Sponsor your spouse, partner or children

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, or dependent children to become permanent residents.

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Step-by-step checklist

0 of 4 done

1. Check you can sponsorWhat to expect: The sponsor must be 18 or older and a citizen or permanent resident, and agree to support the family member.
2. Get the application packageWhat to expect: Forms for the sponsor and for the person you sponsor, with a document checklist.
3. Pay the fees and apply onlineWhat to expect: Submit through the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal.
4. Biometrics, medical exam and decisionWhat to expect: IRCC may ask for more documents or an interview.

Documents you usually need

Proof of your relationship (marriage certificate, proof of living together, photos, messages)
Sponsor’s proof of status in Canada
Passports
Police certificates and medical exam

Government fees

CAD

Sponsoring a spouse or partner (including right of PR fee)	$1,260
Dependent child	$180
Biometrics (one person)	$85

Fees as listed by IRCC on 2026-10-30. Fees change; always check the official fee list. IRCC fee list ↗

After you apply

Some spouses in Canada can apply for an open work permit while they wait.

Processing times change every week. Check today’s times on IRCC’s official tool. Check processing times ↗

Official sources:

Checked against IRCC pages on 2026-10-30.

General information only. This is not legal advice and does not check whether you are eligible. Your own checklist in your IRCC account is what counts. Last checked 2026-10-30.

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