Can I sponsor my spouse or partner who’s living outside Canada?
Updated September 17You may be able to sponsor your , , or to apply for status if you're:
- a Canadian citizen, or
- a permanent resident.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has a policy that allows people who are defined as Status Indians under the Indian Act to sponsor relatives and family members. This policy was created because it was left out of the law.
You must also be:
- at least 18 years old, and
- living in Canada, unless you're a Canadian citizen and can show that you will live in Canada when your spouse or partner becomes a permanent resident.
There are many other rules about who can be a sponsor that apply regardless of who you want to sponsor. There are many other rules about who can be a sponsor that apply regardless of who you want to sponsor. Read more in Can I be a sponsor for a member of my family? This includes rules about financial responsibilities and your status, for example, you cannot be a sponsor if you've been convicted of certain crimes.
This question looks at the rules that are specific to sponsoring a spouse or partner who is living outside.
If you’re a protected person
If you're a , for example, a or , you might not need to do a sponsorship application for your spouse or partner. There's a different processthat you can use if it has been less than a year since you became a permanent resident.
And if you're applying for permanent resident status after you become a protected person in Canada, you may be able to include your spouse or partner in your application. You must always list them in the application.
If you use these options, you do not have to meet the financial eligibility rules.
When applying for permanent resident status
If you're applying for permanent resident status, you must list all family members. Do this even if they're missing or not coming to Canada.
You must give true and complete information. And you will not have the right to sponsor someone who was your when you applied for or became a permanent resident, if you did not tell IRCC about them before becoming a permanent resident.
Get help if you need it
The rules about sponsoring someone are complicated.
If you're not sure about something, get legal help. A community agency may be able to give you information or refer you to some place that can.
If you do not qualify to sponsor or your spouse or partner does not qualify to be sponsored, you might be able to ask IRCC to approve the sponsorship application based on or reasons. You should get legal advice about your options and legal help with making any H&C requests.