By George Lee, Immigration Lawyer | George Lee Law
Updated: January 2026 | Vancouver, BC
Are you a Canadian citizen or permanent resident hoping to sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to come to Canada? The spousal sponsorship program remains one of the most popular pathways for family reunification in Canada. However, significant changes to the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan and new open work permit rules have altered the landscape considerably.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the latest updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) so you can make informed decisions about your family’s immigration journey.
What is Spousal Sponsorship in Canada?
The spousal sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to become a permanent resident of Canada. This family reunification program is one of three pillars of Canada’s immigration system, alongside economic immigration and refugee protection.
In the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, the Family Class represents about 22–24% of permanent resident admissions, demonstrating Canada’s continued commitment to reuniting families.
Two Types of Spousal Sponsorship: Inland vs. Overseas
Spousal sponsorship applications fall into two main categories:
Inland Sponsorship
Inland sponsorship is for spouses or partners who are already living in Canada with the sponsor. The sponsored person must be physically present in Canada when the application is submitted and should remain in Canada while the application is being processed. A major benefit of inland sponsorship is eligibility for an open work permit while waiting for the PR decision.
Overseas Sponsorship
Overseas (outland) sponsorship is used when the principal applicant is living outside Canada at the time of application. However, the sponsored person may still visit Canada during processing if they can enter and maintain temporary resident status. This stream is often chosen when the spouse does not currently reside in Canada or prefers to wait abroad during processing.
Can You Sponsor a Spouse Who is Out of Status in Canada?
Yes. Even if your spouse has fallen out of status, IRCC has a spousal public policy that can waive the “in-status” requirement and inadmissibility only as it relates to lack of status (overstay, unauthorized work or study, etc.). It does not waive other inadmissibility issues, such as criminality or security concerns, and the relationship must still meet all regular requirements. At George Lee Law, we have successfully helped many out-of-status applicants obtain their permanent residence through inland spousal sponsorship.
Can a Sponsor Who Lives Outside Canada Apply?
This depends on whether the sponsor is a permanent resident or a Canadian citizen. Permanent residents must be living in Canada to sponsor a spouse. However, Canadian citizens can sponsor from outside Canada, but they must provide evidence of their intention to reside in Canada when their sponsored spouse lands as a permanent resident.
Who Can Sponsor? Eligibility Requirements for 2026
To be eligible to sponsor your spouse or partner, you must:
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Be at least 18 years old
• Commit to supporting the people you’re sponsoring by signing an undertaking and sponsorship agreement
• Meet all requirements under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA)
Important: In most cases, there is no income requirement to sponsor your spouse, partner, or dependent child. This is different from sponsoring parents or grandparents, where income thresholds apply.
Who Cannot Sponsor?
You may be ineligible to sponsor if you:
• Failed to meet financial support obligations from a previous sponsorship agreement
• Are receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability
• Declared bankruptcy and have not been discharged
• Were convicted of a violent criminal offence, sexual offence, or an offence causing bodily harm to a relative
• Have a removal order against you requiring you to leave Canada
The 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan: What It Means for Family Sponsorship
On October 24, 2024, IRCC released the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which includes significant changes to Canada’s immigration targets. For the first time, this plan also sets targets for temporary residents, reflecting a new holistic approach to managed migration.
Key Numbers for Family Class Sponsorship
Permanent resident targets have been reduced:
• 2025: 395,000 total PRs (94,500 family class)
• 2026: 380,000 total PRs (88,000 family class)
• 2027: 365,000 total PRs (81,000 family class)
For Spouses, Partners and Children specifically, the admission targets are 70,000 (2025), 66,500 (2026), and 61,000 (2027). While these targets are lower than recent peak years, IRCC has maintained its commitment to family reunification.
Current Processing Times for Spousal Sponsorship
Processing times vary and can change month to month. The safest approach is to check IRCC’s live processing-time tool for current estimates.
Applications Outside Quebec
• Overseas applications: IRCC’s service standard (target) is 12 months
• In-Canada applications: Processing times vary; check IRCC for current estimates
Quebec-Destined Applications (Longer Wait Times)
Processing times for Quebec-destined applications can be significantly longer due to the additional provincial undertaking requirement. Check IRCC and MIFI for current processing times.
Note: Quebec has its own cap of 13,000 family sponsorship applications between June 26, 2024 and June 25, 2026. Quebec-destined sponsors must also obtain an undertaking from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) before IRCC can approve the permanent residence application. As of July 9, 2025, Quebec stopped receiving new undertaking applications for spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, and dependent children aged 18+ until June 25, 2026, subject to listed exceptions.
Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP): Important 2025 Changes
One of the biggest benefits for sponsored spouses and partners is the ability to apply for an open work permit while their permanent residence application is being processed. This allows them to work for any employer in Canada.
How to Qualify for a Spousal Open Work Permit
Your spouse or partner can apply for an open work permit once they:
• Have received an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) confirming their permanent residence application is being processed
• Are in Canada with valid temporary resident status (or have applied for an extension before their status expired)
• Live at the same address as the sponsor
Good news: If your spouse or partner’s current work permit is expiring and they have a PR application in process, they can apply for a two-year extension of their spousal open work permit.
January 2025: Major Changes to Open Work Permits for Family Members
Effective January 21, 2025, IRCC implemented significant restrictions on open work permits for family members of temporary workers and international students. This is separate from the spousal sponsorship open work permit discussed above.
Who Is Still Eligible?
Spouses of temporary workers in the following categories:
• TEER 0 or 1 occupations (management and professional roles)
• Select TEER 2 or 3 occupations in specified sectors (healthcare, construction, natural resources, education)
• The principal worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work authorization
Spouses of international students enrolled in:
• Master’s degree programs of 16 months or longer
• Doctoral programs
• Certain professional programs and select pilot programs
Who Is No Longer Eligible?
• Dependent children of foreign workers (no longer eligible for a family open work permit under this measure)
• Spouses of workers in lower-skilled occupations (TEER 4 and 5)
• Spouses of students in undergraduate or college programs (with limited exceptions)
Note: Applications received before January 21, 2025 will be processed under the previous eligibility criteria. If your open work permit was already approved and hasn’t expired, it remains valid.
Can Your Spouse Visit While the PR Application is Processing?
Yes! While waiting for a decision on the permanent residence application, your spouse or partner can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit you in Canada.
Good news: If you (the sponsor) have received an Acknowledgement of Receipt confirming the PR application is in process, your spouse or partner may be eligible for faster TRV processing. IRCC’s stated service standard is that most new TRV applications for spousal sponsorship applicants will be processed in about 30 days, but timelines can still vary.
Once approved for a visitor visa, your spouse can apply for an open work permit when they arrive in Canada.
Tips for a Successful Spousal Sponsorship Application
1. Submit a Complete Application: Incomplete applications will be returned. Ensure all forms are properly filled out and all required documents are included.
2. Prove Your Relationship is Genuine: IRCC looks for evidence that your relationship is real, not entered into primarily for immigration purposes. Include photos, communication records, joint financial documents, and detailed relationship history.
3. Apply Online: As of September 2022, you must apply online through the Permanent Residence Portal. Paper applications are only available for those who require accommodations.
4. Complete Biometrics Promptly: Once requested, you have 30 days to provide biometrics. Delays in biometrics submission can slow down processing.
5. Keep Your Information Updated: Notify IRCC of any changes to your address, family situation (birth, divorce, death), or other circumstances.
6. Consider Professional Help: Spousal sponsorship applications can be complex. An experienced immigration lawyer can help ensure your application is complete and properly documented.
What About Parents and Grandparents?
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has different requirements and is subject to annual caps:
• For the 2025 intake, IRCC planned to accept up to 10,000 complete applications. IRCC has not yet announced the next intake numbers for 2026.
• Processing times are approximately 24 months for applications outside Quebec and 48 months for Quebec-destined applicants
• Income requirements apply – you must prove income for the past 3 tax years
Alternative: The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to 5 years at a time with multiple entries valid for up to 10 years. This may be a good option while waiting for the PGP program or if you don’t meet income requirements.
How George Lee Law Can Help
Navigating Canada’s spousal sponsorship program can be challenging, especially with the recent changes to immigration levels and open work permit rules. At George Lee Law, we have over 25 years of experience helping families reunite in Canada.
We offer services in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin to serve Vancouver’s diverse community.
Contact us today for a consultation:
Phone: 604-681-1611
Location: Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, BC
Website: www.georgeleelaw.com
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. For advice specific to your situation, please consult with a qualified immigration lawyer. Information in this article is current as of January 2026 and is based on publicly available information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).