current application volumes. During this time, IRCC may request additional information or documents to support your application.

For Inland applications, the applicant may be eligible to apply for an open work permit while waiting for the permanent residence application to be processed.

Step 4: Medical and Security Checks

The applicant will need to undergo medical examinations and security/background checks. They will receive instructions on how to complete these requirements after the initial application processing.

Medical examinations must be conducted by a panel physician approved by IRCC. Criminal and security checks will be conducted by Canadian authorities in collaboration with authorities in the applicant's country of residence.

Step 5: Interview (if required)

In some cases, the applicant may be called for an interview at a Canadian embassy, high commission, or consulate. This is to verify information provided in the application and assess the genuineness of the relationship.

Not all applicants are called for interviews, but it's important to be prepared for this possibility. The interview may cover details about your relationship, how you met, your daily life together, and future plans.

Step 6: Final Decision and Landing

If the application is approved, the applicant will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if applicable, a permanent resident visa.

For Outland applications, the applicant will need to travel to Canada before the expiry date on these documents. Upon arrival in Canada, they will meet with an immigration officer who will verify their documents and officially grant permanent resident status.

For Inland applications, the applicant will be scheduled for a landing appointment at a local IRCC office to complete the permanent residence process.

Marriage Documentation

For legally married couples, provide:

• Marriage certificate
• Wedding photos showing both partners, family members, and guests
• Wedding invitations or announcements
• Religious or traditional ceremony documentation
• Marriage registration documents

If either partner was previously married, include divorce certificates or death certificates of former spouses to prove you were legally free to marry.

Common-Law Documentation

For common-law partners, provide evidence of cohabitation for at least 12 continuous months:

• Joint lease or mortgage documents
• Utility bills showing both names or separate bills at the same address
• Insurance policies naming each other as beneficiaries
• Mail addressed to each partner at the same address
• Sworn affidavits from friends and family confirming your relationship and cohabitation
• Government-issued ID showing the same address

Relationship History

Document the development and history of your relationship:

• Detailed written statements from both partners explaining how you met, how your relationship developed, and your future plans
• Photos together over time, showing the progression of your relationship (with dates and descriptions)
• Evidence of trips taken together (boarding passes, hotel reservations, photos)
• Text messages, emails, or social media interactions (with translations if not in English or French)
• Phone records showing regular communication
• Letters or cards exchanged

Financial Integration

Evidence of financial ties and shared responsibilities:

• Joint bank accounts or credit cards
• Shared investments or assets
• Wills naming each other as beneficiaries
• Money transfers between partners
• Joint loans or debts
• Shared financial responsibilities (rent, utilities, groceries)
• Joint tax filings (if applicable)

Family and Social Integration

Evidence that your relationship is recognized by family and friends:

• Photos with each other's family members
• Letters or statements from family members and friends confirming the relationship
• Evidence of family events attended together
• Social media posts acknowledging your relationship
• Holiday or special occasion celebrations together
• Correspondence addressed to you as a couple

Additional Supporting Evidence

Other documentation that can strengthen your application:

• Children born to the relationship (birth certificates naming both partners as parents)
• Shared pets (veterinary records, adoption papers)
• Shared memberships (gym, clubs, religious organizations)
• Evidence of major decisions made together
• Cultural or religious ceremonies participated in together
• Health or life insurance policies naming each other as beneficiaries
• Power of attorney documents