Canadian citizens or permanent residents living with their spouse in Canada can sponsor them through the inland spousal sponsorship stream of the family sponsorship program. This allows applicants to continue living in Canada while their application for permanent residence is processed.

If the applicant’s temporary status document is not valid for the entire sponsorship processing period, they must apply for an extension or a new status document to maintain legal status in Canada. Spousal sponsorship applications typically take 12 months to process. While traveling abroad during this time is permitted, it is not recommended. If the sponsored person is denied re-entry, their sponsorship application may be deemed abandoned, requiring a new application. If they are not legally residing in Canada, they must submit an outland spousal sponsorship application.

Inland Spousal Sponsorship Requirements

To be eligible to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada or planning to live in Canada when the sponsored partner becomes a permanent resident.
• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
• Not have received spousal sponsorship to Canada within the last five years.
• Not be bankrupt, in prison, or charged with a serious offense.
• Not be under a removal order, if a permanent resident.
• Prove that they are not receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability.

The relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored person must be recognized by IRCC as either:

• Legal Marriage: The couple is legally married, and the marriage is valid under the law of the country where it was performed or under Canadian law. Same-sex marriages must be performed in a country where they are legal.
• Common-law Partnership: The couple has lived together for at least 12 consecutive months without a certificate or legal proof of being in a committed relationship.

Spousal Sponsorship Minimum Necessary Income

There is no requirement to provide proof of finances or meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner. This also applies when sponsoring dependent children. However, for other dependents like parents or grandparents, sponsors must meet the MNI for their family unit size.

Benefits of Applying Under the Inland Sponsorship Stream

Spousal Open Work Permit:
Applicants can apply for a spousal open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada. To qualify, the sponsored applicant must hold a valid temporary visa, reside at the same address as their spouse or common-law partner, and meet all eligibility requirements.

Stay Together Throughout the Application Process:
Inland sponsorship enables couples to remain together during the application process, fostering unity and emotional support. Despite longer processing times compared to the outland program, this benefit makes it an attractive choice for maintaining the bond and commitment while pursuing permanent residency in Canada.

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, the sponsor must commit to financially support their spouse or common-law partner for three years.

The sponsored person must also:

• Hold valid temporary status in Canada (student, worker, or visitor).
• Not be a close blood relative of the sponsor.
• Be at least 18 years old.