Reunite with Your Spouse or Partner in Canada

Spousal sponsorship is one of the most popular immigration pathways for Filipino-Canadians. Whether you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to become a permanent resident of Canada.

At JCA Law Office Professional Corporation, we’ve helped hundreds of Filipino couples navigate the spousal sponsorship process. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know in 2026, including inland vs. outland applications, processing times, open work permits, and how to avoid common refusal reasons.

Who Can You Sponsor?

Under Canada’s Family Class sponsorship program, you can sponsor:

Spouse

A person you are legally married to. The marriage must be valid under both Canadian law and the law of the country where it took place. Important: Proxy marriages (where one or both parties are not physically present) are generally not recognized for immigration purposes.

Common-Law Partner

A person who has lived with you in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 continuous months. You’ll need substantial proof of cohabitation, such as:

Joint lease or property ownership documents
Shared utility bills and bank accounts
Mail addressed to both partners at the same address
Affidavits from friends and family confirming cohabitation

Conjugal Partner

A person in a committed relationship with you for at least 12 months but who could not live with you due to exceptional circumstances (e.g., immigration barriers, persecution in home country). This category is rarely approved and requires strong evidence explaining why cohabitation was impossible.

Sponsor Eligibility Requirements

To sponsor your spouse or partner, you (the sponsor) must:

Requirement	Details
Status	Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Age	Be at least 18 years old
Residence	Live in Canada (citizens abroad must show intent to return when spouse lands)
Financial	Not receive social assistance (except for disability)
Undertaking	Sign a legally binding undertaking to financially support your spouse for 3 years
No Previous Defaults	No history of defaulting on immigration loans, sponsorship undertakings, or family support payments
Criminal Record	No serious criminal convictions or immigration violations

Note: Unlike Parent and Grandparent sponsorship, there is no minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship. However, having financial stability helps demonstrate your ability to support your spouse.

Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship: Which Should You Choose?

The biggest decision in spousal sponsorship is whether to apply inland (spouse already in Canada) or outland (spouse outside Canada or applying from outside). Here’s a detailed comparison:

Feature	Inland Sponsorship	Outland Sponsorship
Where Spouse Lives	Must be in Canada with valid status	Can be anywhere (including Canada)
Processing Time (2025)	12–28 months	9–12 months
Open Work Permit	✅ Yes – can work while waiting	❌ No
Travel During Processing	⚠️ Limited – leaving Canada may affect application	✅ Flexible – can travel freely
Appeal Rights if Refused	❌ No appeal to IAD	✅ Can appeal to Immigration Appeal Division (IAD)
Best For	Couples already living together in Canada	Couples separated by distance; faster processing

When to Choose Inland

Your spouse is already in Canada on a visitor visa, work permit, or study permit
You want to stay together during the process
Your spouse wants to work while waiting for PR (via open work permit)
Your spouse cannot easily return to their home country

When to Choose Outland

You want faster processing times
Your spouse needs to travel frequently
You want appeal rights if the application is refused
Your spouse is currently outside Canada

Open Work Permit for Sponsored Spouses

One of the biggest advantages of inland sponsorship is that your spouse can apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) while their PR application is being processed. This allows them to work for any employer in Canada.

Eligibility for Spousal Open Work Permit

Be sponsored under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada (SCLPC) Class
Have received an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC
Have valid temporary resident status in Canada (visitor, student, or worker)
Live at the same address as your sponsor

Exception: If your status expires within 2 weeks, you may apply for the OWP before receiving your AOR.

How to Apply

After submitting your inland sponsorship application and receiving your AOR:

Apply through your IRCC secure account
Enter “SCLPC FC OWP” as the job title
Enter “SCLPC FC applicant in Canada public policy” in the duties description

Processing Time

OWP applications under the SCLPC class are typically processed within 4 months. Your spouse cannot work until the OWP is officially issued.

Work Permit Extension

If your PR application is still processing after your initial OWP expires, you can extend it for up to 2 more years under current public policy.

Processing Times in 2025-2026

IRCC aims to process most spousal sponsorship applications within 12 months, though actual times vary:

Application Type	Current Processing Time
Outland Sponsorship	9–12 months
Inland Sponsorship	12–28 months
Open Work Permit (Inland)	~4 months after AOR

Factors that affect processing time:

Completeness of application
Verification requirements
How quickly you respond to requests for additional documents
Security and background checks

Government Fees (2025-2026)

Fee Type	Amount (CAD)
Sponsorship Application Fee	$75
Principal Applicant Processing Fee	$490
Right of Permanent Residence Fee	$515
Biometrics	$85
Total (Principal Applicant)	$1,165
Each Dependent Child (processing)	$175
Each Dependent Child (biometrics)	$85

Additional Costs:

Medical exam: $200–$450 depending on the physician
Police certificates: Varies by country
Translation of documents: $30–$100 per document
Open Work Permit: $255 (if applying)

Required Documents

For the Sponsor

Proof of Canadian citizenship or PR status
Valid ID (passport, PR card)
Proof of income (Notice of Assessment, T4s, pay stubs)
Signed Undertaking (IMM 1344)

For the Sponsored Person

Valid passport
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate (if married) or proof of common-law relationship
Police certificates from all countries lived in for 6+ months since age 18
Medical exam results (IME)
Photos meeting IRCC specifications
Proof of relationship genuineness

Proof of Relationship Genuineness

This is the most critical part of your application. Include:

Photos together – at different times and locations, with family and friends
Communication history – chat logs, call records, video call screenshots
Travel records – boarding passes, stamps, hotel bookings from visits
Joint finances – shared bank accounts, money transfers, joint purchases
Letters from family and friends – attesting to the genuineness of your relationship
Your own written statements – describing how you met, your relationship history, and future plans

Common Reasons for Spousal Sponsorship Refusal

Understanding why applications get refused helps you avoid these pitfalls:

1. Relationship Not Genuine (Most Common)

IRCC officers look for evidence that your relationship is real and not entered into primarily for immigration purposes. Red flags include:

Limited communication history
Short relationship before marriage
Large age gap without explanation
Inconsistent information between partners
Previous immigration refusals

2. Incomplete Application

Missing forms, documents, or signatures can result in your application being returned or refused. Always use the most current IRCC forms and follow the document checklist carefully.

3. Sponsor Ineligibility

Issues like receiving social assistance, having a criminal record, or being under a sponsorship bar (from a previous failed sponsorship within 5 years) can make you ineligible.

4. Inadmissibility of Sponsored Person

Medical inadmissibility, criminal history, or security concerns can result in refusal regardless of relationship genuineness.

5. Insufficient Common-Law Evidence

If claiming common-law status, you must prove continuous cohabitation for 12+ months. Gaps in cohabitation or weak documentation can lead to refusal.

What to Do If Your Application Is Refused

Outland Applications

You have the right to appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) within 30 days of receiving the refusal. The IAD can consider new evidence and circumstances.

Inland Applications

There is no appeal right for inland refusals. Your options are:

Judicial Review: Ask the Federal Court to review the decision (must file within 15 days)
Reapply: Submit a new application addressing the reasons for refusal

Working with an experienced immigration lawyer significantly improves your chances of success on appeal or reapplication.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Gather Documents

Collect all required documents for both sponsor and sponsored person. Allow extra time for police certificates and medical exams.

Step 2: Complete Forms

All applications must be submitted online through the IRCC portal. Paper applications are no longer accepted. Key forms include:

IMM 1344 – Undertaking
IMM 5532 – Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation
IMM 5540 – Sponsor Questionnaire (if applicable)
IMM 0008 – Generic Application Form for Canada

Step 3: Pay Fees

Pay all government fees online when submitting your application. Pay the full amount upfront to avoid delays.

Step 4: Submit Application

Submit your complete application through the IRCC portal. You’ll receive a submission confirmation immediately.

Step 5: Receive Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)

Within a few weeks, you’ll receive your AOR confirming your application is complete and in process. Inland applicants can apply for an OWP after receiving their AOR.

Step 6: Biometrics and Medical Exam

Both sponsor and sponsored person will receive instructions for biometrics. The sponsored person must complete a medical exam with an IRCC-approved physician.

Step 7: Additional Document Requests

IRCC may request additional documents or clarification. Respond promptly to avoid delays.

Step 8: Decision

Inland: If approved, your spouse receives Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and PR card
Outland: If approved, your spouse receives COPR and a permanent resident visa to travel to Canada

Tips for a Successful Application

Submit a complete application – Triple-check the IRCC checklist before submitting
Provide strong relationship evidence – More is better: photos, messages, travel records, joint finances
Be consistent – Ensure information matches between all forms and interviews
Respond quickly – If IRCC requests additional documents, respond within the deadline
Keep addresses updated – Notify IRCC immediately if you move
Consider professional help – An immigration lawyer can identify weaknesses and strengthen your application

Special Considerations for Filipino Applicants

Documents from the Philippines

You’ll need authenticated copies of:

PSA Birth Certificate – Must be issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority
PSA Marriage Certificate – If married in the Philippines
NBI Clearance – For police certificate requirements. See our guide: NBI Clearance for Canada Immigration
CENOMAR – Certificate of No Marriage, if applicable

Long-Distance Relationships

Many Filipino-Canadian couples maintain long-distance relationships before sponsorship. Document your relationship thoroughly:

Save all chat histories (Messenger, WhatsApp, Viber)
Keep records of video calls
Document all visits with photos, boarding passes, and stamps
Keep receipts of remittances and gifts sent

How JCA Law Office Can Help

Spousal sponsorship is deeply personal, and a refusal can be devastating. At JCA Law Office, we provide:

Initial Assessment – Evaluate your eligibility and relationship strength
Application Preparation – Complete, accurate, and strategically organized applications
Document Review – Ensure all supporting documents meet IRCC requirements
Relationship Evidence Strategy – Help you present your relationship in the strongest light
Open Work Permit Applications – Help your spouse work while waiting
Refusal Appeals – IAD appeals for outland refusals; judicial review for inland
Philippine Document Assistance – NBI clearance, PSA documents from Canada

Book a Consultation

Ready to bring your spouse or partner to Canada? Contact JCA Law Office today:

Phone: 1-855-522-5290
Email: [email protected]
Office: Unit 204, 2323 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M4P 2C9
Book Online: Schedule a Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does spousal sponsorship take in 2025?

Outland applications typically take 9–12 months, while inland applications take 12–28 months. Processing times depend on application completeness and individual circumstances.

Can my spouse work while waiting for PR?

If you apply inland, your spouse can apply for an Open Work Permit after receiving the Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR). Outland applicants cannot work in Canada during processing unless they have separate work authorization.

Is there an income requirement for spousal sponsorship?

No. Unlike Parent and Grandparent sponsorship, there is no minimum income threshold for spousal sponsorship. However, you cannot be receiving social assistance (except for disability).

What if we got married recently?

A recent marriage is not automatically a red flag, but you’ll need strong evidence that your relationship is genuine and not primarily for immigration purposes. Document your relationship history thoroughly.

Can I sponsor my spouse if I sponsored someone before?

Maybe. If your previous sponsored spouse became a PR, you must wait 5 years from the date they became a PR before sponsoring a new spouse. If you were sponsored as a spouse yourself, you must wait 5 years from the date you became a PR before sponsoring someone new.

Can I include dependent children in the application?

Yes. You can include your spouse’s dependent children (under 22 and unmarried) in the same application. Each child requires additional processing fees and biometrics.

Related Resources

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Consult with a licensed immigration lawyer for advice specific to your situation.

Last Updated: December 2025

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Spousal Sponsorship Canada – Complete Guide for Filipinos (2026)