Getting Started
Going through the spousal sponsorship process can be an intimidating experience if you do not know where to start. It is important to know the basics of the process so you can navigate it without stress. There are three categories of spouse or partner sponsorship in Canada. Each category has its own qualifying eligibility that you need to understand before you submit any application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
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Spousal
Sponsorship
A spousal relationship is a legal, martial relationship. To sponsor your spouse to Canada, the marriage must be valid and recognized in Canada, no matter where it was performed in the world.
Common-Law Partner Sponsorship
A common-law relationship is when two people are in a marriage-like relationship and have lived together for at least 12 consecutive months. Learn about the requirements to sponsor your partner to Canada.
Conjugal Partner Sponsorship
Conjugal partners are when two people are in a marriage-like relationship but cannot live together or marry because of significant legal and immigration reasons. This relationship must have existed for at least a year.
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What you need to know
What to do if the sponsorship application was refused
If your sponsorship application was refused, you can submit an appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). Sponsorship appeals re-address the refusal of a sponsorship application by the immigration authorities in an attempt to sponsor a family member such as a spouse, partner, child or parent for permanent residence in Canada.
Sponsoring In Canada vs Outside of Canada
There is a difference between submitting your application from inside of Canada and outside of Canada. The application you may be required to submit depends on your family situation. Learn the difference between the application types and what would work for you.
Demonstrating Your Relationship is Genuine
One of the most important aspects of the spousal or partner sponsorship application is proving that your relationship is genuine to government authorities. The sponsor and the applicant must prove that their relationship was not entered into for the sole purpose of immigration. To prove genuineness, the sponsor and the applicant must provide evidence to support their relationship development.
How long does the sponsorship process take?
The length of time the sponsorship process takes is completely dependent on the workload of the immigration or visa office. It can also be dependent on the completeness of an application as any missing or contradictory information can delay approval. Additionally, if an immigration officer has any concerns about the application, then they may consider scheduling an interview which can also lead to further delays.
Matthew Jeffery Immigration Lawyer
Matthew Jeffery, Barrister & Solicitor, is an expert in Spouse and Partner Sponsorship applications. With over twenty years of experience in immigration law, he has assisted hundreds of couples to achieve their Canadian immigration dreams. Matthew Jeffery Law Office not only assists with spouse and partner sponsorship applications, but with appeals to the Immigration Appeal Division or to the Federal Court when sponsorship applications are refused. With an in-depth understanding of all aspects of the law related to family sponsorships and an excellent success rate, his firm offers a level of expertise and service unsurpassed in the legal industry.
Mr. Jeffery holds a law degree from the prestigious Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. He is Certified as a Specialist in Immigration Law by the Law Society of Ontario, which is recognition of his expert status in this field. With many years of experience in all aspects of family sponsorship law, Matthew Jeffery has the expertise needed to successfully guide his clients through Canada’s complicated immigration system.
See if you qualify
Fill out our FREE Assessment form to see if you qualify to sponsor your spouse or partner. If our assessment indicates that you are qualified as a sponsor, we will contact you within one to three business day(s) and provide further information to help you start the process!
What our clients say
Roya AghashirinToday I won my spousal appeal case. I would like to express my most sincere thanks for the most professional representation. Mr. Jeffrey and his staff worked hard to ensure my success. I admire their work ethic and most of all excellent representation. I feel I have won my life back because of Mr. Jeffrey despite the complexity of my case. I want to thank Maryam for her hard work and her dedication to my case. I would recommend and trust Mr. Jeffery for all types of immigration cases.
Roxie IliutaI used Matthew Jeffrey’s legal services for my husband’s appeal process and I am so glad I did! I wish I would have done this from the beginning of the sponsorship process but I’m happy I had the team on my side when it mattered. Absolutely professional, courteous and realistic (about options, upfront about costs and realistic total cost). They were by my side, advising me throughout my appeal process and hearing. Highly recommend!
Kait LMy husband and I highly recommend this lawyer office for spousal sponsorship. Special recognition goes to John. All of our questions and concerns were addressed in a timely manner and explained well. Because of them, my husband from Guyana was able to come to Canada to live with me. The process was completed in about 14 months (despite covid delays).
Gabriel RamanandCongratulations to this lawyer he did a perfect job during my spousal sponsorship , thanks to God and to Matthew Jeffery I'm with my wife in Canada as PR. I highly recommend this lawyer!!!
Spousal Sponsorship Resources
- Outland vs Inland Sponsorship – Which One is Right For You?
- Can I Sponsor My Boyfriend or Girlfriend to Canada?
- Types of Family Sponsorships in Canada
- Common Questions Asked At Spousal Sponsorship Interview
- 7 Steps of a Spousal Sponsorship Application
- 7 Steps on How to Appeal a Rejected Family Sponsorship Application
- How Can I Prove That My Relationship is Genuine?
- Income Requirements to Sponsor a Spouse or Partner
- Main Reasons Why Spousal Sponsorship Applications Are Refused
- Spousal Sponsorship Application Delays Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic
Spousal Sponsorship Service Areas
We service all of Canada, especially the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.