What is the difference between inland and outland sponsorship?

Inland sponsorship applies when the sponsored partner is living in Canada, and may allow eligibility for an open work permit while the case is processed. Outland sponsorship applies when the partner lives abroad and can offer more travel flexibility.

Is there a minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship?

Generally no minimum income is required for spousal or common-law sponsorship, unlike parent and grandparent sponsorship, though other eligibility conditions still apply to the sponsor.

How does IRCC assess if a relationship is genuine?

IRCC reviews evidence such as shared finances, communication records, photographs and statements from the couple to determine the relationship is genuine and not entered into mainly to gain immigration status.

Spousal Sponsorship

Last updated August 3, 2026 · Reviewed by RCIC Reviewer · Review cadence 45 days

Quick answer

Spousal sponsorship allows a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner for Permanent Residence. Applicants can apply through the inland stream if the partner is in Canada, or the outland stream if they are abroad, and both must prove a genuine relationship.

Key takeaways

Sponsors must be at least 18 years old and meet citizenship or Permanent Resident status requirements.
There is generally no minimum income requirement specific to spousal sponsorship.
Applicants choose between inland processing, which may allow an open work permit while the case is decided, and outland processing.
IRCC assesses whether the relationship is genuine and not entered into primarily for immigration purposes.
Sponsors sign a legal undertaking to financially support the sponsored partner for a set period.

Overview

Spousal sponsorship is one of the most common family sponsorship categories, letting Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents bring a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner to Canada as a Permanent Resident.

Eligibility

The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, or person registered under the Indian Act, at least 18 years old.
The relationship must meet the legal definition of spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner.
The sponsor must not be receiving certain forms of social assistance, other than for a disability, and must not have unresolved sponsorship debts or bars.
Applicants must not be inadmissible for reasons such as security or criminality.

Requirements

The couple must provide evidence of a genuine relationship, such as shared finances, communication history and photographs, alongside standard identity and admissibility documents.

Application process

Choose between the inland stream, if the partner is living in Canada, or the outland stream if abroad.
Submit the sponsorship application along with the Permanent Residence application as one package.
Provide relationship evidence, biometrics, and complete a medical examination.
Attend an interview if requested and respond to any additional document requests.

Documents

Proof of relationship, such as joint bank statements, lease agreements and photographs
Marriage certificate or proof of common-law cohabitation
Police certificates
Results of a medical examination
Sponsor's proof of citizenship or Permanent Residence status

Costs and timelines

Application fees follow the IRCC fee schedule and are updated periodically, so applicants should confirm the current amount on the official site.

Processing times are published as service standards and vary based on whether the applicant is inside or outside Canada and case complexity.

Common pitfalls

Submitting insufficient relationship evidence, especially for couples who have not lived together.
Missing required forms or signatures on the sponsorship undertaking.
Failing to disclose previous marriages or relationships accurately.
Assuming inland processing always allows an open work permit without confirming current program rules.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between inland and outland sponsorship?: Inland sponsorship applies when the sponsored partner is living in Canada, and may allow eligibility for an open work permit while the case is processed. Outland sponsorship applies when the partner lives abroad and can offer more travel flexibility.
Is there a minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship?: Generally no minimum income is required for spousal or common-law sponsorship, unlike parent and grandparent sponsorship, though other eligibility conditions still apply to the sponsor.
How does IRCC assess if a relationship is genuine?: IRCC reviews evidence such as shared finances, communication records, photographs and statements from the couple to determine the relationship is genuine and not entered into mainly to gain immigration status.

Official sources

IRCC: Sponsor your spouse, partner or child

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Government requirements change. Confirm details against the official sources above, and read our editorial standards.