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Canada allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or partner for permanent residence, and it also offers work/visit options while PR is in process. Below is a practical, plain-English guide that covers program types, eligibility, forms, fees, and FAQs—along with direct official links for each step.

1) The “Spouse Visa” Pathways and when to use them

A. Spousal/Partner Sponsorship to Permanent Residence (PR)

This is the core program that makes your spouse/partner a Canadian permanent resident.

You can apply in two classes:

        1. Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class (“Inland”)

   Use this when your spouse/partner is living with you in Canada with valid temporary status. They may also qualify for an Open Work Permit while the PR is processing (see Section 3).

        2. Family Class (“Outland”)

   Use this when your spouse/partner lives outside Canada, or prefers their file to be processed outside Canada (you keep the right to appeal if refused). 

Official overview + how to apply (PR Portal

B. Open Work Permit (OWP) for Inland Spousal Applicants

If you file inland sponsorship and receive your Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR), your spouse/partner can apply for an open work permit and work for any employer in Canada while PR is processing. 

Apply online via your IRCC account

C. Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) for Spouses of Students/Workers (not sponsorship)

Separate from sponsorship: spouses/partners of certain international students or foreign workers may qualify for an open work permit. Eligibility changed on January 21, 2025—now limited to spouses of specific student/worker categories. 

Check the latest criteria before you apply

D. Visitor Visa (TRV) for Spouses + “Dual Intent”

Your spouse can request a visitor visa to stay with you temporarily while a PR case is in progress. Canada’s law recognizes “dual intent”—you may seek temporary status and PR at the same time, provided the officer is satisfied the applicant will leave if required.

Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) Check Out The Official Link

E. Quebec Applicants

If the sponsor lives in Quebec, there’s a mandatory provincial undertaking after IRCC approves you as a sponsor.

Follow Quebec’s instructions and timelines.

 2) Eligibility (Sponsor & Applicant)

Sponsor must:

  • Be 18+ and a Canadian citizen, PR, or person registered under the Indian Act.
  • Live in Canada (citizens abroad must show they’ll return; PRs cannot sponsor from outside Canada).
  • Not be on social assistance (except for disability), undischarged bankrupt, in prison, in default of a previous sponsorship/immigration loan, or behind on court-ordered support.
  • If you were yourself sponsored as a spouse/partner, you cannot sponsor a new spouse/partner until 5 years after becoming a PR.

Applicant (spouse/partner) must:

  • Be 18+ (spouse) or qualify as common-law/conjugal partner.
  • Be in a genuine relationship (not primarily for immigration).
  • Be admissible (security, criminality, medical).

3) Forms You’ll Actually Use (with official links)

  • You now apply online (PR Portal). Some “forms” are digital e-forms inside the portal; others are uploads. Always check the latest document checklist.

Core Sponsorship/PR Forms

  • IMM 1344 – Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking (Sponsor form). 
  • IMM 5533 – Document Checklist: Spouse (Including Dependent Children) (must follow this list closely).
  • IMM 5532 – Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation (details about how your relationship developed, proofs, etc.). ([Canada.ca][12])
  • IMM 0008 (digital) – Generic Application Form for Canada (Principal applicant). 
  • IMM 5669 –Schedule A: Background/Declaration (Applicant, spouse/partner, and any dependent 18+). ([Canada.ca][14])
  • IMM 5406 – Additional Family Information. ([IRCC Canada][9])
  • IMM 5562 – Supplementary Information – Your Travels (if requested). ([IRCC Canada][9])
  • IMM 5476 – Use of a Representative (only if you appoint one). ([Canada.ca][15])

Open Work Permit (while inland PR is in process)

  • Apply online after AOR; IRCC’s OWP page explains the steps. (If applying from inside Canada and extending/changing conditions, many applicants use IMM 5710 within the online flow; if outside Canada, online e-form is based on IMM 1295.) Follow the IRCC OWP page for current routing. ([Canada.ca][3])
  • Medicals & Police Certificates (all PR cases)
  • Medical exam: must be done by an approved panel physician.
  • Police certificates: follow country-specific instructions (e.g., India) and timing guidance.

4) Step-by-Step: How to Apply (Spousal PR)

  1. Create/Sign in to the PR Portal and choose the correct class (Inland vs Outland). 
  2. Checklist IMM 5533: Complete sponsor + principal applicant forms (see list above) and upload proofs of relationship (marriage certificate, photos, chats/call logs, remittances, joint leases/bills, travel stamps, affidavits, etc.) using Checklist IMM 5533.
  3. Pay fees online (sponsorship + principal applicant processing + Right of Permanent Residence fee (RPRF); biometrics if applicable). See current fee list and pay screen.
  4. Biometrics & Medicals: respond to IRCC requests promptly; book medicals only with a panel physician. 
  5. After you apply: track messages; if sponsor approved, IRCC then assesses your spouse/partner. Inland applicants with AOR may apply for OWP. 
  6. Decision & Landing: if approved outside Canada, your spouse receives a COPR/visa; inside Canada, IRCC finalizes PR and issues the PR card after landing formalities. (IRCC provides ongoing status updates in your portal).

5) Fees (reference only—always check latest before paying)

IRCC publishes updated fees (last updated April 2025). Typical spouse/partner sponsorship totals: Sponsorship fee $85 + Processing $545 + RPRF $575 = $1,205 CAD (biometrics extra; dependent child $175 each). Verify current amounts on the official Fee list and online payment pages.

Check Out Official Fees List

6) Visitor Visa + “Dual Intent” (if you want to be together during processing)

Your spouse can apply for a TRV (visitor visa) while PR is underway. Canadian law (IRPA s.22(2)) confirms that intending to immigrate later does not block a temporary stay now as long as the officer believes the person will leave if required. This is the legal foundation of dual intent. Use IRCC’s TRV guide for forms and instructions.

Visit Justice Laws Website For More Information

7) Quebec-Specific Step (if sponsor lives in Quebec)

After IRCC sponsor approval, submit the Quebec undertaking to MIFI and wait for their authorization before IRCC continues. Follow Quebec’s official instructions and announcements.

Visit The Official Page If Sponsor Lives In Quebec

8) Practical Tips for a Strong File

  • Match IMM 5533 checklist exactly; label files clearly (e.g., “Photos-Timeline-2019-2025”).
  •  For inland cases, maintain valid status (visitor, worker, or student) during processing; apply for OWP after AOR.
  • Relationship proofs should tell a story across time (first meeting, key milestones, family involvement, joint responsibilities). The IMM 5532 questions hint at what IRCC wants to understand.
  • Start police certificates early; some countries take time. Use IRCC’s country pages. 
  • Medical exam: book with a panel physician only.
  • If applying for a TRV while PR is pending, address dual intent in a cover letter and show ties/return plan. Cite the law briefly (IRPA s.22(2)). Visit Laws.justice.gc.ca for more information.

9) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What’s the difference between “Inland” and “Outland” sponsorship?

  • Inland = spouse/partner lives in Canada with valid temporary status; can typically apply for OWP after AOR. 
  • Outland = processed via a visa office outside Canada; you keep the right to appeal if refused. 

Q2. Is there a minimum income for spousal sponsorship?

  • No standard LICO income test for spousal/partner cases, but the sponsor must not be on social assistance (except disability) and must sign a 3-year undertaking to support the spouse. 

Q3. Can my spouse work while the PR is in process?

  • If you applied inland and got AOR, they may apply for an Open Work Permit and work while PR is processing.

Q4. Can my spouse visit Canada during processing?

  • Yes, if they qualify for a TRV (or eTA). Having a PR case doesn’t automatically block a TRV due to dual intent (officer must be satisfied they’ll leave if required). 

Q5. What forms do we fill?

  • Expect IMM 1344, IMM 5532, IMM 5533 (sponsor/relationship), and IMM 0008, IMM 5669, IMM 5406, IMM 5562 (if requested) for the principal applicant. Inland OWP is applied for online after AOR.

Q6. How much are the fees?

  • IRCC’s current published totals for a spouse/partner are $1,205 CAD (sponsor + processing + RPRF), plus $85 CAD biometrics (or family cap). Always confirm the latest fee list before paying. 

Q7. Do we need medicals and police checks?

  • Yes. Use a panel physician for medicals and follow IRCC’s police certificate instructions for each country lived in. 

Q8. I live in Quebec—anything extra?

  • Yes. After IRCC approves you as a sponsor, submit a Quebec undertaking to MIFI; IRCC cannot finalize without it. 

Q9. What changed for spouses of students/workers (SOWP)?

  • As of January 21, 2025, SOWP eligibility is narrower (only spouses of certain students/workers qualify). Check the latest IRCC notice before applying.

10) Official Links (quick access)

Final notes

  • This guide reflects IRCC pages current to November 1, 2025 (Asia/Kolkata). Always open the links to confirm the latest details, forms, and fees before filing.
  • If you’d like, I can tailor a document checklist for your exact situation (inland vs outland, countries lived in, kids included, etc.) and draft a dual-intent cover letter for a TRV.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal or immigration advice and should not be relied upon as such. Immigration laws, eligibility criteria, processing times, and application procedures are subject to change without prior notice. Applicants are strongly advised to verify all requirements directly from the official Government of Canada website

 or consult a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or immigration lawyer before submitting their application.

The author and publisher assume no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of this information. Always ensure you are referring to the most current IRCC forms and instructions before applying.


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