Can a sponsorship application be paused rather than withdrawn during a temporary separation?

Generally, no — a sponsorship application can't simply be paused on request the way a family court matter might be adjourned. IRCC processes applications based on the facts and evidence in front of it, and there isn't a formal mechanism for putting a file on hold indefinitely just because a couple is going through a temporary separation.

If you're temporarily separated while your application is pending, you can generally provide updated information reflecting your current situation, but you shouldn't expect an open-ended pause while things get sorted out between you and your spouse or partner. IRCC will continue to move the application forward and make a decision based on what's on file, which means a temporary separation still needs to be addressed rather than simply waited out.

Deciding whether, when, and how to disclose a temporary separation is a sensitive judgment call, because it can affect how your relationship's genuineness is viewed, even if you eventually reconcile. There's no one-size-fits-all answer here — it depends on your specific circumstances, how long the separation has lasted, and where your application currently sits in processing. Speaking with an immigration lawyer before deciding how to handle a temporary separation is strongly worth doing.