Discover how our team of experienced immigration attorneys can help you sponsor — or be sponsored — for Canadian permanent residency.
SERVICES
Sponsor your spouse or partner for Canadian permanent residency through inland sponsorship if you're currently living together in Canada, or through outland sponsorship if you're currently living together outside Canada.
At Canadim, we gladly assist with Quebec spousal sponsorship as well, which has unique rules requiring strict adherence to provincial guidelines.
A spousal open work permit (SOWP) allows your spouse or partner to work legally for any employer in Canada. You may be eligible for a SOWP if you've applied for permanent residence through the spousal sponsorship process.
Spousal sponsorship lets Canadian citizens and permanent residents bring their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to live with them in Canada permanently. The right pathway depends on where you and your partner currently live, and whether the application is processed under federal or Quebec rules.
Inland sponsorship applies when the couple is already living together in Canada — and gives the sponsored partner access to an open work permit while the application is processed. Outland sponsorship is processed through a Canadian visa office abroad and is generally faster; it also preserves the right of appeal in case of refusal.
Quebec sponsorship follows a separate undertaking process under provincial rules and tends to take longer than the federal pathway. Choosing the right route from the start has a real impact on processing times, work authorization, and the strength of your application.
With over 23 years of experience and thousands of successful sponsorship cases, Canadim provides expert guidance and personalized support to help you navigate the spousal sponsorship process anywhere in Canada — including Quebec.
Every relationship is unique. Our immigration lawyers build a customized strategy around your circumstances: time spent together, where you live, your immigration status, and the documentation needed to prove a genuine relationship. The goal is a complete, well-supported application that minimizes the risk of delays or refusal.
"I am so happy that we chose Canadim. Our case manager Jasmine is absolutely terrific. My husband was immigrating to QC and it's a very long application. Jasmine always had fast responses to all our questions over a two-year process (QC is longer). The process is stressful and grueling but they helped every step of the way making it less stressful. Worth every penny."
"I highly recommend this company! If you're looking for a serious and professional law firm, I strongly recommend CANADIM. A big thank you and shoutout to Jasmine! Any immigration process can feel overwhelming, so it's important to choose a team that makes you feel supported, valued, and at ease. CANADIM did exactly that for me."
"I had a fantastic experience working with Canadim Law Firm. From the beginning, the communication was clear, professional, and supportive. Nadia was particularly helpful — always responsive, kind, and knowledgeable throughout the process. I felt confident every step of the way thanks to their guidance. I would highly recommend Canadim to anyone navigating immigration pathways in Canada."
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are at least 18 years old can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner — provided they are not receiving social assistance (other than for disability) and can meet basic financial obligations.
Inland sponsorship: The application is processed in Canada and the spouse is already in Canada — they are eligible for an open work permit while the application is processed.
Outland sponsorship: The application is processed outside of Canada at a Canadian visa office abroad and both spouses are usually outside Canada.
On average, processing takes about 12 months, but times can vary depending on the visa office, application completeness, and background checks. Longer processing times are expected for the Province of Quebec.
Generally, no. Unlike other immigration programs, there is no strict minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship — but sponsors must show they can meet their spouse's basic needs without social assistance.
Yes. Your spouse will be eligible to apply for an open work permit provided they are in Canada and the acknowledgement of receipt of the sponsorship application has been issued (typically 4–5 months in). This allows them to work while waiting for a final decision.
You may have the right to appeal the decision to the Immigration Appeal Division, or to reapply with stronger evidence — depending on the reason for refusal and whether it was an inland or outland application.
At Canadim, we know that every relationship is unique. Our experienced immigration lawyers can help you submit the strongest application to avoid delays or refusals.
Schedule a free confidential consultation.