Family reunification is a wonderful way to bring your loved ones closer, and in Canada, it’s the second-most popular immigration pathway after economic immigration! In 2024, Canada plans to welcome 114,000 new permanent residents through family reunification.

So, how can you sponsor your family to join you in Canada? Let’s break it down!

Sponsoring Your Spouse

If you're a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to become a permanent resident. There are two ways to do this:

• Inland Sponsorship: You apply while your partner is already in Canada.
• Outland Sponsorship: You apply while your partner is outside Canada.

Eligibility Requirements

Regardless of the pathway you choose, there are some important eligibility requirements for sponsors:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada.
• Must not be in prison, bankrupt, or facing serious charges.
• Should not have sponsored another spouse in the last 5 years.

You will also need to sign a financial undertaking, meaning you promise to support your partner’s basic needs (like food and shelter) for up to three years, even if things don’t work out.

Understanding Relationships

The IRCC defines relationships in a specific way:

• Spouse: Legally married.
• Common-law Partner: Have lived together for at least 12 months.
• Conjugal Partner: Had a committed relationship for over 12 months but faced barriers to cohabitation.

Application Processing Time

IRCC aims to process spousal sponsorship applications within 12 months. So, whatever path you choose, you can expect to start your new life together soon!

Important Considerations

For Inland Sponsorship, make sure your partner has valid temporary resident status in Canada. They may even apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) while their permanent residence application is being processed!

On the other hand, Outland Sponsorship is perfect for couples who are not living together in Canada. The sponsor usually lives in Canada, while the foreign partner can move back and forth while waiting for the application decision.

Ready to start your journey of reuniting with your family in Canada? Let’s get started!