Sponsoring a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner to Canada has a money side for both of you: the sponsor signs a financial undertaking and pays the government fees, and the sponsored spouse arrives with no Canadian credit or tax history. This page covers both. The general first-year steps for newcomers are on the newcomers to Canada guide, and how much money other immigrants have to show is on proof of funds.
Is there an income requirement?
IRCC’s eligibility page says: “In most cases, there isn’t an income requirement to sponsor your spouse, partner or dependent child.” An income requirement applies only when you sponsor a dependent child who has dependent children of their own, or a spouse or partner whose dependent child has dependent children of their own; in those cases IRCC’s Financial Evaluation Form (IMM 1283) sets out the amount. Quebec residents also have to meet Quebec’s own sponsorship requirements.
What does matter financially: a sponsor who receives social assistance (other than for a disability) generally can’t sponsor, and a sponsor who defaulted on an earlier undertaking has to repay it first.
Government Fees for Spousal Sponsorship
Government fees from IRCC’s fee list; check it before you pay, since IRCC adjusts its fees periodically. Non-government costs are estimates.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship fee | $90 |
| Principal applicant processing fee | $570 |
| Sponsorship + processing subtotal | $660 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | $600 |
| Sponsorship + processing + RPRF total | $1,260 |
| Dependent child PR fee (under 22) | $180 per child |
| Biometrics (1 applicant) | $85 |
| Biometrics (family of 2+) | $170 maximum |
| Medical exam (per person) | $200–$450 |
| Police certificates | $25–$150 per country |
| Translation and notarization | $200–$1,000 (varies) |
| Total (sponsor + 1 spouse, no children) | ~$1,345–$1,895 |
Government fees for outland processing. Inland processing has the same fees. Add $1,500–$5,000 for a lawyer or consultant. The RPRF is refundable if the application is withdrawn or refused before finalization.
Sponsorship Undertaking: What You Are Committing To
| Sponsored Person | Undertaking Duration |
|---|---|
| Spouse or common-law partner | 3 years from date of landing |
| Conjugal partner | 3 years from date of landing |
| Dependent child under 22 | 10 years or until age 25: whichever comes first |
| Dependent child 22+ (financially dependent due to disability) | 3 years from date of landing |
Key obligations under the undertaking:
- Ensure the sponsored person has their basic needs met (food, clothing, shelter)
- Ensure they do not need social assistance
- Repay any social assistance received if IRCC issues a recovery order
- Even separation or divorce does NOT end the undertaking
- A default on undertaking can result in a ban on future sponsorships
Documentation Checklist for Sponsor
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Notice of Assessment (NOA): last 3 years | From CRA My Account or paper copy |
| T4 slips (all employers) | Last tax year |
| Pay stubs: most recent 3 months | If employed |
| Business registration + financial statements | If self-employed |
| Bank statements: last 3–6 months | Shows assets and cash management |
| Proof of Canadian status (citizenship cert or PR card) | Must be citizen or PR to sponsor |
| Proof you are not on social assistance | Attestation or letter from province |
| Signed undertaking (IMM 1344) | Form from IRCC |
| Relationship evidence | Photos, communications, travel history, joint accounts |
Financial Planning for the Sponsored Spouse: Arrival Priorities
| Priority | Task | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 🔴 Immediate | Apply for a SIN at Service Canada (getting a SIN) | Day 1–3 |
| 🔴 Immediate | Open a bank account (how to open one; newcomer bank packages) | Day 1–5 |
| 🔴 Immediate | Get provincial health insurance card | Province-specific (some have 3-month wait) |
| 🟠 First month | Apply for a newcomer or secured credit card (first credit card as a newcomer) | Week 1–4 |
| 🟠 First month | Update address with IRCC if landing was outland | Week 1–2 |
| 🟠 First month | Register children for CCB (if applicable) | Week 2–4 |
| 🟡 First 3 months | File first T1 return when year ends | April 30 next year |
| 🟡 First 3 months | Start credential recognition if your profession is regulated | Month 1–3 |
| 🟢 First year | Start building credit history | Ongoing |
| 🟢 First year | Open TFSA once SIN is obtained | When ready |
| 🟢 First year | Explore FHSA if planning home purchase | Year 1–2 |
Spousal Sponsorship vs. Partners in Canada (Inland)
| Factor | Outland (Spouse Outside Canada) | Inland (Spouse in Canada) |
|---|---|---|
| Where processed | Canadian Embassy abroad | IRCC in Canada |
| Processing time | 10–18 months (varies by country) | 12–24 months |
| Can spouse work during processing? | Not until COPR issued (OWP possible) | Yes, with open work permit (OWP) |
| Can spouse travel during processing? | Yes (not in Canada) | Restricted travel outside Canada may affect status |
| Cost | Same government fees | Same government fees |
| Income requirement during process | Same (no min for spouse) | Same |
Common Financial Pitfalls in Spousal Sponsorship
| Pitfall | Consequence | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor receives social assistance during application | IRCC may refuse application | Resolve before applying |
| Sponsor has outstanding immigration sponsorship debt | May disqualify sponsorship | Check IRCC records; repay first |
| Sponsored spouse has no Canadian credit history on arrival | Credit score = 0; loans and rentals are harder | Open secured credit card month 1 |
| Sponsored spouse doesn’t file first tax return | Misses the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and the CCB, which are paid only after a return is filed | File even with $0 income (first tax return in Canada) |
| Separation during undertaking period | Undertaking still legally binding | Understand commitment before sponsoring |
| Forgetting to update IRCC address or status | Delayed processing; missed COPR | Use IRCC secure account |