How to bring your spouse/common-law partner to Canada

If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident planning to build a life in Canada with your spouse or common-law partner who doesn't yet have permanent status, you may be eligible to sponsor them for permanent residence.

Before you begin the sponsorship process, there are important requirements and considerations to keep in mind.

Who Can Be a Sponsor?

To be eligible to sponsor your spouse or common-law partner, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old;

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;

  • If you’re a permanent resident, you must be living in Canada;

• Be able to financially support your spouse/common-law partner for three (3) years after they become a permanent resident.

Who Cannot Be a Sponsor?

You may NOT be eligible to sponsor if you:

• Are unable to financially support your spouse/common-law partner;

  • Are subject to a removal order, currently incarcerated, or in prison;

  • Are an undischarged bankrupt;

  • Are in default of:

    • Spousal or child support payments;

    • Immigration loans or performance bonds;

    • A previous sponsorship undertaking;

  • Are receiving social assistance (except for disability);

• Are a Canadian citizen living outside Canada and NOT planning to return to Canada after your spouse/common-law partner becomes a permanent resident;

• Have committed a sexual or domestic violence-related offence;

• Sponsored another spouse or common-law partner in the past three (3) years (undertaking is still in effect);

• Were yourself sponsored as a spouse or partner within the past five (5) years.

  
  

When Your Spouse/Common-Law Partner Cannot Be Sponsored

Your partner is ineligible for sponsorship if:

• They are under 18 years old;

• They were your spouse or partner at the time you immigrated, but you did not declare them in your original permanent residence application;

• They are still legally married to someone else and have not been separated for at least one year;

• It is determined that the relationship was entered into primarily for immigration purposes.

Genuineness of the Relationship

Proving that your relationship is genuine is one of the most important aspects of your sponsorship application.

You and your spouse/common-law partner must complete a detailed Relationship Evaluation Form covering how your relationship developed, key milestones, and witnesses to your relationship. In addition, you’ll be asked to provide:

• Documentation of shared residence (e.g., lease agreements, utility bills);

• Letters of support from family and friends;

• A series of photos spanning the length of your relationship;

• Communication records, such as screenshots of messages, emails, or call logs (if applicable);

• Other supporting documents that reflect your life together.

The immigration officer must be satisfied that your relationship is bona fide—that is, real and not entered into solely for immigration purposes. Many applications are refused because the submitted evidence fails to demonstrate a genuine connection. It’s critical to provide strong, detailed, and organized documentation to make your case clear.

If you need help preparing a completed and convincing sponsorship application, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

📧 Contact us at info@valancyimmigration.ca or

📅 Book a consultation to get personalized guidance tailored to your situation.