If you’re looking to sponsor your spouse or common-law partner for Canadian permanent residency in 2025, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.
Eligibility Requirements
Sponsor Eligibility (Canadian Citizen or PR)
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered as an Indigenous person under the Indian Act.
- Cannot be receiving social assistance (except for disability).
- Must prove financial ability to support the spouse.
- Must not have a criminal record or be in prison.
Sponsored Spouse/Partner Eligibility
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must be legally married or in a common-law/conjugal relationship (at least 12 months of cohabitation).
- Must pass medical and security checks.
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Gather Required Documents
Both sponsor and sponsored spouse must provide:
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Proof of relationship (photos, chat logs, joint accounts, travel records).
- Police clearance certificates.
- Medical exam results (from an IRCC-approved physician).
- Passport copies.
- Proof of sponsor’s Canadian status (citizenship certificate, PR card).
- Financial documents (employment letter, tax returns, bank statements).
2. Complete Application Forms
Key forms include:
- IMM 1344 (Application to Sponsor)
- IMM 5532 (Relationship Questionnaire)
- IMM 0008 (Generic Application Form for Canada)
- IMM 5406 (Additional Family Information)
3. Pay Fees
- Sponsorship fee: $85 CAD
- Principal applicant processing fee: $490 CAD
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): $515 CAD
- Biometrics fee (if applicable): $85 CAD
Total: ~$1,175 CAD (may vary)
4. Submit the Application
- Mail the complete application package to:
Case Processing Centre – Mississauga (CPC-M)
P.O. Box 5040, Station B
Mississauga, ON L5A 3A4, Canada - Alternatively, apply online via the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal.
5. Application Processing & Updates
- IRCC will send an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR).
- The sponsor may be asked for additional documents.
- The sponsored spouse may need to give biometrics.
- Processing times vary (currently ~12 months for most cases).
6. Approval & Landing
- If approved, the spouse receives a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
- They must land in Canada before the COPR expires.
- A PR card will be mailed afterward.
Tips for Success
✅ Prove a genuine relationship – Include wedding photos, joint bills, affidavits from friends/family.
✅ Submit a complete application – Missing documents cause delays.
✅ Check for updates – Use the IRCC online tracker.
✅ Consider hiring an immigration lawyer if your case is complex.
Why Choose Canada?
- Family reunification is a top priority for IRCC.
- Spouses get open work permits while waiting for PR.
- Access to free healthcare & education after approval.