Canadian Spousal Sponsorship: FAQ

By Ella Bergquist October 30, 2017 (Updated September 29, 2020) 3 min. read

Spousal immigration is an important aspect of Canadian immigration and thousands of people apply under this category every year. If you have a spouse who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, he/she can sponsor you to immigrate to Canada under certain conditions. We receive thousands of familiar questions about the process. Our VisaPlace licensed immigration professionals answer your questions about Canadian Spousal Sponsorship.

Frequently Asked Questions about Spousal Sponsorship:

1) What are my options and how do I go about this process?

There are three options: spousal, common-law, and conjugal partners.

Spousal: Either member of a married pair in relation to the other; one’s husband or wife.

Common-Law: Refers to a person who is living in an exclusive relationship with another person (opposite or same-sex), and has done so continuously for a period of at least one year.

You may apply for common-law partner immigration if you have the forms of proof of:

joint bank accounts or credit cards
joint ownership of a home
joint residential leases.
joint rental receipts,
joint registration or payments of utilities (electricity, gas, telephone),
joint management of households expenses,
joint purchases, especially of household items, or
mail addressed to either person or both people at the same address.

Conjugal Partners: A conjugal partner relationship exists where two people are in a marriage-like relationship but are not married and have not lived together for a period of at least one year due to extenuating circumstances or other reasons.

You may apply as a conjugal partner if: you have had a conjugal relationship with your sponsor for at least one year and you could not live together or marry because of an immigration barrier, or your marital status, or your sexual orientation
you can provide proof there was a reason you could not live together

2) How long does it take for CIC to process my application?

Normal processing times are 6-12 months. It can take less or more depending on each case. Currently, due to COVID-19 there may be a delay in the processing time. Find out more about Spousal Sponsorship in Canada and COVID-19.

3) For spousal application, do I need to get married first?

Yes, you need to get married first and have to provide your legal marriage certificate as proof of marriage. Record of solemnization or marriage license is not acceptable.

4) What About for common-law?

You don’t need to get married but you need to prove that you have at least 1-year cohabitation with your partner. This is very important.

5) What if I don’t have some of the documents required on the checklist?

You can try your best to provide any other additional document you have that may resemble the checklist documents. If not, you need to provide a detailed explanation of why you don’t have those documents.

6) Do I need to provide police clearance and medical examination upfront?

Because these documents are difficult to obtain and police clearance takes some time. No, police clearance and medical examination are not required upfront and are requested 1-2 months after submission of application.

7) Who needs police clearance and medical examination?

Only the applicant and dependent child (if applicable).

8) What are the chances my application will get refused?

It is very important that you can prove your relationship is genuine. This is the core consideration factor when CIC is evaluating your application. As a result, it is important that you meet the document checklist requirements and if you don’t, you provide a detailed explanation.

9) Can Same-Sex couples apply for sponsorship?

Yes. Same-Sex couples can apply for spousal sponsorship just as opposite-sex couples can. Canada is typically a high interest for same-sex immigration because Canada is openly accepting of the LGBTQ community.

Ljiljana Pavkov Avatar

Ljiljana Pavkov

I have nothing but praise! The entire team was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and kind, especially Mansi Sanghiv. She patiently explained everything I needed to know and resolved all of my concerns. I felt safe and well taken care of throughout the entire process. I am extremely satisfied with the service and experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for quality, dedication, and trust.

Lisanne Cholette Avatar

Lisanne Cholette

Mansi has been helping me navigate through a new chapter in my life. It has been a huge comfort to be able to lean on her knowledge and expertise and I would highly recommend her to anyone!

BERLITA COLLADO Avatar

BERLITA COLLADO

I am so very thankful to the VISAPACE team for making it all come true and possible from my Open Work Permit to my Permanent Residence, you make it all happen .Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart , Thank you for being part of my achievements. Now I am now a Permanent Residence through the effort, power and knowledge of VISAPLACE LEGAL TEAM.
Sending you my best appreciation and thank you.

Berlie Collado

Shahrzad Sh Avatar

Shahrzad Sh

“I truly want to thank Mansi. Her patience and thoughtful advices made a big difference for me. Her recommendations were not only helpful but also gave me clearer insight. Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for her support.”

kevin geoffrey Avatar

kevin geoffrey

Visa place helped me with my daughter’s sponsorship 3 years ago. Last week I contacted them for some clarification on a different matter. It was about an issue which technically was a problem of CIC’s software glitch and had nothing to do with Visa Place.
Yet Reena Sandu was assigned for my case. she helped me with enthusiasm and showed no hesitation despite me being an ex-client from 3 years ago.
I was very happy that even after 3 years of finishing business, Visa Place were respectful of their clients. Special thanks again to Reena for her enthusiasm and support.

Nessie Leigh Ilarde Avatar

Nessie Leigh Ilarde

Thank you very much for helping me get my new visa! I appreciate Ms. Felicita and her colleagues for guiding us through the process making sure that everything is precise. Highly recommend your firm. Thanks again 🙂

parker ellis Avatar

parker ellis

Mansi Sanghvi has been nothing for of remarkable for me. I have been dealing with a visa, immigration issues , and any time I have to call her, she has been there to answer any questions. Has answers to every question and is there to HELP YOU. Truly could not recommend her more.