Canada Spousal & Common-Law Sponsorship: 2026 Guide for Indians
Spousal and common-law sponsorship lets a Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsor their spouse or partner for permanent residence. It covers married spouses, common-law partners (12 months of cohabitation) and conjugal partners. The decisive factor is a genuine, well-documented relationship; there is no language or points test for the sponsored person.
Spousal & Common-Law Partner Sponsorship: Key Facts At-a-Glance
Below is a summary of processing times, statutory criteria, and typical point thresholds for Indian applicants pursuing the Spousal & Common-Law Partner Sponsorship (Canada).
| Visa Metric | Details & Requirements |
|---|---|
| Visa Subclass | Spousal & Common-Law Partner Sponsorship (Permanent - family class) |
| Avg. Processing Time | ~12 months (indicative) |
| Government Fees | From CAD 1,230 (INR 74,000 approx.), incl. Right of PR fee |
| English Language Min | Not required for the sponsored partner |
| Visa Validity | Permanent residence |
Why Apply for this Visa Path?
- Reunite permanently: the sponsored partner gains permanent residence.
- Inland or outland: apply from within Canada or from India, depending on circumstances.
- Open work permit (inland): inland applicants may be eligible for an open work permit while processing.
Detailed Entry Requirements
To apply under this Canada visa track from India, your credentials must fulfill the following regulatory criteria:
- 1Eligible sponsor: A Canadian citizen or PR who meets sponsorship eligibility (no disqualifying factors).
- 2Genuine relationship: Evidence of a genuine marriage, common-law or conjugal partnership.: Admissibility: The applicant meets health and security requirements.
Step-by-Step Filing Workflow
Every applicant from Bangalore/India follows this standardized workflow to file their visa application securely:
Confirm sponsor eligibility
Check for any sponsorship bars and income/undertaking obligations.
Choose inland vs outland
Select the stream that fits the couple's location and timing.
Compile relationship evidence
Document the relationship's genuineness across multiple categories.
Lodge the sponsorship + PR application
Submit together with full supporting documents.
Verify Canada immigration rules directly from official government sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are critical questions and details regarding target timelines and scores for this visa path.
Who can sponsor a spouse to Canada?
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or over who is not in default of a previous sponsorship or certain debts, and who intends to live in Canada with their partner (citizens may sponsor from abroad if they will return). The couple must show a genuine relationship.
What is the difference between inland and outland sponsorship?
Outland applications are processed through a visa office and suit partners living outside Canada; inland applications suit couples already together in Canada, and can include an open work permit for the applicant. We advise which stream fits your circumstances and travel needs.
How long does spousal sponsorship take?
IRCC targets roughly twelve months for complete spousal PR applications, though timelines shift with volumes. The most common cause of delay is thin relationship evidence, so we build a thorough, dated file - photos, communication, finances and affidavits - up front.
How much does it cost to sponsor a spouse?
From about CAD 1,230 (roughly INR 74,000), covering the sponsorship fee, the principal-applicant processing fee and the Right of Permanent Residence fee. Biometrics and medicals are additional. Dependent children carry a separate, lower fee each.
Can my sponsored spouse work while waiting?
In inland applications, the sponsored partner can usually apply for an open work permit while the PR application is processed, so they can work in Canada during the wait. Outland applicants generally cannot work in Canada until PR is granted unless they hold another valid status.
Check Your Canada Visa Eligibility
Submit your details for this specific Spousal & Common-Law Partner Sponsorship visa track. Our Bangalore team (Koramangala HQ) led by Director Ms. Nahid Hussain will evaluate your credentials and reply directly on WhatsApp with your exact points audit.