Spousal Sponsorship — Inside Canada
The In-Canada (Inland) Spousal Sponsorship stream allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner who is already living in Canada. Unlike the Outside Canada stream, the sponsored person remains in Canada throughout the entire process and, if eligible, can apply for an Open Work Permit at the same time as the sponsorship application.
This service includes preparation of both the sponsorship and PR application packages, as well as the initial Open Work Permit (OWP) application so the sponsored person can work legally in Canada while waiting for a decision on their permanent residence. The OWP is submitted simultaneously with the sponsorship application — this is one of the key practical advantages of the Inland stream.
The Inland stream involves two linked applications: the sponsor's application and the sponsored person's application for permanent residence from within Canada. Both require careful preparation and a strong relationship documentation package, as IRCC assesses the genuineness of the relationship.
**Government fees** are $1,205 for PR ($85 sponsor + $545 processing + $575 RPRF) plus $255 for the inland Open Work Permit ($155 work permit fee + $100 open work permit holder fee). Biometrics ($85 per person) may also be required.
What Is Included
- Eligibility review for sponsor and sponsored person
- Preparation of the sponsor's application (IMM 1344 and supporting forms)
- Preparation of the sponsored person's in-Canada permanent residence application
- Preparation of the initial Open Work Permit (OWP) application (submitted simultaneously)
- Relationship documentation strategy and review
- Preparation of a relationship evidence package (cover letter, chronology, supporting narrative)
- Review of all supporting documents provided by the client
- Complete submission-ready application package for sponsorship, PR, and initial OWP
What Is Not Included
- Government PR fees ($1,205 total, paid directly to IRCC)
- Open Work Permit government fees ($255, paid directly to IRCC)
- Biometrics ($85 per person, if required)
- Medical examination fees (required for the sponsored person; paid to a designated physician)
- Police certificate fees (paid to issuing authorities)
- Translation fees for documents not in English or French
- OWP renewal applications after the initial OWP (separate service)
- Appeals or reconsideration if the application is refused
- Dependent children sponsorship (additional fee may apply if dependants are included)
Who This Service Is For
Information Required from You
- 1Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence for the sponsor
- 2Passports for both sponsor and sponsored person
- 3Proof of the sponsored person's current valid status in Canada (visitor record, study/work permit, etc.)
- 4Proof of relationship: marriage certificate or evidence of 12+ months cohabitation for common-law
- 5Relationship evidence: photos together, communication records, financial ties, joint accounts
- 6Employment and income information for the sponsor
- 7Civil status documents (birth certificates, divorce certificates if previously married)
- 8Police certificates for the sponsored person
- 9Any prior immigration history in Canada or elsewhere
Common Add-Ons
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Limitations
- •The sponsored person must be in valid status in Canada at the time of application, or must qualify for implied status. If status has expired, restoration may be required before applying.
- •While the application is pending, the sponsored person may be eligible to remain in Canada under implied status rules — this is assessed at intake.
- •This service covers the In-Canada (Inland) stream only. If the sponsored person is abroad, the Outside Canada stream applies instead.
- •Government fees and third-party costs (medical exam, police certificates, translations) are the client's responsibility and are not included in the flat legal fee.
- •Approval is not guaranteed. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada makes all final decisions.
Fixed fee
$4,500
Plus HST
The $4,500 + HST flat fee includes preparation of the initial Open Work Permit application so the sponsored spouse can work while the PR application is pending. Government fees are $1,205 for permanent residence ($85 sponsor + $545 processing + $575 RPRF) plus $255 for the inland Open Work Permit ($155 + $100 open work permit holder fee). Biometrics are $85 per person if required. All government fees are payable directly to IRCC.
This service is provided by a third party. By requesting this service, you consent to us sharing your inquiry with one of our partner law firms, and you may be contacted by them, pursuant to our Privacy Policy.
Requesting does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Subject to conflict check and acceptance.
Prices are for the stated scope only. Additional complexity, urgency, disbursements, HST, or government fees may apply.
Fixed fee
$4,500
Plus HST