Canada spousal sponsorship (inside Canada)
Who it's for: Spouses and common-law partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who already live together in Canada with valid temporary status.
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
- You live with your sponsor in Canada and have valid temporary status (or are exempt under a public policy)
- Married, or common-law partners who have lived together for 12 months in a row; conjugal partners can't use this stream
- Fees of CA$1,260 for the sponsorship, processing and right of permanent residence, plus biometrics of CA$85
- You may be able to get an open work permit while the application is processed
- Your sponsor signs an undertaking to support you for 3 years
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
You and your sponsor submit one joint application online while you both live in Canada. You keep your temporary status while it’s valid, and you can apply for an open work permit with the same application or once you receive an acknowledgement of receipt.
Choosing a stream
If you live together in Canada and have valid status, IRCC lets you choose either stream. The outside-Canada stream keeps the right to appeal a refusal; this stream lets you stay and, in most cases, work in Canada while you wait.
One guide, two streams
The paid guide covers both spousal streams: from inside Canada (this page) and from outside Canada.
Common questions
Can I travel while the application is processed?
IRCC warns that leaving Canada can automatically end temporary status as a visitor, student or worker, and that you may not be allowed back in. If you can't return, a new application from outside Canada is needed.
Can I work while I wait?
IRCC offers an open work permit to spouses and common-law partners living in Canada who are being sponsored, once the application has an acknowledgement of receipt. If you already have a work or study permit, you can keep using it while it's valid.
What if the application is refused?
The official guide describes appeal rights for the outside-Canada stream; check the current rules for this stream on the official pages before choosing.
The full Spousal (inside 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.