Common-Law Sponsorship Canada

You must be at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and meet certain financial and legal requirements. Some restrictions apply if you have past criminal convictions or bankruptcy. 

You may sponsor your spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and, in certain cases, other close relatives such as orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren. 

Required documents include proof of relationship, marriage or birth certificates, identity documents, police certificates, medical exams, financial documents, and completed application forms. 

Processing times depend on the sponsorship category. Spousal and child sponsorships typically take about 12 months, while parents and grandparents may take longer due to higher demand and intake caps. 

Yes, as a sponsor, you must sign an “undertaking” to provide financial support for your family member for a specific period, even if circumstances change. 

Applications can be refused for reasons such as incomplete forms, lack of relationship evidence, criminal or medical inadmissibility, or not meeting financial requirements. 

Our accredited team offers clear guidance, thorough document review, and ongoing support to maximize your chances of success and bring your loved ones to Canada with confidence. 

To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, not receiving social assistance (except for disability), and able to provide financially for your spouse. 

The average processing time can vary but typically ranges from 12 to 18 months, depending on your unique situation and the completeness of your application. 

You should include official documents (like a marriage certificate), joint financial statements, photos, travel records, communication logs, and letters from family and friends that demonstrate your relationship is real and ongoing. 

If your spouse is applying from within Canada (In-Canada Class), they may be eligible for an open work permit while their sponsorship application is being processed. 

If your sponsorship application is refused, you will receive a detailed decision letter. Outland applicants have the right to appeal. Consider seeking legal advice to understand your options for appeal or re-application. 

While there is no set minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship, you must sign an undertaking to support your spouse’s basic needs and prove you are not receiving social assistance (except for disability).

Canadian citizens living abroad may sponsor their spouse, provided they can show they plan to return and live in Canada when their spouse becomes a permanent resident. Permanent residents must be residing in Canada to sponsor. 

A common-law relationship means you and your partner have lived together in a conjugal (marriage-like) relationship for at least 12 consecutive months, with no major interruptions. 

You should provide joint lease agreements or mortgage documents, utility bills in both names, government-issued ID with shared addresses, joint bank account statements, and photos together. The Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409) is also required. 

Short separations for work, travel, or family reasons are generally acceptable, as long as you can show you maintained a shared residence as your primary home.

If your partner is living in Canada, the In-Canada stream may allow them to remain and apply for an open work permit. The Outland stream is an option if your partner is outside Canada or if you want a right of appeal. Each stream has unique advantages—getting advice is recommended. 

The most common reasons are not meeting the 12-month cohabitation requirement, insufficient evidence of the relationship, or failing medical/criminal checks. 

Processing times can range from 12 to 24 months depending on the application stream, the completeness of your file, and IRCC workload. Providing strong, clear documentation can help avoid delays. 

Absolutely. Our team will assess your eligibility, guide you on gathering the right evidence, and help build a strong application for the best chance of success. 

In-Canada sponsorship is for couples living together in Canada during the process, while Outland sponsorship is for couples where the sponsored person lives outside Canada or prefers the flexibility of applying from abroad. Processing times, work permit eligibility, and appeal rights are different for each stream. 

If you apply through the In-Canada stream, your spouse may be eligible for an Open Work Permit. The Outland stream does not provide a work permit while the application is being processed. 

If refused under the In-Canada stream, there is no right to appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). Under the Outland stream, the sponsor may appeal a refusal to the IAD. 

Processing times can vary but IRCC aims to process both In-Canada and Outland applications within approximately 12 months. Times may be shorter or longer depending on the complexity of your situation. 

Under Outland sponsorship, your partner can travel in and out of Canada if eligible. With In-Canada sponsorship, it’s not recommended since leaving Canada during processing may risk the application. 

Yes, all applications require evidence of a genuine marriage or partnership. This may include joint documents, photographs, correspondence, and affidavits from friends or family.

The best choice depends on your family’s needs. If being together in Canada and working is a priority, In-Canada may be preferred. If flexibility and the right of appeal are important, Outland may be the better option. Consulting with a licensed immigration expert can help you make an informed decision. 

Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons registered under the Canadian Indian Act who are 18 years of age or older and meet all requirements can sponsor their dependent child. 

Common documents include a long-form birth certificate, legal adoption papers, and (for separated parents) custody agreements and letters of consent.

Canadian citizens may apply from abroad if they provide evidence that they will return to Canada once permanent residence is approved. Permanent residents must be residing in Canada to sponsor. 

Generally, there is no specific minimum income needed, unless the sponsored child has a dependent of their own. However, you must demonstrate your ability to support the child financially. 

Processing times vary, but most applications are processed within 12–18 months. Accuracy and completeness of your application can help avoid delays. 

A signed letter of consent from the other parent is mandatory unless sole custody has been legally granted. Applications without required consent may be refused. 

Yes, all sponsored children must pass medical examinations and background checks to be considered admissible to Canada. 

You may sponsor an orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece, or grandchild if they meet strict criteria, or one other blood or adopted relative only if you have no closer family in Canada or whom you could sponsor. 

You’ll need long-form birth certificates, death certificates for parents (if applicable), adoption papers, and any legal documents establishing family connections. 

This provision allows you to sponsor one relative of any age if you have no spouse, partner, children, parents, or other eligible family in Canada or whom you could sponsor. This is a rare situation and requires significant documentation. 

Yes, you must meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) based on your family size and sign a financial undertaking to support the sponsored relative for a set period. 

Applications are often refused for incomplete documentation, ineligible relationships, or missing proof of financial ability or family connection. 

No, this pathway does not allow sponsorship of cousins, uncles, aunts, or adult children unless they fall under the exceptional circumstances specified. 

We offer comprehensive eligibility assessments, prepare all required documents, and provide step-by-step guidance to maximize your chances of approval and help you avoid costly errors. 

No, as of early 2026, the PGP intake is closed to new expressions of interest. Future intakes have not been announced by IRCC. 

You must be at least 18, be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, reside in Canada, and meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the last three years. 

IRCC randomly selects candidates from the existing pool of sponsors who submitted an “Interest to Sponsor” form during the last intake. 

Sponsors must commit to supporting their parents and grandparents for 20 years (10 years in Quebec), including all basic needs and social assistance repayment. 

While you cannot submit a new PGP application, the Super Visa is an excellent alternative for temporary stays with multiple entries. 

Required documents include proof of income (NOAs from CRA), relationship documents, government-issued IDs, and supporting forms. Additional evidence may be needed by IRCC. 

A regulated immigration consultant provides step-by-step guidance, ensures you meet all requirements, helps you assemble accurate documentation, and keeps you informed about program changes. This support can reduce errors and bring peace of mind to your family sponsorship journey.