So, you’ve fallen in love with a Canadian—or maybe you’re just curious about what it takes to marry one and move to Canada. Either way, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of people around the world successfully immigrate to Canada through spousal sponsorship. The process can sound complicated, but when you break it down, it’s actually pretty straightforward. Let’s walk through the key requirements, what you’ll need to do, and how you can make your dream of living in Canada with your spouse a reality in 2025.
What Is Spousal Sponsorship?
First off, let’s clarify what we mean by “spousal sponsorship.” In Canada, if you are legally married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they can apply to sponsor you to become a permanent resident too. This means you won’t need to go through a points-based immigration system, and best of all, the government covers many of the costs under the sponsorship program—it’s essentially free visa sponsorship.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
To be sponsored, you must be one of the following:
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Legally married to your sponsor (with a marriage certificate)
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In a common-law relationship (living together for at least 12 consecutive months)
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In a conjugal relationship (committed long-term relationship, but unable to live together due to reasons like immigration barriers)
If you’re legally married, you’re usually good to go—as long as the marriage is genuine and not just for immigration purposes.
2025 Spousal Sponsorship Requirements
Canada updates its immigration requirements frequently, but here are the latest eligibility criteria as of 2025:
For the Sponsor (the Canadian citizen or permanent resident):
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Must be at least 18 years old
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Must live in Canada (or plan to return to Canada once the spouse becomes a permanent resident)
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Cannot be receiving social assistance (unless it’s for a disability)
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Must not have been sponsored as a spouse themselves within the last 5 years
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Must not be in prison, bankrupt, or convicted of certain crimes
For the Applicant (the foreign spouse):
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Must pass medical, criminal, and background checks
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Must provide identity documents, marriage certificate, and proof of relationship
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Must not be inadmissible to Canada for security or health reasons
Inside Canada vs. Outside Canada Sponsorship
You can apply for sponsorship from inside Canada (if you’re already here) or from outside Canada. Here’s the key difference:
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Inland Sponsorship: You’re already in Canada, possibly on a visitor visa, work permit, or student visa. You can also apply for an open work permit, which allows you to work while your application is being processed.
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Outland Sponsorship: You’re applying from your home country. You can’t stay in Canada unless you have a valid visa during processing. However, processing times are often a bit faster.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Spousal Sponsorship Process
Let’s break this down into a few manageable steps:
Step 1: Make Sure You Qualify
Before anything else, double-check that both you and your spouse meet all the eligibility criteria. If you’re unsure, you can always consult an immigration consultant or lawyer for a quick check.
Step 2: Gather All the Documents
You’ll need:
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A marriage certificate (translated if not in English or French)
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Proof of relationship: photos, messages, joint bank accounts, travel history, etc.
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Identity documents (passports, birth certificates)
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Police certificates from countries you’ve lived in
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Medical exam results
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Sponsor’s proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
Step 3: Submit the Application
In 2025, all spousal sponsorship applications are submitted online via IRCC’s new digital platform. The process is smooth, but make sure all documents are scanned clearly and correctly.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
Once your application is submitted, the average processing time is about 12 months, though it can vary. IRCC may request interviews or additional documents if they have any doubts about the legitimacy of your relationship.
Step 5: Receive Permanent Residency
Once approved, you’ll receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), and you can officially become a permanent resident of Canada.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common pitfalls that can delay or derail your application:
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Fake or insufficient proof of relationship – Don’t assume a marriage certificate is enough. You need to show that your relationship is genuine.
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Incomplete application – Missing documents or unsigned forms can get your application returned.
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Not disclosing previous marriages or relationships – Be honest. IRCC checks.
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Applying too early after marriage – While there’s no official waiting period, applying just days after getting married may raise red flags.
What If the Relationship Ends?
This is a tough but necessary topic. If your relationship ends after you’ve received permanent residence, you don’t lose your PR status. However, if it ends before you get PR and the relationship is deemed not genuine, your application will be refused.
For the sponsor, there’s a 3-year financial responsibility window—even if you break up, they are still financially responsible for you for 3 years after your PR is granted.
Is It Worth It?
If you’re in a genuine, loving relationship with a Canadian, then yes—spousal sponsorship is one of the fastest, simplest, and most affordable ways to move to Canada. The 2025 process is more digitized and streamlined than ever, and the ability to work while waiting (inland applicants) makes it even more attractive.
That said, it’s important to follow the rules, provide genuine proof of your relationship, and stay patient during the waiting process. Immigration officials are trained to detect fraud, so trying to game the system is never worth the risk.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you’re serious about starting your new life in Canada with your spouse, now is the time to get everything in order. Whether you’re applying from abroad or already in the country, the spousal sponsorship program is a life-changing opportunity that opens the door to a new chapter together.
So, love a Canadian? You just might find yourself calling Canada home in no time.
