Spousal Sponsorship
Spousal Sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their married spouse or common-law partner for permanent residency in Canada. The sponsorship process ensures that both you and your spouse meet the criteria set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
A marriage is recognized as valid under Canadian immigration law if it is legally conducted in the country where it occurred or is deemed valid under Canadian law.

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Inland or oversea Sponsorship?
There are two kind of spousal sponsorships. Inland Spousal Sponsorship allows you to sponsor your spouse if they are already living with you in Canada as a temporary resident (visitor, student, or worker). Conversely, If your spouse is living outside of Canada, you can sponsor them for permanent residency under Overseas Spousal Sponsorship.
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Eligibility for Spousal Sponsorship
To sponsor your spouse, you must meet the following criteria:
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Be 18 years of age or older
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Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
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Reside in Canada (for PR) or intend to reside in Canada (for Citizens) once your spouse is granted permanent residency
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Be financially able to support your spouse for three years
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Have not been sponsored as a spouse in the last five years
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Not be in jail or convicted of a serious crime
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Not have an undischarged bankruptcy
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Not be subject to a removal order
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Grounds for Ineligibility
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You have sponsored a spouse in the past three years.
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You have failed to repay social assistance or immigration loans.
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You have defaulted on child or spousal support.
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You have a criminal record involving violent or sexual crimes or bodily harm.
Inland or Oversea
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Inland
Eligibility for inland Sponsorship
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The spouse to be sponsored has to be already living with the sponsoring spouse in Canada as a temporary resident
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The applicant cannot leave Canada while the application is being processed
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​Your spouse may apply for an open work permit while the application is being processed
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Open Work permit Eligibility
In order for the the spouse to get a spousal open work permit, sh/e must:
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Must have submitted a permanent residency application through spousal sponsorship.
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Must hold temporary resident status as a visitor, student, or worker.
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Must share the same address with their Sponsoring spouse
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Must meet all other spousal sponsorship requirements.
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​If your temporary resident status has expired, you cannot apply until your permanent residency application receives Approval in Principle (AIP), which indicates that your application meets the basic requirements and is undergoing medical and security checks.
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Oversea
If your spouse is living outside of Canada, you can sponsor them for permanent residency under Overseas Spousal Sponsorship. Key points include:
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You must financially support your spouse during their time in Canada.
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If your application is refused, you have the right to appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD).
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You can apply for overseas sponsorship while residing in Canada, even if you need to travel during the processing.
Frequently asked questions

Get in Touch
At MTA Immigration Services, we are here to help guide you through the spousal sponsorship process, whether you are applying inland or overseas. Contact us today for professional assistance in reuniting with your loved one in Canada.



