If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and are married or in a relationship with a foreign national, you may sponsor that person to join you in Canada and become a permanent resident.
Sponsor your family for Canadian immigration
You may sponsor a spouse, a common law partner or a conjugal partner either through Inland or Outland sponsorship.
Inland sponsorship is an option when your spouse or partner is living with you in Canada.
In order to be eligible for Inland sponsorship, the sponsored and sponsored must meet the following requirements:
Furthermore, the sponsor and sponsored person must be in one of the following types of relationships:
It should be pointed out that if you are in a conjugal relationship, Inland sponsorship is not an option for you. Outland sponsorship is the only option available to you as conjugal relationships are not eligible under Inland Sponsorship.
Inland sponsorship applications are for spouses or partners will valid temporary status in Canada either as a visitor, student or worker. The sponsored person will continue to be able to live, study or work in Canada while the sponsorship application is being processed.
The sponsored person may also be eligible for an open work permit, meaning they can work full-time in Canada, while their sponsorship application is being processed.
It is important to note that the sponsored person is expected to remain in Canada while their application is being processed. If the sponsored person plans to leave Canada or must be able to travel while the application is being processed, Outland sponsorship may be a more suitable option.
Outland sponsorship is an option when your spouse or partner is not living with you in Canada, and instead are foreign nationals living abroad. If your spouse or partner is unable to apply for sponsorship inside Canada or does not reside in Canada at the time of the application, Outland sponsorship is likely the only sponsorship option available to you.
In order to be eligible for Outland sponsorship, the sponsor and sponsored person must meet the following requirements:
Furthermore, the sponsor and the sponsored person must be in one of the following types of relationships:
Outland sponsorship allows the sponsored person to travel to and from Canada during the application process, so it may be the best option if the sponsored person’s work or personal situation requires them to travel outside the country.
Sponsor your family for Canadian immigration