Can I sponsor my spouse or common-law partner for permanent residence in Canada?

Yes. Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence under the federal Family Class. This is entirely a federal process — IRCC decides who qualifies, and the rules apply uniformly across Canada including Ontario.

To be eligible to sponsor, you must be at least 18 years old, be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and meet a minimum income requirement (though spouses and partners have a lower income threshold than sponsoring other relatives). You must also not be in receipt of social assistance for reasons other than disability, and must not have been sponsored yourself within a certain period.

The sponsored person must also qualify — IRCC assesses whether the relationship is genuine and not entered into primarily for immigration purposes. IRCC may request additional evidence of cohabitation, joint finances, and the history of your relationship. Processing times for spousal sponsorship vary and can be checked on the IRCC website. The sponsor signs an undertaking committing to financially support the sponsored person for a set period. Consulting a lawyer before applying helps ensure your application is complete and your relationship documentation is well-organized.