Inland Spousal Sponsorship - Sponsor your Spouse or Common law Partner
The inland spousal sponsorship route is a path open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have foreign partners living in the country under a valid temporary residency permit, such as a work permit, student visa, or temporary visitor visa. Unless these individuals are granted permanent residence, they must depart from Canada when their current status lapses. Yet, applicants whose permanent resident applications are pending can submit a spousal open work permit application that permits them to remain in Canada and take up employment until their permanent residence application decision is made.
The Inland Spousal Sponsorship application for common-law partners or spouses is a part of the Family Class category, through which Canada welcomes a substantial number of new permanent residents annually.
Quick Facts
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Processing time: 12 - 27 months
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Fees: C$1135.00
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Outland Sponsorship - Sponsor your partner who is outside Canada
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Minimum age of sponsor: 18 years
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Sponsor must be Canadian citizen of Permanent Resident
Inland Spousal Sponsorship Canada
Canada Immigration - Inland or Inside Canada Spousal Sponsorship - Index of Topics
What is Inland Spousal Sponsorship for Canadian Immigration?
Through inland spousal sponsorship, Canadians and permanent residents can sponsor a loved one, as long as the couple is living together legally in Canada.
To apply under Inland sponsorship, the foreign spouse or common-law partner must also have a valid temporary status in Canada as a worker, student, or visitor. During the time that an Inland sponsorship application is being processed, the person who is being sponsored can still live, work, or go to school in Canada.
In order for the sponsored person to get a Canadian PR visa through Inland sponsorship, both the Canadian citizen or permanent resident and the foreign national must be approved by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The spouse or partner may be able to get an open work permit, which will let them work full-time in Canada while their application for permanent residence is being processed. This is one of the main benefits of submitting an Inland sponsorship application.
Having an Open Work Permit (OWP) can help ease the financial and emotional burden of a long application process. It also lets your spouse or partner work and join the Canadian labour market.
Most of the time, people who want to apply for Inland sponsorship will stay in Canada while their application is being processed. Outland sponsorship may be a better choice if the spouse or common-law partner doesn't plan to stay in Canada or needs to be able to travel outside the country while the application is being processed.
Who can apply for inland spousal sponsorship?
To be able to sponsor a family member or friend under the "Inland" category, you must meet these conditions:
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your spouse or partner must live with you in Canada, and
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your spouse or partner must have temporary resident status in Canada.
There are also a few basic requirements that both the sponsor and the person being sponsored must meet in order to qualify for Inland sponsorship:
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the sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
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both the sponsor and the person being sponsored must be at least 18 years old.
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the sponsor and the person being sponsored must have one of the following relationships:
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spouse: you are legally married, and your marriage is valid under both Canadian law and the law of the place where it was registered.
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Common-law: You have lived with your partner in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 months in a row;
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the person being sponsored has not been sponsored by their spouse in Canada in the five years before their application;
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neither spouse is in prison, has been charged with a serious crime, or is bankrupt.
Conjugal partnerships, which are relationships between two people who can't live together or get married because of religious or marital status rules, are not eligible for sponsorship by the Inland Revenue.
Inland spousal sponsorship application process
There are two parts to an application for an inland sponsorship:
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To become a sponsor, the Canadian citizen or permanent resident will have to fill out an application;
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The foreign spouse or partner will have to fill out an application to live there permanently.
These are the other steps to the application process:
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checking the eligibility of both the sponsor and the person being sponsored,
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paying any fees online,
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gathering any supporting documents,
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filling out the necessary forms, and sending them to the right visa office.
Most of the time, people who want to apply for Inland Spousal Sponsorship will stay in Canada while their application is being processed. Outland sponsorship may be a better choice if the spouse or common-law partner doesn't plan to stay in Canada or needs to be able to travel outside the country while the application is being processed.
Steps to apply for Spousal Sponsorship application to Canada
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Step 1: Get the application package from the government website. It has a guide, instructions, forms, and a checklist that will help you do everything right.
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Step 2: Pay online all application fees (application fees, right of permanent residence fees, biometric fees).
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Step 3: Fill out and sign all of the necessary forms.
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Step 4: Follow the steps in the guide you downloaded to send your application to the right visa office and mailing address in Canada.
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Step 5: While your application is being looked over, you may be asked to send in more proof.
Inland Spousal Sponsorship Processing Time
The processing time for Inland Spousal Sponsorship applications can vary depending on several factors, including the volume of applications received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the complexity of the individual case, and the country of origin of the sponsored person.
Factors Affecting Inland Spousal Sponsorship Processing Time
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Application Volume: The processing time for Inland Spousal Sponsorship applications can be impacted by the number of applications IRCC receives. If there is a high volume of applications, the processing time may be longer as immigration officers work through the backlog.
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Application Completeness: A complete and well-organized application can significantly reduce the processing time. Incomplete applications or those with missing or insufficient documentation may result in delays as the immigration officer may need to request additional information or clarification from the applicants.
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Country of Origin: The processing time may be affected by the country of origin of the sponsored person. Some countries have a higher risk of fraud or security concerns, which may lead to more in-depth background checks and longer processing times.
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Complexity of the Case: Applications with complicated circumstances, such as a previous refusal, criminal record, or medical issues, may require additional review and processing time.
Estimated Processing Time
The estimated processing time for most Inland Spousal Sponsorship applications is approximately 12 months. However, it is essential to remember that this is only an estimate, and individual cases may take more or less time depending on the factors mentioned above.
During the processing time, applicants can keep track of their application status through the IRCC online portal or by contacting the IRCC call center. It is crucial to respond promptly to any requests for additional information or documentation from the immigration officer to avoid delays in the processing of the application.
Stages of Inland Spousal Sponsorship Canada
Inland Spousal Sponsorship is a process that allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouses or common-law partners for permanent residence in Canada. This process is divided into two main stages: the First Stage Approval of Spousal Sponsorship Application and the Second Stage Approval of Spousal Sponsorship.
First Stage Approval of Spousal Sponsorship Application
The first stage of the Inland Spousal Sponsorship process involves submitting an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) by the sponsor and the sponsored person. This application includes forms and supporting documents that provide evidence of the sponsor's eligibility and the genuineness of the relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored person.
To be eligible for sponsorship, the sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years old and is financially capable of supporting the sponsored person. The sponsored person must also be at least 18 years old and must be living in Canada under valid temporary resident status.
During the first stage, IRCC assesses the sponsor's eligibility and the genuineness of the relationship. This assessment may include evaluating the length of the relationship, the couple's living arrangements, financial ties, and communication between the partners. If IRCC is satisfied with the evidence provided, they will issue an approval in principle, allowing the sponsored person to apply for an open work permit while awaiting the second stage of the process.
Second Stage Approval of Spousal Sponsorship - Next Steps after First Stage Approval
Once the first stage approval has been granted, the Inland Spousal Sponsorship process moves on to the second stage. At this stage, IRCC conducts a more in-depth assessment of the sponsored person's admissibility to Canada.
The second stage assessment includes a review of the sponsored person's criminal record, medical examination results, and any potential security risks. The sponsored person must also provide proof of their English or French language proficiency if they have not done so already. This stage may also involve an interview with the couple, if deemed necessary by the immigration officer.
If the sponsored person passes the second stage assessment, they will be granted permanent residence in Canada. The couple will then be required to meet certain conditions for a period of two years, such as living together and maintaining their relationship.
How can I prove that my marriage/relationship is genuine?
If you are sponsoring your spouse, then the following proof of your relationship will be required:
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Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation questionnaire
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Marriage certificate (see common-law if you are not married)
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Wedding invitations and photos
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Birth certificates or adoption records for any children you and your spouse have together
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Proof of registration of marriage with a government authority
And at least two of the following documents:
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Proof that you and your spouse own property together
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Shared bank accounts,
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Utility bills with both of your names,
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Copies of government-issued IDs,
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Car insurance,
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Pay stubs or tax forms that show that you live at the same address
Sponsor your Dependent Children
You can sponsor your dependent children, whether natural or adopted, to live with you as permanent residents in Canada.
Children must meet the following definition of a dependent child to be eligible for sponsorship:
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A child is considered a dependent if he or she is not married or in a common-law relationship and is under 22 years of age.
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If a child is over 22 years of age, they may be considered a dependent if they have a physical or mental condition that prevents them from being able to support themselves.
To be eligible under this program, you:
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and your child abroad must be approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to receive a visa,
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must prove your relationship with the child you are sponsoring, either by a birth or adoption certificate.
On what grounds can my Spousal Sponsorship application to Canada be refused?
Always remember that the burden of proof lies with the applicant. The immigration department of Canada will make a decision on proof that they find genuine and authentic. If for any reasons, an assessing officer doubts that you marriage is purely a marriage of convenience, your application will be denied.
Here are some of the main reasons why your application could be refused:
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You did not provide enough proof of relationship to prove it is legitimate;
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There were errors in the Canadian spousal sponsorship forms;
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There was a misrepresentation of facts presented in your application;
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You are unable to meet basic requirements for spousal sponsorship;
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You or your partner are inadmissible due to a conviction or pose a risk to Canadian society.
FAQ's for Inland Spousal Sponsorship application
Q. What is the difference between inland and outland spousal sponsorship?
A. Inland spousal sponsorship refers to the process where the sponsored person is already living in Canada under a valid temporary resident status when applying for permanent residence. Outland spousal sponsorship, on the other hand, is when the sponsored person is living outside of Canada during the application process.
Q. Can I leave Canada while waiting for inland spousal sponsorship?
A. Leaving Canada while waiting for inland spousal sponsorship is generally not recommended, as it could complicate the application process. If the sponsored person leaves Canada and is unable to return, the application may be switched to outland spousal sponsorship, which could result in longer processing times. This does not mean that you cannot leave Canada while your application is being processed. You can leave for short periods of time as long as you have a valid visa to return to Canada.
Q. How long does it take to get an inland spousal open work permit?
A. It typically takes about 3 to 5 months to receive an inland spousal open work permit. However, processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications and individual circumstances.
Q. Can I work while waiting for my spousal open work permit?
A. If the sponsored person already holds a valid work permit or is authorized to work without a permit, they can continue working while waiting for their spousal open work permit. Otherwise, they must wait until they receive their spousal open work permit before starting work in Canada.
Q. How long does it take to get AOR for spousal sponsorship 2023?
A. The Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) for spousal sponsorship is typically received within a few weeks of submitting the application. However, this may vary depending on the volume of applications and IRCC's processing capacity.
Q. How long is the processing time for SOWP 2023?
A. The processing time for a Spouse or Common-Law Partner Work Permit (SOWP) is approximately 3 to 5 months. However, this information may change, and it is essential to check the latest processing times on the IRCC website.
Q. Can PR buy house in Canada in 2023?
A. Permanent residents (PR) have the right to buy and own property in Canada. There are no restrictions on PRs purchasing a house in 2023, provided they meet the necessary financial and legal requirements.
Q. Is there a minimum income for spousal sponsorship in Canada?
A. There is no minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship in Canada, unlike other sponsorship programs. However, the sponsor must prove their financial ability to support the sponsored person and their dependents.
Q. What documents are needed for spousal sponsorship Canada?
A. Some key documents required for spousal sponsorship include proof of the sponsor's Canadian citizenship or permanent residence, proof of the relationship (e.g., marriage or common-law partnership), financial documents, identity documents, police certificates, and medical examination results. The exact documents required may vary depending on individual circumstances.
Q. Do I need proof of funds for spousal sponsorship?
A. Proof of funds is not required for spousal sponsorship applications. However, the sponsor must demonstrate their financial capacity to support the sponsored person and their dependents.
Q. Is there interview for spousal sponsorship in Canada?
A. An interview may be required for spousal sponsorship applications if the immigration officer needs to verify information or assess the genuineness of the relationship. However, not all applications require an interview.
Q. What is background check in spousal sponsorship Canada?
A. A background check in spousal sponsorship involves verifying the sponsored person's criminal record, security risks, and potential inadmissibility to Canada. Background checks may include police certificates, medical examination results, and other relevant documents.
Q. What is the last step for spousal sponsorship Canada?
A. The final step in the spousal sponsorship process is the second stage approval, during which IRCC assesses the sponsored person's admissibility to Canada based on background checks, medical examination results, and potential security risks. If the sponsored person passes the second stage assessment, they will be granted permanent residence in Canada. After this, the couple is required to meet certain conditions for a period of two years, such as living together and maintaining their relationship. Once these conditions are met, the sponsored person's permanent residence status is considered fully established, and they can enjoy the same rights and benefits as any other Canadian permanent resident.
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