Sponsoring a spouse in 2025
Sponsoring a spouse in 2025: inside or outside Canada?
Are you in a relationship with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and want to live together in Canada? The spouse sponsorship program is often the best route to permanent residency for committed couples, whether married or common-law partners.
But you still need to choose the right path: apply from within Canada or apply from outside Canada?
And above all, you need to understand the implications of deadlines, quotas, sponsor commitments, and the specific requirements of your province of residence, particularly in Quebec.
Two options available: from inside or outside
There are two main ways to apply to sponsor your spouse:
Application from inside Canada (also known as “from within Canada”): the sponsored person must be physically present in Canada while the application is being processed. In most cases, this option allows you to apply for an open work permit once the application is deemed eligible. This allows the sponsored person to remain with their partner in Canada while having the opportunity to work legally during the waiting period.
Application from outside Canada (also known as “from abroad”): The sponsored person may be outside or inside Canada at the time of application. However, they are not automatically entitled to an open work permit during the processing period. To apply, they must be physically present in Canada and have a valid authorization to stay (such as a visitor visa or an eTA). Processing times are sometimes shorter depending on the processing office, but this is not guaranteed.
Quebec's unique situation
If you live in Quebec, you will have to go through an additional provincial step with the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).
In 2025, the Quebec government introduced a strict quota for sponsorship applications.
This means that even if your application is complete and compliant, it may be put on hold if the annual quota is reached.
Waiting times are therefore generally longer in Quebec than in other provinces. That is why it is strongly recommended that you submit your application as early as possible so that you can be prioritized when new spots become available.
The sponsor's responsibilities: What you need to know
Sponsoring a spouse is a serious commitment that involves legal and financial responsibilities.
As a sponsor:
- You agree to provide for your spouse’s basic needs (housing, food, non-covered health care, etc.) for the duration of the sponsorship.
- You must demonstrate that you are not receiving social assistance (except in the case of disability).
- You must sign a sponsorship undertaking valid for 3 years, even if the relationship ends during that period.
It is important to understand that this commitment is intended to protect the sponsored person while assuring the government that they will not become a public charge.
That being said, there is no need to be overly concerned: in the vast majority of cases, couples go through the integration process normally, and the responsibilities are quite reasonable when the relationship is genuine and stable.
What should you expect?
Applying within Canada provides significant stability, especially if you already live together. It allows the sponsored person to remain in the country legally while the application is being processed and often to obtain a temporary work permit.
Applying from outside Canada may be preferable if you need to travel or if the sponsored person is still abroad. However, it does not automatically offer the same benefits (work, insurance, etc.) while waiting.
Each situation deserves a personalized assessment.
That is why it is important to clearly define your priorities: stability, employment, length of the process, family obligations, current legal status, etc.
How we can help you
As a regulated Canadian immigration consultant, I provide professional and compassionate assistance at every stage:
Strategic analysis based on your situation (long-distance couple, cohabitation, children, immigration status, etc.)
Complete preparation of your application: forms, proof of relationship, explanatory letters, photos, etc.
Follow-up with IRCC and, if you are in Quebec, with MIFI
Personalized assistance during the waiting period (work permit, status renewal, etc.)
Clear legal advice on your commitments and obligations as a sponsor
My goal is to ensure that your application is clear, well-structured, and processed quickly.
My recommendation
If you already have plans to build a life together, don’t wait.
Les quotas de parrainage, notamment au Québec, peuvent entraîner des délais importants.
The sooner you apply, the better your chances of getting a quick decision.
To get started or ask questions, here are one resource you can use right away:
Make an appointment for a personalized strategic meeting:
A final thought
Sponsorship is a deeply human endeavor. It brings together two people who want to build a future together in Canada.
With the right advice and professional representation, this process can become a smooth transition to your new life.
Johanne Boivin-Drapeau
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (CRIC #R509220)
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