SPONSORING YOUR SPOUSE TO CANADA
Are you a Canadian citizen or permanent resident wanting to bring your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to Canada? Spousal sponsorship is one of the most common and fastest family sponsorship pathways to permanent residence.
However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) takes relationship authenticity seriously. To succeed with your spousal sponsorship application, you must provide compelling evidence that your relationship is genuine and meets IRCC’s strict requirements.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about proving your relationship authenticity for Canadian spousal sponsorship in 2026.
WHAT IRCC CONSIDERS A VALID SPOUSAL RELATIONSHIP
IRCC recognizes three types of spousal relationships for sponsorship purposes. Understanding which category your relationship falls under is crucial for preparing your application.
Spouses (Legally Married)
IRCC Definition: A legally married couple where the marriage is legally recognized in Canada and in the country where it took place, and both parties were physically present at the marriage ceremony. This is the most straightforward relationship type for sponsorship purposes.
Common-Law Partners
IRCC Definition: An unmarried couple who have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 consecutive months and have not had significant periods of separation during this time. Common-law partnerships offer an alternative for couples who are not married but are in committed relationships.
Conjugal Partners
IRCC Definition: A couple who has maintained a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months but cannot live together or marry due to significant barriers (legal, cultural, religious, or social). The sponsored person must live outside Canada. Conjugal partnerships are the most restrictive category and require additional documentation.
IMPORTANT: WHO CAN SPONSOR?
Only Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence. If you don’t have citizenship or permanent resident status in Canada, you cannot proceed with spousal sponsorship.
PROVING YOUR RELATIONSHIP: DOCUMENTATION FOR LIVING TOGETHER
If you and your spouse are living together, you must provide at least two documents from these categories:
- Shared ownership of residential property
- Joint leases or rental agreements
- Utility bills (gas, electricity, telephone, internet)
- Car insurance showing both as residents
- Government-issued documents showing same address
- Other address documents (phone bills, pay stubs, tax forms, bank statements)
For spouses specifically, additional evidence includes employment or insurance benefits, proof of financial support, and recognition by family and friends.
DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS: NOT LIVING TOGETHER
If not living together, provide:
- Proof of previous cohabitation (lease, utility bills, rental receipts)
- Proof of communication (letters, emails, printed text messages, social media screenshots)
- Evidence of visits (airline tickets, passport stamps showing border crossings)
- Written explanation if no visits occurred (IMM 5532 form, Part C, Question 4)
PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS
Common-law partners must include up to 20 photographs taken at different times and locations, with brief written descriptions explaining the context. Photos should show the couple together and with family and friends.
Married couples only need photographs if they answer no to ANY of these four questions:
- Are you currently living together?
- Do you have children together?
- Is this a first marriage for both?
- Have you been married for at least two years as of application date?
CONJUGAL PARTNERSHIP DOCUMENTATION
Conjugal partnerships require the most extensive documentation:
- Signed written statement explaining why you cannot marry or live together
- Minimum of two letters from people who know the relationship
- Proof of financial support and interdependence (joint accounts, remittances, shared assets)
- Up to 20 photographs with context descriptions
- Communication records (letters, texts, emails, social media, phone records)
- Evidence of visits or written explanation if no visits occurred
SPOUSAL SPONSORSHIP INTERVIEWS: WHAT TO EXPECT
IRCC may request an interview if there are doubts about relationship validity, complex relationship history, or need to clarify application details.
What to Bring
Bring marriage certificate, original identification, photographs and videos, communication records, proof of cohabitation, previous divorce certificates if applicable, bank statements, letters from family and friends, and travel documents.
Interview Questions
About Your Relationship: When did you meet? What circumstances led to your relationship? How long did you date before marriage? What key events shaped your relationship? What activities do you share?
Daily Life: Which household tasks does each person handle? What is your weekday routine? How do you spend weekends? Do you have special traditions together?
Family and Friends: When did you meet your spouse’s family? Do you participate in family events? Can you name your partner’s close friends? What do your families think of the relationship?
Communication: How often do you communicate? What methods do you use? How often do you communicate with your spouse’s family? How do you resolve disagreements?
Future Plans: Do you plan children? What are your career goals? How will you manage finances? Where will you live? How do you support each other’s goals?
Interview Tips
- Answer truthfully – never guess or fabricate
- Be consistent with your partner and your application
- Study your application thoroughly beforehand
- Use concrete examples and specific details
- Stay calm and respectful
- Have all documents organized and accessible
COMMON DOCUMENTATION MISTAKES TO AVOID
- Insufficient documentation – provide multiple proof categories
- Undated or unclear photos – ensure context and dates
- Lack of communication records – save and print messages
- No financial interdependence proof – show shared accounts
- Inconsistent information – ensure all documents align
- Missing government-issued ID – always include official documents
HOW VG IMMIGRATION CAN HELP
Navigating spousal sponsorship is complex. With strict documentation requirements and potential interviews, mistakes could delay or deny your application.
VG Immigration specializes in:
- Spousal sponsorship application preparation and review
- Documentation gathering and organization
- Interview preparation and coaching
- Relationship authenticity evidence compilation
- Common-law and conjugal partnership assessments
- Application amendment if interview scheduled
- Complete case management from start to finish
Our immigration specialists understand IRCC’s requirements and help you present the strongest possible case.
CONTACT VG IMMIGRATION TODAY
Ready to sponsor your spouse to Canada?
Get in touch with our immigration specialists:
Phone: Available through our contact link above
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VG Immigration – Your trusted partner in Canadian family sponsorship. We are here to help you reunite with your loved one through Canadian permanent residence.