Family Sponsorship - Spouse, Partner, or Dependent Child
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 12 months for inland applications, varies for overseas
- Fee
- CAD $1,205 (sponsor fee) + $575 (RPRF) + $85 (biometrics) = CAD $1,865 for spouse
- Validity
- Permanent residence
- Entry
- Single entry
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent children for permanent residence. No income requirement for sponsoring spouse/partner/dependent children. Sponsor must sign an undertaking to provide for basic needs for 3 years from date PR is granted. Sponsored spouse in Canada may be eligible for open work permit while application is being processed.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and living in Canada (or planning to return if citizen abroad). Cannot sponsor if receiving social assistance (other than disability), under a removal order, in prison, bankrupt, or previously failed sponsorship undertaking.
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Criminal record
Sponsored person must be admissible to Canada. Both sponsor and sponsored person undergo background checks.
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Health
Sponsored person must pass immigration medical examination. Excessive demand on health/social services may be waived for spouse/partner/dependent children.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 0
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35mm x 45mm, white background, taken within last 6 months
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Police clearance
Countries required: All countries where sponsored person lived 6+ months since age 18; Validity months: 12
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: IMM 1344 (Sponsorship), IMM 0008 (Generic Application for PR), IMM 5669 (Schedule A), IMM 5406 (Additional Family Info); Form url: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5289-sponsor-your-spouse-common-law-partner-conjugal-partner-dependent-child-complete-guide.html
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/where-to-give-biometrics.html; Location: Visa Application Centre
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Marriage certificate
Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes
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Health exam
Panel physician required: Yes; Validity months: 12
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Relationship evidence
Minimum evidence items: 3; Relationship type: Spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent child
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather marriage/partnership evidence, proof of genuine relationship (photos, communications, joint accounts, travel records), police certificates, and medical exam results.
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Online application
Submit sponsorship application and permanent residence application simultaneously online through IRCC portal.
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Fee payment
Pay CAD $1,205 sponsorship fee plus CAD $575 RPRF for spouse. Dependent children: $170 each (no RPRF for children under 22).
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Biometrics
Sponsored person provides biometrics at designated collection point.
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Processing wait
Processing time approximately 12 months. Sponsor receives acknowledgement of receipt first, then staged processing begins.