How to Sponsor Your Spouse if You Are a Canadian Permanent Resident

What Are the Differences for Permanent Residents vs Citizens for Canadian Spousal Sponsorship?

 

Many people want to bring their loved ones to live with them in Canada. However, there are some important differences between permanent residents and Canadian citizens when it comes to spousal sponsorship.

In this post, we’ll break down how spousal sponsorship works in Canada, what permanent residents need to know, and how their rights differ from those of Canadian citizens.

 

What Is Spousal Sponsorship?

 

Spousal sponsorship is a process that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to live in Canada as a permanent resident. This is part of Canada's family reunification immigration policy, which recognizes the importance of keeping families together.

 

Who Can Sponsor a Spouse in Canada?

To sponsor your spouse, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Prove that your relationship is genuine
• Agree to financially support your spouse for three years
  
  

Both Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible to sponsor, but they do not have exactly the same rights when doing so.

 

Key Differences Between Citizens and Permanent Residents

Here are the main differences you need to know:

1. Where You Must Live During the Sponsorship Process

• Canadian Citizens can live abroad and still sponsor their spouse, as long as they show proof that they plan to move back to Canada when the spouse becomes a permanent resident.
  
  
• Permanent Residents must be living in Canada at the time of application and throughout the process. If you're a permanent resident living outside of Canada, you cannot sponsor your spouse until you return to live in Canada.
  
  

Example: If Maria is a permanent resident living in India with her husband, she must move back to Canada before starting the sponsorship process.

2. Proof of Intent to Reside

• Citizens can submit a plan (like a job offer or housing arrangement) showing their intent to live in Canada.
  
  
• Permanent Residents need to physically reside in Canada; no plan or intent is enough on its own.
  
  

3. Travel Flexibility

• Citizens can come and go during the sponsorship process.
  
  
• Permanent Residents should stay in Canada to avoid delaying or jeopardizing the application.
  
  

Other Requirements and Conditions

Regardless of your status, all sponsors must:

• Not be receiving social assistance (unless it's for disability)
  
  
• Not be bankrupt or convicted of certain criminal offenses
  
  
• Commit to financially supporting their spouse for 3 years
  
  
• Not have sponsored another spouse in the last 5 years
  
  

How Long Does the Process Take?

As of 2025, spousal sponsorship applications usually take 8–28 months to process, though this can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether the application is complete.

Tip: Submitting a complete application with accurate documents is key to avoiding delays.

 

Can Your Spouse Work While Waiting?

Yes! If your spouse is already in Canada, they can apply for an open work permit while waiting. This helps reduce financial stress and allows them to integrate more easily.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Starting the application while living abroad as a permanent resident
   
   
2. Failing to include key documents (e.g., marriage certificate, proof of relationship)
   
   
3. Not proving your intent to return to Canada if you’re a citizen living abroad
   
   
4. Submitting an incomplete or inconsistent application
   
   

Tips for a Strong Application

• Provide plenty of evidence of your relationship (photos, communication records, joint accounts)
  
  
• Double-check your application for missing signatures or documents
  
  
• Write a clear cover letter explaining your situation
  
  
• Stay in Canada during the process if you're a permanent resident
  
  

Summary: Citizens vs Permanent Residents

 

Do you need additional support on your spousal sponsorship?

Sponsoring your spouse as a permanent resident in Canada is entirely possible—but you must be physically present in Canada to do so. Unlike Canadian citizens, permanent residents cannot live abroad during the process. Knowing the rules and preparing carefully can help you reunite with your loved one without delays or legal setbacks.

For personalized guidance and to ensure your application is successful, schedule a strategy session with an immigration lawyer here: Book a Strategy Session.