Canada spousal sponsorship (outside Canada)
Who it's for: Spouses, common-law partners and conjugal partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, applying from outside Canada.
Information, not immigration advice. This page summarises what the government publishes. Confirm every figure on the official page before you pay or apply.
Last checked 29 Oct 2026
Requirements at a glance
- Your sponsor is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or over
- A permanent resident living outside Canada can't sponsor; a citizen abroad must show they'll live in Canada when you become a permanent resident
- Married, common-law (living together 12 months in a row), or conjugal partners in a relationship of at least 1 year
- Fees of CA$1,260 for the sponsorship, processing and right of permanent residence, plus biometrics of CA$85
- Your sponsor signs an undertaking to support you for 3 years
- In most cases there's no income requirement
Figures and costs
| Item | Amount | In your currency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship, processing and right of PR fees (spouse) | CA$1,260 | — | ircc.canada.caOfficial · 29 Oct 2026 |
| Same, without the right of PR fee | CA$660 check | — | ircc.canada.caOfficial · 29 Oct 2026 |
| Per dependent child | CA$180 | — | ircc.canada.caOfficial · 29 Oct 2026 |
| Biometrics, one person | CA$85 | — | ircc.canada.caOfficial · 29 Oct 2026 |
| Biometrics, family maximum | CA$170 | — | ircc.canada.caOfficial · 29 Oct 2026 |
| Sponsor's undertaking | 3 years | canada.caOfficial · 29 Oct 2026 | |
| Living together for common-law status | 12 months | canada.caOfficial · 29 Oct 2026 | |
| Sponsor's minimum age | 18 years | canada.caOfficial · 29 Oct 2026 |
Figures marked check come from secondary sources or could not be confirmed on an official page.
How the route works
The sponsor and the person being sponsored submit one joint application online: the sponsor’s application to sponsor and your application for permanent residence. You give biometrics and attend a medical exam when asked. If the application is approved, you become a permanent resident when you land in Canada.
Appeal rights
IRCC’s guide lists “you plan to appeal if the application is refused” as a reason to use this stream. Appeals go to the Immigration and Refugee Board. Confirm the current appeal rules on the official pages.
One guide, two streams
The paid guide covers both spousal streams: from outside Canada (this page) and from inside Canada.
Common questions
Inside or outside Canada: which stream?
IRCC's guide says to use this stream (the Family Class) if you live outside Canada, if you live in Canada but won't stay during processing, if you want to be able to appeal a refusal, or if you're a conjugal partner. If you live together in Canada and have valid temporary status, you can use either stream.
Is there an income requirement?
IRCC says that in most cases there isn't. Exceptions apply when a dependent child has children of their own, and Quebec has its own rules.
How long does it take?
IRCC publishes live processing times by stream on its processing-time tool. They change often, so this site doesn't copy a figure.
The full Spousal (outside Canada) guide
Step-by-step process, every cost for you and your family, document checklist, money rules, common refusal reasons and official links. The same guide for every buyer, dated.
Other Canada routes
Before you pay anyone
- Nobody can guarantee a visa. Only the government of the country you apply to decides.
- UK employers must not charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- German missions say you don't need an agent to get a visa appointment.
- Check any adviser or recruitment agent on an official register before you pay.