Inland Spousal and Common-Law Sponsorship

Inland Spousal and Common-Law Sponsorship in Canada

Reunite and build a future together – right here in Canada.

The Inland Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residence if they are already living together in Canada. This pathway is ideal for couples who are cohabiting and want to transition from temporary to permanent status.

 What is Inland Sponsorship?

Inland sponsorship is part of the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class. It enables a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their foreign spouse or partner, as long as both are living together in Canada and the sponsored partner holds valid temporary status (visitor, student, or worker).

 Key Benefits:

Sponsored partner can stay in Canada during processing

Eligible applicants can apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP)

Access to healthcare, work, and study rights in Canada

Simplified path to permanent residence

 Inland Sponsorship Eligibility Requirements

For the Sponsor:

Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

Must be 18 years or older

Must not have sponsored a spouse in Canada within the last 5 years

Must not be:

In prison

Charged with a serious offense

Bankrupt

For the Sponsored Person:

Must be legally residing in Canada (temporary resident status)

Must be 18 years or older

Must be in a genuine:

Spousal relationship (legally married)

Common-law relationship (cohabiting for at least 12 consecutive months)

❌ Note: Conjugal relationships are not eligible for Inland sponsorship. If you are in a conjugal relationship and cannot live together, consider the Outland Sponsorship pathway.

 How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Download the Application Package
Includes: Guide, forms, and document checklist.

Pay Application Fees Online
Fees may include:

Sponsorship application fee

Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)

Biometrics and third-party fees (if applicable)

Complete and Sign the Forms
Fill out accurately and double-check all information.

Submit Your Application
Mail your application to the correct IRCC address in Canada.

Respond to Requests for Additional Documents
IRCC may contact you to provide more information.

Quebec Residents must also apply to the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) and obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (QSC).

 Open Work Permit (OWP) for Inland Applicants

Eligible Inland applicants can apply for an Open Work Permit while their sponsorship application is in process.

To qualify, the sponsored person must:

Be in a genuine relationship with the sponsor

Have submitted a permanent residence application

Have received an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC

Be living in Canada with the sponsor

Dependant Children May Also Qualify

If the applicant has children living with them and the sponsor, they may also receive an OWP if:

The PR application is in process

The child is living in Canada with the sponsor and principal applicant

 Inland Sponsorship Processing Times

 Average Processing Time: ~12 months

 IRCC has worked to align Inland and Outland timelines, so both options now have similar processing durations

 Tip: Inland sponsorship may be slower if the applicant needs to travel outside of Canada frequently. In such cases, consider Outland sponsorship instead.

 Key Takeaways

 Need Help With Your Sponsorship Application?

Navigating family sponsorships can be overwhelming—but you're not alone.
Let our experienced immigration professionals guide you through every step of the Inland Sponsorship process.

 Book a consultation or  contact us now to get started on your path to permanent residency with your loved one in Canada.