Moving Abroad

How to Sponsor Your Spouse to Canada: Eligibility Rules

4 min read

In this guide
  1. What does the program cover?
  2. Who can sponsor?
  3. Is there an income requirement?
  4. Who cannot sponsor?
  5. What if you live in Quebec?
  6. How does this connect to other routes?
  7. Common mistakes
  8. FAQ
    1. Can a common-law partner be sponsored?
    2. Does IRCC publish processing times?
    3. What does the undertaking mean?
  9. Key takeaways
  10. Related guides
  11. Sources

Quick answer: To sponsor your spouse to Canada, you must be at least 18, be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered under the Indian Act, live in Canada and sign an undertaking and sponsorship agreement. In most cases there is no income requirement for sponsoring a spouse, partner or dependent child.

Spousal sponsorship is one of the main family routes to Canada, and the first question is not about your spouse at all: it is whether you are allowed to sponsor. IRCC sets rules for the sponsor, and several situations that block a sponsorship are easy to overlook. This guide covers who can sponsor, when income matters and who cannot sponsor, following IRCC’s eligibility page.

What does the program cover?

IRCC describes the program as a way to sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependent child to become a permanent resident of Canada.

Who can sponsor?

You can sponsor if you:

  • Are at least 18 years old.
  • Are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada or a person registered in Canada under the Canadian Indian Act.
  • Live in Canada.
  • Commit to supporting the people you sponsor by signing an undertaking and sponsorship agreement.
  • Meet all other requirements under Canada’s immigration law and regulations.

If you are a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, IRCC says you must show that you plan to live in Canada when the people you sponsor become permanent residents. If you are a permanent resident living outside Canada, you cannot sponsor.

Is there an income requirement?

In most cases, no. IRCC says you only need to show enough money if you are sponsoring a dependent child who has one or more dependent children of their own, or a spouse or partner who has a dependent child who in turn has one or more dependent children. The Financial Evaluation form (IMM 1283) explains how much money you need.

Who cannot sponsor?

Situation Effect
You were sponsored by a spouse or partner and became a permanent resident less than 5 years ago You may not be able to sponsor a spouse or partner
You signed an undertaking for a previous spouse or partner and it has been less than 3 years since they became a permanent resident You may not be able to sponsor a spouse or partner
You already applied to sponsor the same person and no decision has been made You may not be able to sponsor
You are in jail, prison or a penitentiary You may not be able to sponsor
You owe an immigration loan, a performance bond or court-ordered family support You may not be able to sponsor
You receive social assistance for a reason other than disability You may not be able to sponsor
You have an unresolved bankruptcy, or did not meet a past sponsorship agreement You may not be able to sponsor
You were convicted of a violent offence, an offence against a relative causing bodily harm, or a sexual offence You may not be able to sponsor
You received a removal order and must leave Canada You may not be able to sponsor

IRCC adds that other reasons may apply, and that it will tell you why if it decides you are not eligible. Some of the debt and bankruptcy conditions do not apply when sponsoring in Quebec.

What if you live in Quebec?

IRCC says Quebec residents must meet Quebec’s own eligibility and income requirements, if they apply, and sign an undertaking with the Government of Quebec. IRCC says not to submit the Quebec undertaking application until it tells you to, because Quebec will not process it otherwise.

How does this connect to other routes?

If your spouse needs to visit while the application is pending, see the Canada eTA guide and the super visa for parents. Newly arrived permanent residents should read how to get a SIN and about the PR card.

Common mistakes

  • Sponsoring from abroad as a permanent resident. You must live in Canada.
  • Applying twice for the same person. A pending application blocks a new one.
  • Forgetting the 5-year rule. A recently sponsored permanent resident may not be able to sponsor a spouse.
  • Quebec timing. Do not send the Quebec undertaking until IRCC says so.

FAQ

Can a common-law partner be sponsored?

Yes. IRCC lists spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner and dependent child.

Does IRCC publish processing times?

Yes, through its check application processing times tool. Times vary by application type and completeness.

What does the undertaking mean?

You commit to supporting the people you sponsor, and you stay financially responsible for them for a period set out in the agreement.

Key takeaways

  • Sponsors must be 18 or over, a citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian, and live in Canada.
  • Most spouse and partner sponsorships have no income requirement.
  • Several situations, such as pending applications or unpaid support, can block you.

This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Confirm current rules on the official IRCC site. Last updated: October 2026.

Sources

IRCC: Sponsor your spouse, partner or child; IRCC: Check if you’re eligible (spouse, partner and dependent child sponsorship).

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