If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Brampton and want to bring your spouse or partner to Canada, Spousal Sponsorship Canada may help you obtain permanent residence through the Family Class.
Understanding the eligibility criteria, documentation process, sponsorship process, and related information will help you submit a more comprehensive application. Applicants from Brampton may also contact an immigration consultant in Brampton, such as Vertical Immigration, for help with preparing their documents and making applications.
Who Can Sponsor a Spouse in Canada?
Normally, the sponsor must be 18 years of age and either a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Canadian Indian. The sponsor is usually expected to reside in Canada. However, a Canadian citizen residing outside Canada is eligible for sponsorship if he or she proves his or her intention to reside in Canada once the sponsored relative becomes a permanent resident of Canada. Permanent residents who reside outside Canada are not eligible for sponsorship.
The sponsor must also sign an undertaking in which he or she agrees to provide financial support to the sponsored individual as per the sponsorship requirements.
Normally, there is no minimum income requirement for sponsors in the case of spouses, common-law partners, or dependent children.
Spousal Sponsorship Canada Requirements
The sponsored individual must be eligible to be considered a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner according to Canadian immigration regulations. The applicants are also required to have proof regarding the validity of their relationship and other necessary admission criteria.
Typical documentation may include:
- Marriage certificate or relationship documents
- Passports and identification documents
- Evidence of communication and relationship history
- Photos and related relationship evidence
- Police clearances, where necessary
- Medical exam documents
- Immigration application forms required
- Children’s documents, where applicable
IRCC provides a personalized document checklist and country-specific instructions as part of the application process.
Inland vs. Outland Spousal Sponsorship
The applicant is likely to come across two commonly used terms, which are inland sponsorship and outland sponsorship. The right process of applying will depend on the location and situation of the sponsored person.
| Factor | Inland Sponsorship | Outland Sponsorship |
| Sponsored person | Generally living in Canada | Generally living outside Canada |
| Application | Family sponsorship process | Family sponsorship process |
| Main objective | Permanent residence | Permanent residence |
| Work permit option | May be available if eligibility requirements are met | Different options may apply |
| Best approach | Depends on individual circumstances | Depends on individual circumstances |
How Does Spousal Sponsorship Canada Work?
The process generally starts by checking sponsor and applicant eligibility. Next, applicants prepare the required forms and supporting documents, pay the applicable fees, and submit the application.
IRCC checks whether the application is complete and then assesses the sponsor’s eligibility and the sponsored person’s permanent residence eligibility and admissibility. Applicants may be asked to provide biometrics, medical examinations, additional documents, or other information during processing.
As of April 30, 2026, IRCC’s listed fee for sponsoring a spouse or partner with the Right of Permanent Residence Fee included is CAD $1,260. Fees can change, so applicants should verify the current amount before submitting.
How an Immigration Consultant in Brampton Can Help
Preparing a family sponsorship application involves multiple forms and supporting documents. An immigration consultant in Brampton can help applicants understand the application requirements, organize documentation, identify missing information, and prepare the submission according to the applicable instructions.
Vertical Immigration provides immigration consultation and application support for individuals and families in Brampton and across Canada.
If you are preparing a Spousal Sponsorship Canada application, professional guidance can help you understand the process and organize your case based on your individual circumstances.
FAQs
Processing times vary according to application type, completeness, verification requirements, and other factors. Applicants should consult IRCC’s current processing-time information rather than relying on a fixed timeline.
Yes, if you meet the applicable Canadian sponsorship requirements. Brampton itself does not create a separate federal spousal sponsorship program.
In eligible inland cases, a sponsored spouse or common-law partner in Canada may be able to apply for an open work permit after meeting the applicable requirements.
A qualified consultant can help you understand the applicable requirements, organize documentation, and navigate the application process.