In an ideal world, spouses wouldn’t be separated by international borders while their sponsorship application is processed. However, this is often the case for many couples navigating the Canadian immigration process.

The outland spousal sponsorship stream allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for Canadian permanent residence, regardless of their current location. Committed to reuniting families quickly, Canada processes most applications within 12 months. While designed for sponsored individuals living abroad, applicants residing in Canada may also apply for outland spousal sponsorship, enabling travel in and out of Canada during the application process.

Outland Spousal Sponsorship Requirements

Eligibility requirements exist for both the Canadian sponsor and the sponsored individual. Sponsors must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Not have received spousal sponsorship to Canada in the past five years.
• Not be in prison, charged with a serious offense, or bankrupt.
• Not be under a deportation order, if a permanent resident.

Unlike inland sponsorship, the sponsored individual does not need valid temporary status in Canada for outland applications if they are living abroad. They must also be at least 18 years old and not a close blood relative of the sponsor. The relationship must be a legal marriage or a common-law or conjugal partnership recognized by IRCC.

For the marriage to be valid, it must have been legally performed in Canada or, if outside Canada, legally recognized in both the country where it took place and in Canada. Same-sex spouses must have been married in a country where same-sex marriages are legal. If the marriage is not legally valid, couples may apply as common-law or conjugal partners if such a relationship can be demonstrated.

Spousal Sponsorship Minimum Necessary Income

Outland spousal sponsorships do not require sponsors to meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) if they are sponsoring their spouse or dependent children. However, sponsors must meet the MNI if sponsoring parents, grandparents, or other dependents.

Benefits of Applying Under the Outland Sponsorship Stream

• Travel Flexibility: Allows the sponsored spouse or partner to leave and return to Canada as a visitor while the application is processed.
• Quicker Processing Time: Generally faster processing compared to the inland stream.
• Appeal Rights: Outland sponsorships include the right to appeal.

Spousal Sponsorship in Quebec

Sponsors residing in Quebec must meet additional requirements and commit to a financial undertaking to support the sponsored family member. For spousal sponsorship, this commitment lasts for three years.