Sponsorship of a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner
Family Class / Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada class
A Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered under the Indian Act can sponsor a spouse or partner for permanent residence. The sponsor and partner submit the sponsorship and the permanent residence application together online. Partners living in Canada with the sponsor can use the in-Canada class and may get an open work permit. Partners abroad use the Family Class.
3 entry rules for Canada based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Entry refused after a stay in DR Congo in the last 21 days
If you're not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and you've been in DR Congo in the last 21 days, you can't enter Canada, board a flight to Canada or connect through a Canadian airport, unless you fall under an exemption.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Border measures for travellers entering Canada (PHAC, page date 2026-10-08) New Temporary Border Measures in Response to the Ebola Disease Outbreak (PHAC, 19 Jul 2026) Government of Canada extends temporary border measures in response to Ebola disease outbreak (PHAC, Aug 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Quarantine after a stay in DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan in the last 21 days
If you're allowed into Canada after being in DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the last 21 days, you'll get a health check on arrival and must quarantine for 21 days, report to public health within 48 hours and check your temperature every day.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Border measures for travellers entering Canada (PHAC) Government of Canada introduces temporary border measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak (PHAC, 26 May 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Visa applications paused after a stay in DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan
If the last country you lived in, as stated on your application, is DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan, Canada has suspended visitor visas, eTAs and permanent resident visas and paused new decisions. This depends on where you live, not your nationality.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Temporary measures (IRCC, page date 2026-09-28) Government of Canada introduces temporary border measures (PHAC, 26 May 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Life in Canada
Money
3
Currency
Canadian Dollar
CAD
Canadian Dollar
Cost of living
90
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
14–33%
Income tax (national)
Federal top rate applies above CAD 258,482 (2026); provinces/territories add their own income tax (roughly 4% to 21% at the top), giving combined top rates of about 44% to 54%.
Living
1
Happiness
#24 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Spouses, common-law partners and conjugal partners of Canadian citizens, permanent residents or registered Indians who will live in Canada.
Eligibility
Sponsor age and status
The sponsor must be at least 18 and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person registered under the Indian Act.
18
Sponsor minimum age · years
Official wording
The sponsor must be at least 18 and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person registered under the Indian Act.
Sponsor lives in Canada
- Sponsors must live in Canada.
- A citizen living abroad must show they plan to live in Canada when the partner becomes a permanent resident.
- A permanent resident living abroad cannot sponsor.
Undertaking
The sponsor signs an undertaking to support the partner for 3 years after the partner becomes a permanent resident.
3 years
Undertaking length · from permanent residence date
- It continues even after separation or divorce
Official wording
The sponsor signs an undertaking to support the partner for 3 years from the date they become a permanent resident. It continues even after separation or divorce.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementNo minimum income in most cases
- Document checklistApplication to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking (IMM 1344)
- FeesSponsor spouse or partner (sponsorship fee, processing fee and right of permanent residence fee)
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 7 more requirements
- 12 documents
- 7 fees
- 8 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Canada
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
- IRCC: Sponsor your spouse, partner or child - Who can apply (modified 2026-06-23)
- IRCC: Sponsor your spouse, partner or child - How to apply (2026-09-11)
- IRCC Guide 5289: Sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependent child
- IRCC: Optional open work permit in Canada (2026-04-17)
- IRCC fee list (modified 2026-09-21)
- IRCC permanent residence processing-time estimates (updated 9 October 2026)
Other routes to Canada
- Visit & tourismSuper visa for parents and grandparents
- StudyStudy permit
- Work permitsInternational Experience Canada (IEC): Working Holiday, Young Professionals, International Co-op
- Skilled migrationExpress Entry
- Permanent residenceProvincial Nominee Program
- Status in-countryRestoration of temporary resident status
Family in other countries
- SwitzerlandFamily reunification for non-EU/EFTA family members
- Côte d’IvoireResident card for a dependent spouse or child
- CameroonFamily accompaniment and family reunification
- CubaFamily visa (A-2) for relatives of Cuban citizens, and permanent residence application
- CyprusFamily reunification of family members of third-country nationals
- CzechiaLong-term residence permit for family reunification
