This visa allows Canadians and permanent residents to sponsor their legally married spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to become a permanent resident of Canada. It’s one of the most common and effective pathways to reunite couples separated by borders.
Sponsor must:
Be 18 years or older
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Reside in Canada (or plan to return before spouse arrives)
Not be receiving social assistance (unless for disability)
Not be in default of prior sponsorship agreements
Sponsored spouse/partner must:
Be legally married or in a genuine common-law/conjugal relationship
Be at least 18 years old
Pass medical and criminal admissibility checks
Marriage certificate or proof of common-law/conjugal relationship
Proof of ongoing relationship (photos, chat history, shared bills, etc.)
Canadian citizenship/PR proof (e.g., passport, PR card)
Police certificates
Medical examination
Government-issued ID and passport of applicant
IMM 1344, IMM 0008, and other required forms
Digital photos as per IRCC specifications
Inland sponsorship: 12–16 months
Outland sponsorship: 8–12 months
