Can IRCC refuse to approve me as a sponsor even if my spouse is admissible?

Yes. IRCC assesses both the sponsor and the sponsored person. Even if your spouse is fully admissible, your sponsorship application can be refused if you do not meet the eligibility requirements to be a sponsor.

Common reasons IRCC may refuse a sponsor include: being in default on a previous sponsorship undertaking (for example, if you sponsored someone who collected social assistance and you did not repay it), being in default on certain government debts, having been convicted of certain offences under the Criminal Code, or being subject to a removal order. Bankruptcy alone is not an automatic bar, but IRCC will assess your financial situation.

If you have sponsored a spouse before and that undertaking is still active or resulted in a government debt, you may be barred from sponsoring again until the debt is cleared. Past relationship history is also scrutinized — for example, having a prior sponsored relationship end shortly after landing can trigger additional review. An immigration lawyer can review your history before you apply and advise you on whether you are eligible or whether any issues need to be addressed first.