Sponsor Your Spouse From Inside Canada

Last Updated on: 16th June 2026, 11:47 am

What Is Inland Spousal Sponsorship in Canada?

Inland spousal sponsorship allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner who is already living in Canada. The sponsored person can remain in Canada while Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada reviews the permanent residence application.

This program is designed for couples who are living together in Canada and want to continue their life together while the sponsorship application is processed. It is commonly used by spouses or partners who already have valid temporary resident status in Canada, such as visitor, worker, or student status.

Inland sponsorship is different from outland sponsorship because the applicant is applying from inside Canada under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class.

Who Can Sponsor a Spouse From Inside Canada?

To sponsor a spouse from inside Canada, the sponsor must meet specific eligibility rules. The sponsor is responsible for supporting the sponsored spouse financially and ensuring they do not need social assistance.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for a Sponsor?

A sponsor must generally:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Be at least 18 years old
• Live in Canada, or plan to live in Canada if they are a Canadian citizen living abroad
• Not be receiving social assistance, except for disability
• Sign an undertaking to financially support their spouse or partner
• Prove they can meet sponsorship obligations

The undertaking is a legal promise to support the sponsored spouse for a set period after they become a permanent resident. This means the sponsor may remain financially responsible even if the relationship changes later.

Who Is Not Eligible to Sponsor a Spouse?

Not everyone can sponsor a spouse or partner. A person may be ineligible if they:

• Are in default of a previous sponsorship agreement
• Failed to pay immigration loans, performance bonds, or family support payments
• Are receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability
• Are currently bankrupt and not discharged
• Were convicted of certain violent or family-related offences
• Were previously sponsored as a spouse and became a permanent resident less than five years ago
• Are under a removal order or detained

Because sponsor eligibility is closely reviewed, it is important to check these issues before submitting the application.

Who Can Be Sponsored Under Inland Spousal Sponsorship?

Inland spousal sponsorship may be available for legally married spouses and common-law partners who are living in Canada with their sponsor.

Can Legally Married Spouses Apply?

Yes. A legally married spouse can be sponsored if the marriage is legally valid in the country where it took place and recognized under Canadian law.

Applicants must provide proof of marriage, such as a marriage certificate. IRCC may also review whether the marriage is genuine and not entered into mainly for immigration purposes.

Can Common-Law Partners Apply?

Yes. Common-law partners may apply if they have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 continuous months.

Common-law applicants should provide strong proof of cohabitation, shared responsibilities, and a genuine relationship. This may include joint leases, shared bills, joint bank accounts, insurance records, mail sent to the same address, and photos or messages showing the relationship history.

Can Same-Sex Spouses Be Sponsored?

Yes. Canada recognizes same-sex marriages and partnerships for immigration purposes. Same-sex spouses and common-law partners may be eligible for inland spousal sponsorship if they meet the same relationship and eligibility requirements as opposite-sex couples.

The key issue is whether the relationship is genuine and properly documented.

What Documents Are Required for Inland Spousal Sponsorship?

A strong inland spousal sponsorship application includes identity documents, immigration forms, financial records, and relationship evidence. Missing or unclear documents can lead to delays, returned applications, or refusal.

What Relationship Documents Must Be Provided?

Relationship evidence helps prove that the marriage or partnership is genuine. Common examples include:

• Marriage certificate
• Photos together from different times and events
• Communication records
• Travel history
• Joint lease or mortgage documents
• Joint bank account statements
• Shared utility bills
• Insurance or benefit documents showing each other as beneficiaries
• Letters from family and friends confirming the relationship
• Proof of shared address
• Evidence of important life events together

The goal is to show a clear and consistent relationship history.

What Financial Documents Are Required?

Sponsors may need to provide financial documents to show they can meet sponsorship responsibilities. These may include:

• Employment letter
• Recent pay stubs
• Notice of Assessment or tax documents
• Bank statements
• Proof of self-employment income, if applicable
• Explanation of financial support if unemployed

For spousal sponsorship, there is usually no strict minimum income requirement unless dependent children with their own dependent children are included. However, the sponsor must still show they can support the sponsored spouse and meet the undertaking obligations.

What Immigration Forms Must Be Submitted?

The application usually includes sponsorship forms, permanent residence forms, and supporting documents. Common documents may include:

• Sponsorship application forms
• Permanent residence application forms
• Background and identity documents
• Passport copies
• Digital photos
• Police certificates, if required
• Medical exam instructions or proof, depending on IRCC requirements
• Relationship information forms
• Proof of status in Canada
• Fee payment receipt

Forms and document checklists can change, so applicants should always use the most current IRCC instructions before submitting.

Can a Sponsored Spouse Work While Waiting for Approval?

In many cases, a sponsored spouse applying from inside Canada may be eligible to apply for an open work permit while waiting for permanent residence approval.

What Is the Spousal Open Work Permit?

A spousal open work permit allows an eligible sponsored spouse or common-law partner to work for most employers in Canada while their permanent residence application is being processed.

This can help couples manage household expenses and reduce financial stress during the waiting period. It also allows the sponsored spouse to gain Canadian work experience while waiting for a decision.

When Can a Sponsored Spouse Start Working?

A sponsored spouse cannot work until they receive a valid work permit, unless they already have legal authorization to work in Canada.

In many cases, inland applicants with valid temporary resident status can apply for an open work permit after receiving an acknowledgement of receipt from IRCC. Processing times for the work permit can vary, so applicants should avoid starting work until the permit is approved.

How Long Does Inland Spousal Sponsorship Take?

Inland spousal sponsorship processing times can vary depending on IRCC workload, application complexity, background checks, and whether the application is complete.

What Is the Average Processing Time?

Many spousal sponsorship applications are processed in about 12 months, but this is not guaranteed. IRCC processing times are updated regularly and may change based on application volume and individual circumstances.

Applicants should check the current processing time before applying and continue monitoring their application after submission.

What Factors Affect Processing Time?

Several factors can delay inland spousal sponsorship, including:

• Missing documents
• Incomplete forms
• Unpaid or incorrect fees
• Security or background checks
• Medical or criminal inadmissibility concerns
• Relationship concerns
• Requests for additional documents
• High IRCC workload
• Incorrect information in the application

Submitting a complete and organized application from the beginning can help reduce avoidable delays.

How Much Does Inland Spousal Sponsorship Cost?

The cost of inland spousal sponsorship includes government fees and possible additional expenses, such as medical exams, police certificates, and document translations.

What Are the Government Application Fees?

Government fees may include:

• Sponsorship fee
• Principal applicant permanent residence processing fee
• Right of permanent residence fee
• Biometrics fee, if required

As of the latest IRCC fee update, the total government fee to sponsor a spouse or partner with the right of permanent residence fee is commonly listed as $1,260. This includes the sponsorship fee, processing fee, and right of permanent residence fee. Biometrics may be an additional cost if required.

Are There Additional Costs?

Applicants may also need to budget for:

• Medical exam
• Police certificates
• Translation services
• Document notarization
• Passport photos
• Courier or mailing fees, if applicable
• Immigration consultant fees, if professional help is used

Costs can vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin, document needs, and case complexity.

What Are Common Reasons Inland Spousal Sponsorship Applications Are Refused?

Inland spousal sponsorship applications can be refused for several reasons. Understanding these risks can help applicants prepare a stronger file.

Insufficient Proof of Relationship

One of the most common issues is weak relationship evidence. IRCC must be satisfied that the relationship is genuine and not entered into mainly for immigration purposes.

Applications may be at risk if there are limited photos, inconsistent relationship details, little proof of cohabitation, or unclear communication history.

Incomplete Application Forms

Missing signatures, outdated forms, blank sections, or incorrect answers can cause problems. Some applications may be returned before processing if they are incomplete.

Applicants should carefully review every form and checklist before submission.

Misrepresentation or Incorrect Information

Providing false, misleading, or inconsistent information can lead to serious consequences. Misrepresentation may result in refusal and possible restrictions on future immigration applications.

All answers should be accurate, honest, and consistent with the supporting documents.

Criminal or Medical Inadmissibility

A sponsored spouse may be refused if they are found inadmissible to Canada for criminal, security, or medical reasons.

Inadmissibility issues can be complex, so applicants with criminal history, previous immigration refusals, or medical concerns should seek professional advice before applying.

How Can You Improve the Chances of Approval?

A well-prepared application can reduce delays and improve the chances of a positive decision.

Provide Strong Relationship Evidence

Include documents that show the full history of the relationship. This may include proof of how the couple met, how the relationship developed, when they started living together, and how they share daily life.

The evidence should be organized, dated, and easy for an officer to review.

Submit a Complete and Organized Application

Use the correct forms, follow the latest checklist, and ensure every required document is included. A complete application helps avoid returns and unnecessary delays.

It is also helpful to label documents clearly and provide explanations for any unusual circumstances.

Include a Detailed Relationship History

A clear relationship timeline can help IRCC understand the couple’s story. This may include:

• When and how the couple met
• Important dates in the relationship
• Visits and travel history
• Engagement or marriage details
• Cohabitation history
• Family involvement
• Future plans together

The relationship history should match the documents submitted.

Seek Guidance From an Immigration Professional

An immigration consultant can help review eligibility, organize documents, identify weaknesses, and reduce the risk of mistakes.

Professional guidance may be especially helpful if the couple has previous refusals, status issues, complex relationship history, criminal concerns, or limited documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can My Spouse Stay in Canada While the Application Is Processing?

Yes, inland sponsorship allows the sponsored spouse to stay in Canada while the application is being processed. However, the spouse must still maintain valid temporary resident status unless they qualify under specific public policy measures or have applied for restoration or a work permit where applicable.

Can My Spouse Travel Outside Canada During Inland Sponsorship?

Travel outside Canada during inland sponsorship can be risky. Inland applicants are generally expected to live in Canada with their sponsor. If the sponsored spouse leaves Canada and cannot re-enter, the inland application may be affected.

What Happens If the Application Is Refused?

If an inland spousal sponsorship application is refused, the couple may have options depending on the reason for refusal. These may include reapplying with stronger evidence, requesting reconsideration, or seeking legal advice about available remedies.

Can Inland Sponsorship Be Converted to Outland Sponsorship?

In most cases, inland and outland sponsorship are separate application streams. If a couple wants to switch from inland to outland sponsorship, they may need to withdraw the current application and submit a new one under the appropriate category.

This decision should be made carefully because it can affect timelines, fees, and immigration status.

Can I Sponsor My Spouse If I Am Unemployed?

Yes, unemployment does not automatically prevent someone from sponsoring a spouse. However, the sponsor must not be receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability and must show they can meet their sponsorship obligations.