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SPOUSAL 
SPONSORSHIP 
 

Spousal sponsorship is a major part of Canada's immigration system. Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are in a relationship with a foreign national can sponsor that person to join them and become a permanent resident of Canada. You can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner. An important requirement is that the relationship is genuine and was not entered into primarily for the purpose of acquiring permanent residence.

Am I eligible to sponsor my spouse or partner?

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You can sponsor your spouse or partner if:

  • You’re at least 18 years old

  • You’re a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person registered under the Canadian Indian Act

  • You live in Canada or are a Canadian citizen planning to return to the country

  • You are not receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability

  • You can provide for your basic needs, those of your spouse or partner and, if applicable, those of dependent children

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As a sponsor you must:

  • Be able to support your partner financially

  • Make sure they will not require social assistance from the government

Who can I sponsor?

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You can sponsor your spouse, common law partner or conjugal partner; and you will have to prove that you are in an authentic relationship.

  • Your spouse can be of either sex and most be legally married to you

  • Your common-law partner isn't legally married to you, can be of either sex and has been living or have lived with your partner for at least 12 consecutive months in a marriage-like relationship

  • Your conjugal partner isn't legally married to you or in a common-law relationship with you, can be either of either sex and has been in a continuous and committed relationship with you for at least 12 months but have had significant obstacles that prevent residing with each other (such as legal, cultural, religious or immigration barriers)

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The person you are sponsoring must:

  • Be at least 18 years old

  • Pass all background, security and medical checks

Contact Lumen Immigration for more information about spousal sponsorship or assistance applying for spousal sponsorship.

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