Help Your Spouse Get Work in Canada in 2023

Canada is committed to keeping families together. Canadian citizens and permanent residents may sponsor their spouses or partners for immigration to Canada through the Canadian Sponsorship Immigration Program. If successful, the sponsored person obtains permanent resident status, allowing the couple to build their lives together in the Great North.

In recent years, Canada has increased its policies to include and integrate foreign spouses and created easier ways for them to work in Canada to assist in reaching immigration targets.

Bringing Your Spouse to Canada

The Spousal Sponsorship Program applies to both opposite and same-sex couples, regardless of whether they apply for inland or outland spousal sponsorship. This means that no matter where you or your spouse are in the world as long as one of you is a Canadian permanent resident or citizen, you can reunite with your significant other. This, however only applies to those who are 18 years or older.

Spousal Sponsorship

This refers to legally Married couples. The marriage must be legal in the country where you and your spouse were married.

You must show that your marriage is real and not just to get permanent residence in Canada. This may require an interview with a visa officer, and you may be required to provide proof of your relationship, such as:

• Shared assets;
• Travel together;
• Communication;
• A honeymoon;
• Meeting your spouse’s parents etc.

Common-Law Sponsorship

Couples who are unmarried have been living together in Canada for at least one year.

You will have to be able to show that you are in a genuine, committed, and exclusive relationship. This can be shown in various ways, such as:

• A co-signed lease or property agreement;
• Shared utility bills in each other’s names at the same address;
• Shared assets;
• Travel together;
• Communication;
• Travel to each other’s home countries;
• Meeting your common-law partner’s parents etc.

Conjugal Sponsorship

Couples who are not married nor living together (ie. your foreign partner is living outside of Canada), however have been in a conjugal relationship for at least one year.

It is important to note that this category is unsuitable for those just dating or planning to marry in the distant future. To be successful, you will need to prove that you are in a committed “marriage-like” relationship through, for example:

• A co-signed lease or property agreement;
• Shared assets;
• Travel together;
• Communication;
• Public declaration of your relationship or ceremony;
• Travel to each other’s home countries;
• Meeting your conjugal partner’s parents etc.

What You Need to Know About Canada’s Spousal Sponsorship

The most important factor is that the sponsor or principal applicant is a Canadian permanent resident or citizen. Other requirements are as follows:

• You must be 18 years or older;
• You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
• You must be living in Canada and plan to live in Canada when your spouse or partner becomes a permanent resident;
• Have enough income to provide for the basic needs of your spouse and any dependant children; and
• prove that you are not receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability.

Processing Times

• Spouse or common-law partner living inside Canada- 13 months
• Spouse or common-law partner living outside Canada- 17 months

Find out more about the IRCC processing times here. The best way to ensure your sponsorship application is processed as quickly as possible is to ensure it’s done right the first time. A team of certified immigration specialists heads us called RCICs with years of experience with Canada’s Spousal Sponsorship.

Canada Inland Sponsorship VS Outland Sponsorship

Outland sponsorship and Inland sponsorship applications are submitted to different departments in Canada, and processing times may vary.

Inland sponsorship is pursued when the couple is together in Canada and the spouse/ partner has temporary resident status as a student, visitor, or worker. Outland sponsorship is pursued when the sponsored person lives outside of Canada. 

Due to new regulations outlined by Canada's Immigration Minister Sean Fraser on May 26, 2023, both inland-sponsored and outland-sponsored spouses are eligible for an open work permit in Canada, allowing them to join their spouse in Canada and support their spouse before their permanent residency application is processed as this can take up to 17 months.

Unlike an employer-specific work permit requiring an LMIA document and restricting you from working for a specific Canadian employer, an open work permit allows the holder to work anywhere in Canada and for any company without any red tape.

What is the Open Work Permit, and How Does It Work?

Canada is big on helping families integrate into Canadian life together. The government has therefore made a special allowance for spouses and common-law partners who would like to earn a living in the form of the Open Work Permit. By having permanent residence in Canada, your spouse, common law, or conjugal partner is not only able to relocate with you but will also be able to work until their residency status has been approved. 

You will need to meet the following criteria to be deemed eligible to help your loved one apply for the Open Work Permit:

• Have submitted a permanent residence application through the Spousal and Common
• Law Partner sponsorship program;
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Canada;
• Have proof that you have been living with your spouse or common-law partner for at least 12 consecutive months; and
• Have a valid temporary resident status in Canada.

How We Can Help You With Your Application

Immigration to Canada can be both complex and confusing. By using our accredited, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), you will not only optimize your chances of success in the visa application process, but you will receive expert advice on which program is best for your personal needs. Our RCICs are registered with the ICCRC and are legally permitted to assist you by evaluating your eligibility, reviewing all documentation, and submitting it to the Canadian government on your behalf.

FAQs

Can I stay in Canada while waiting for spousal sponsorship?

Yes, you can. Canada allows both inland and outland spousal sponsorship. This means you can apply to sponsor your loved one whether or not you are physically in Canada. If you and your spouse apply while in Canada, you can stay while waiting for permanent residence. You must, however, make sure that your status remains legal, which means that if you are on a temporary visa, you must extend your stay before your permit or visa expires.

Can My Spouse Study in Canada?

You can apply for spousal sponsorship and a study permit at the same time. Due to their quick processing periods, IRCC promotes applications for Canada Student Visas, including spouses and children.

Can I Sponsor My Spouse on a Study Visa?

Your spouse or common-law companion and any dependent children may travel with you to Canada. They might qualify for a visitor visa, job, study permit, or both. When you apply for a study permit, you must do so online.