January 26, 2026
Spousal Sponsorship from India to Canada – Complete Step‑by‑Step Guide (2026)
Reuniting with your spouse or partner is one of the most important immigration goals for many families. Canada’s Spousal Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common‑law partner, or conjugal partner living in India to become a Canadian permanent resident.
This detailed guide by Career Wings Immigration is written in the same in‑depth, practical style as the reference blog and is designed specifically for Indian applicants, covering eligibility, documentation, application steps, processing times, common challenges, and expert tips.
1. Overview of Spousal Sponsorship to Canada
Spousal sponsorship falls under Canada’s Family Class Immigration program, which prioritizes family reunification. Through this program, a Canadian sponsor commits to financially supporting their spouse or partner from India so they can settle permanently in Canada.
Once approved, the sponsored spouse receives Permanent Resident (PR) status, giving them the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada.
Canada recognizes that relationships can take different legal forms. As a result, IRCC allows sponsorship for:
- Legally married spouses
- Common‑law partners
- Conjugal partners
Each category has specific eligibility and proof requirements, which we explain in detail below.
2. Who Can Be a Sponsor?
To sponsor your spouse or partner from India, you must meet all of the following conditions:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be living in Canada, or if you are a Canadian citizen living abroad, show clear intent to return to Canada once your spouse becomes a permanent resident
- Sign an undertaking agreeing to financially support your spouse for 3 years after they become a permanent resident
- Not be receiving social assistance (except for disability reasons)
- Not be bankrupt, under a removal order, or convicted of certain criminal offences
Who Cannot Sponsor?
You may not be eligible to sponsor if:
- You are a temporary resident (visitor, student, or worker)
- You are a permanent resident living outside Canada
- You were sponsored as a spouse yourself and became a PR less than 5 years ago
- You failed to meet sponsorship obligations in a previous application
3. Who Can Be Sponsored from India?
A. Spouse
A spouse is someone you are legally married to. For Indian marriages:
- The marriage must be legally valid under Indian law
- The marriage must also be recognized under Canadian law
- Religious or traditional ceremonies must usually be registered to be considered legally valid
B. Common‑Law Partner
A common‑law partner is someone you have lived with in a marriage‑like relationship for at least 12 continuous months. Evidence may include:
- Joint lease or property documents
- Shared utility bills
- Joint bank accounts
- Affidavits from friends and family
C. Conjugal Partner
This category applies when:
- You have been in a genuine relationship for at least 12 months
- You could not live together or marry due to legal, cultural, or immigration barriers
This is the most complex category and requires strong documentation.
4. Inland vs Outland Sponsorship – Which Is Better for Indian Applicants?
Outland Sponsorship (Most Common for India)
- Application is processed through the visa office responsible for India
- The sponsored spouse remains in India during processing
- Allows travel in and out of India during processing
- Often preferred when spouses are living separately
Inland Sponsorship
- Sponsored spouse must be living in Canada
- Allows eligibility for a Spousal Open Work Permit while the application is in process
- Travel outside Canada during processing is risky
Career Wings Immigration helps clients decide the best option based on their situation.
5. Step‑by‑Step Application Process
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Before applying, both sponsor and sponsored spouse must meet IRCC requirements. This step is critical to avoid refusals.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
This is the most time‑consuming part of the process.
Key Documents from India:
- Valid passport
- Marriage certificate (registered)
- Birth certificate or alternative proof (school records, Aadhaar, PAN)
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from India
- Proof of relationship (photos, chats, call logs, travel history)
Step 3: Medical Examination
The sponsored spouse must complete a medical exam with an IRCC‑approved panel physician in India.
Step 4: Biometrics
Biometricshttps://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/biometrics/where-to-give.html (fingerprints and photo) must be completed at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Applications are submitted online through the IRCC portal with:
- Sponsorship forms
- Permanent residence forms
- Supporting documents
- Government feeshttps://www.ircc.canada.ca/english/information/fees/fees.asp
Step 6: Application Review and Processing
IRCC will:
- Assess the sponsor’s eligibility
- Review the genuineness of the relationship
- Conduct background and security checks
Step 7: Final Decision and Passport Request
Once approved, the sponsored spouse receives:
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
- PR visa (if applicable)
6. Proving a Genuine Relationship (Critical Section)
One of the most important aspects of spousal sponsorship is proving that the relationship is real and not entered into for immigration purposes.
Strong evidence includes:
- Wedding photographs and videos
- Engagement and pre‑wedding proof
- WhatsApp chats, call logs, emails
- Proof of visits and travel together
- Financial support records
- Statements from family and friends
Indian applications often receive extra scrutiny due to arranged marriages, so detailed documentation is essential.
7. Processing Times and Fees
Processing Times (Estimated)
- Outland Sponsorship (India): 10–14 months
- Inland Sponsorship: 12 months or more
Processing times may vary depending on case complexity and IRCC workload.
Government Fees
Fees generally include:
- Sponsorship fee
- Principal applicant processing fee
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee
- Biometrics fee
Fees are subject to change and must be confirmed at the time of application.
8. Common Reasons for Refusal
Spousal sponsorship applications from India may be refused due to:
- Insufficient proof of genuine relationship
- Inconsistent information in forms
- Missing or incorrect documents
- Previous marriage not properly dissolved
- Weak explanation of relationship history
Professional guidance significantly reduces these risks.
9. Why Choose Career Wings Immigration?
At Career Wings Immigration, we:
- Assess your eligibility thoroughly
- Prepare a strong relationship narrative
- Organize and review all documents
- Handle complex Indian civil documentation issues
- Provide end‑to‑end support until visa approval
Our goal is to reunite families in Canada smoothly and successfully.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Spousal Sponsorship from India to Canada
Q1. How long does spousal sponsorship from India to Canada take?
Most outland spousal sponsorship applications from India are processed within 10 to 14 months. However, processing times may vary depending on application completeness, background checks, and IRCC workload.
Q2. Can I sponsor my spouse from India if I am living outside Canada?
If you are a Canadian citizen, you may sponsor your spouse while living abroad, but you must clearly prove your intention to return to Canada once your spouse receives permanent residence. Permanent residents must be physically residing in Canada to sponsor.
Q3. Is an arranged marriage from India accepted for Canadian spousal sponsorship?
Yes. Arranged marriages are accepted by IRCC, provided the relationship is genuine and not entered into primarily for immigration purposes. Strong documentation such as wedding photos, communication records, and family involvement is essential.
Q4. Do we need a registered marriage certificate from India?
Yes. IRCC generally requires a legally registered marriage certificate. Religious ceremonies alone are usually not sufficient unless the marriage is officially registered under Indian law.
Q5. Can my spouse work in Canada while the sponsorship is in process?
If you apply under inland sponsorship, your spouse may be eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit, allowing them to work while waiting for PR approval. This option is not available for outland applications.
Q6. What proof is required to show a genuine relationship?
IRCC may request:
- Wedding and engagement photographs
- Chat messages, call logs, and emails
- Proof of visits and travel history
- Financial support evidence
- Statements from family and friends
The more detailed and consistent the evidence, the stronger the application.
Q7. Is there a minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship?
There is no formal minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship. However, the sponsor must show they can meet basic living needs and are not receiving social assistance.
Q8. Can a spousal sponsorship application be refused?
Yes. Applications may be refused due to insufficient relationship proof, missing documents, inconsistent information, or inadmissibility issues. Professional assistance helps reduce refusal risks.
Q9. Can we appeal a refused spousal sponsorship application?
In many cases, sponsors have the right to appeal a refusal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). Legal timelines apply, so early professional advice is critical.
Q10. Should I hire an immigration consultant for spousal sponsorship from India?
While it is possible to apply independently, many applicants choose a licensed Canadian immigration consultant to ensure accuracy, strong documentation, and compliance with IRCC requirements—especially for complex Indian cases.
11. Final Thoughts
Spousal sponsorship from India to Canada is a life-changing opportunity, but it requires careful preparation, detailed documentation, and a clear understanding of IRCC expectations. With the right strategy and professional support, you can successfully bring your spouse to Canada and begin your new life together. 📞 Contact Career Wings Immigration today for expert guidance on your spousal sponsorship application from India to Canada.