Immigration

Spousal Sponsorship — Outside Canada

Spousal sponsorship is the process by which a Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsors their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for Canadian permanent residence. This service covers the Outside Canada stream — used when the sponsored person is living abroad and will apply for an immigrant visa at a Canadian visa office to land in Canada as a permanent resident.

The sponsorship process involves two linked applications submitted to IRCC simultaneously: the sponsor's application (establishing that the Canadian citizen or permanent resident is eligible and willing to support their partner) and the sponsored person's application for permanent residence. Both must be carefully prepared, well-documented, and submitted together.

This service covers preparation of both the sponsorship and the PR application packages, including the relationship documentation strategy, which is often the most critical part of a successful spousal sponsorship. IRCC will assess whether the relationship is genuine and not entered primarily for immigration purposes — the quality and completeness of relationship documentation is essential.

**Government fees** are $1,205 total ($85 sponsor fee + $545 processing fee + $575 Right of Permanent Residence Fee), payable directly to IRCC. Biometrics ($85 per person) may also be required.

IRCC processing times for Outside Canada spousal sponsorship vary and are published on the IRCC website. Processing typically takes 12 months or longer depending on the visa office handling the application.
Federal (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)

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 permanent residence application
  • 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 both the sponsor and sponsored person

What Is Not Included

  • Government fees ($1,205 total, 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
  • Appeals or reconsideration if the application is refused
  • Dependent children sponsorship (additional fee may apply if dependants are included)

Who This Service Is For

Canadian citizens or permanent residents who want to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner living outside Canada
Couples in genuine relationships where the sponsored partner is abroad and will enter Canada as a permanent resident
Applicants where the sponsor meets IRCC's financial and eligibility requirements

Information Required from You

  • 1Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence for the sponsor
  • 2Passports for both sponsor and sponsored person
  • 3Proof of relationship: marriage certificate, cohabitation evidence, or evidence of a conjugal relationship
  • 4Relationship evidence: photos together, communication records, travel history, financial ties
  • 5Employment and income information for the sponsor
  • 6Civil status documents (birth certificates, divorce certificates if previously married)
  • 7Police certificates for the sponsored person (from each country of residence)
  • 8Any prior immigration history in Canada or elsewhere

Common Add-Ons

Sponsor application fee$85 (at cost, paid to IRCC)
Processing fee (sponsored person)$545 (at cost, paid to IRCC)
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)$575 (at cost, paid to IRCC)
Biometrics (per person, if required)$85 (at cost, paid to IRCC)

Frequently Asked Questions

Important Limitations

  • Spousal sponsorship applications are assessed by IRCC officers who consider both the sponsor's eligibility and the genuineness of the relationship. Strong, well-organized documentation significantly improves an application but cannot guarantee approval.
  • This service covers the Outside Canada stream only. If the sponsored person is already in Canada and wishes to remain, the In-Canada Spousal Sponsorship 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

$4,000

Plus HST

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