Marrying a Canadian permanent resident can be the first step toward building a new life together in Canada. The main way to do this is through a process called spousal sponsorship. This allows a permanent resident to sponsor their spouse to come to Canada and become a permanent resident, too.

This guide breaks down the entire process. We will cover who is eligible, the steps to apply, the costs, and how long it might take. Our goal is to give you clear and simple information to help you on your journey.

Who is a Canadian Permanent Resident?

Before we dive in, let’s be clear about what a permanent resident is. A permanent resident (PR) is someone who has been given permission to live in Canada permanently. They are not Canadian citizens, but they have many of the same rights and responsibilities. Permanent residents can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada.

Marrying a permanent resident does not automatically make you one. You must go through the official spousal sponsorship application process with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which is the government body that handles immigration.

Eligibility: Can You Be Sponsored?

To be sponsored for permanent residence, you (the person being sponsored) must meet a few key requirements.

You must be:

• At least 18 years old.
• Legally married to your sponsor. Your marriage must be legally valid in the country where it took place and under Canadian law.
• In a genuine relationship. This is the most important part. You must prove that your marriage is not a “marriage of convenience” just to get status in Canada. IRCC will look closely at your relationship to make sure it is real.

You may not be eligible if you are inadmissible to Canada for reasons such as serious health issues, criminality, or security risks.

The Sponsor: Can Your Partner Sponsor You?

Your spouse, the Canadian permanent resident, must also meet several conditions to be an eligible sponsor.

The sponsor must:

• Be a Canadian permanent resident who is living in Canada. If they are living abroad, they must prove that they plan to live in Canada with you once you get your permanent residence.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Sign an undertaking. This is a legal promise to the government that you will provide for your spouse’s basic financial needs for three years after they become a permanent resident. Basic needs include food, shelter, clothing, and other everyday living costs.
• Not be receiving social assistance for a reason other than a disability.
• Not have sponsored a previous spouse within the last three years.
• Not be in prison, bankrupt, or under a removal order to leave Canada.

The sponsor does not need to meet a specific income requirement, but they must show they can support their spouse and are not receiving most forms of social assistance.

The Spousal Sponsorship Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The application process can seem long, but breaking it down into steps makes it much easier to manage.

Step 1: Get the Application Package

First, go to the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Find the application package for sponsoring a spouse. It contains all the forms and instructions you need. Make sure you get the right package, whether your spouse is in Canada (inland) or outside of Canada (outland).

Step 2: Fill Out All the Forms

You and your spouse will have several forms to complete. These forms ask for personal details, background information, and details about your relationship. Be honest and fill out every section completely. Common forms include the Application to Sponsor, the Generic Application Form for Canada, and the Relationship Information questionnaire.

Step 3: Gather Your Supporting Documents

This is a critical step. You need to provide documents that support your application and prove your claims.

Key documents include:

• Identity documents (passports, birth certificates)
• Your legal marriage certificate
• Proof of your sponsor’s status in Canada (their Permanent Resident Card)
• Police certificates from every country where you have lived for 6 months or more since the age of 18.

Most importantly, you need proof that your relationship is genuine. This is where you tell your story. Include items like:

• Photos of you together over time, especially with friends and family.
• Travel tickets and boarding passes from trips you took together.
• Letters or messages from friends and family congratulating you on your marriage.
• Screenshots of chat logs or call histories showing regular communication.
• Proof of shared finances, like joint bank accounts, shared bills, or money transfers.
• Invitations to your wedding and photos from the ceremony.

Step 4: Pay Your Application Fees

You must pay all the required fees online. The fees usually include:

• Sponsorship fee
• Principal applicant processing fee
• Right of permanent residence fee
• Biometrics fee

As of August 2025, the total cost is approximately $1,150 CAD per couple, but you should always check the IRCC website for the most current fees.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Most applications are now submitted online through the IRCC portal. Follow the instructions carefully to upload all your completed forms and supporting documents. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number.

Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship: What’s the Difference?

You will need to choose between two types of applications when marrying a permanent resident in Canada.

Column 1: Inland Sponsorship

• Who it’s for: Your spouse is already living inside Canada with you and has valid temporary status (like a visitor, student, or work permit).
• Key Feature: Your spouse can apply for an Open Work Permit at the same time as the sponsorship application. This allows them to work for any employer in Canada while waiting for a decision.
• Travel: Your spouse should not travel outside of Canada during processing, as they may not be allowed back in.
• Appeal Rights: There are no formal appeal rights if the application is refused.

Column 2: Outland Sponsorship

• Who it’s for: Your spouse is living outside of Canada. It can also be used if your spouse is in Canada but may need to travel.
• Key Feature: Processing is often slightly faster than inland applications.
• Travel: Your spouse can travel to and from Canada (if they have a valid visitor visa) without affecting the application.
• Appeal Rights: The sponsor has the right to appeal a refusal to the Immigration and Refugee Board.

Proving Your Relationship is Real: An Expert’s View

We spoke with a fictional immigration consultant, Maria Flores, to get her advice on the most important part of the application.

“IRCC officers are trained to spot marriages of convenience,” Maria says. “A marriage certificate is just the start. They want to see the story of your relationship. My advice is to be an open book. Provide photos from different stages of your relationship—when you were dating, your engagement, your wedding, and time spent with each other’s families. Show them joint utility bills, a lease with both your names, or life insurance policies where you’ve named each other as the beneficiary. The more evidence you have that your lives are intertwined, the stronger your application will be.”

Conclusion: Your Journey Together

Marrying a permanent resident in Canada is a well-defined path to starting your life together in the country. The spousal sponsorship program is designed for genuine couples, and the key to success is a thorough and honest application. By carefully following the steps, providing strong evidence of your relationship, and meeting all eligibility requirements, you can navigate the process successfully.

Your Actionable Takeaway

Start your “relationship evidence” folder today. Create a shared digital folder with your spouse and begin saving photos, travel documents, screenshots of important conversations, and any shared bills. Organizing these documents now will make your application process much smoother and stronger when you are ready to apply.