Frequently asked questions:
Sponsoring your family

Spouses, partners and dependent children

I want to sponsor my spouse. Is it faster to apply from inside or outside Canada?

It is usually faster to apply to sponsor a spouse from outside Canada. However, the requirements to immigrate to Canada are the same in both cases.

Some differences between the processes:

Inside Canada

• average of 12 to 18 months to process routine applications
• no right of appeal
• you are advised to stay in Canada while your application is being processed (If you leave Canada and cannot re-enter, the application will be abandoned)
• you can send an application for an open work permit with the sponsorship application (the permit will be issued as soon as you are eligible for it)

Outside Canada

• average of 6 to 12 months to process routine applications
• right of appeal
• you can leave and re-enter Canada while your application is being processed as long as you meet all requirements to enter Canada
• if you want to work in Canada while your application is being processed, you must apply for a regular work permit