What is the minimum income required to sponsor a spouse to Canada?

Unlike other family class sponsorships (such as parents and grandparents), sponsoring a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner has NO minimum income requirement (no LICO floor). You must prove you are not currently receiving social assistance and have a genuine ability to support the sponsored person. If you are sponsoring dependent children alongside your spouse, LICO thresholds do apply for the additional family members. For a sponsor + spouse = 2 people, the 2026 LICO is approximately $26,620. For each additional dependent child, add the LICO increment. Note: Quebec has its own spousal sponsorship financial requirements.

How long does the sponsorship undertaking last?

The financial undertaking for a sponsored spouse or common-law partner lasts 3 years from the date they become a permanent resident. For conjugal partners, it is also 3 years. For dependent children under age 22, the undertaking lasts 10 years or until age 25, whichever comes first. During the undertaking period, if the sponsored person receives social assistance, IRCC can recover those costs from the sponsor through a repayment order. The undertaking is legally binding and does not end if you separate or divorce during the undertaking period.

How much does it cost to sponsor a spouse to Canada?

The main government fees for spousal sponsorship are: $570 for the sponsorship application and processing fee, and $530 for the permanent residence application fee (which includes the Right of Permanent Residence Fee of $515). Medical exam fees range from $200–$450 per person depending on age and clinic. Police certificate fees vary by country (typical cost $25–$150). If you use an immigration consultant or lawyer, add $1,500–$5,000 in professional fees. Total government fees for outland processing of one spouse: approximately $1,100–$1,500 in fees alone. Biometrics cost $85 per person.

Can I co-sign or use a co-signer if my income is not sufficient?

For a spousal sponsorship where there is no LICO minimum, a co-signer is generally not required or allowed in the same way as for parent/grandparent sponsorships, because there is no minimum income threshold to meet for sponsoring a spouse. However, if you have dependent children and need to demonstrate LICO for the larger family unit, an immigration consultant may advise on how to demonstrate sufficient income. The key document is a Notice of Assessment from CRA showing your most recent tax year income and that you have not received social assistance. Seasonal workers, self-employed individuals, and newcomers can often still sponsor if they can demonstrate the absence of social assistance receipt.

What financial accounts should the sponsored spouse open on arrival?

Priority order: First, get a SIN (Social Insurance Number) from Service Canada — takes 20 minutes in person. Second, open a chequing account at a major bank using newcomer programs (most waive fees for 1–2 years): Scotiabank StartRight, TD New to Canada, CIBC Newcomer, RBC Newcomer Package. Third, apply for a secured credit card or newcomer credit card to start building Canadian credit history. Fourth, once working, enroll in CPP through employment and determine TFSA/RRSP eligibility. Fifth, once PR status is stable for 12 months, explore FHSA if planning to buy a home. The sponsored spouse should file a Canadian tax return in their first year to start accessing GST/HST credits, Canada Child Benefit (if applicable), and TFSA contribution room accrual.

Spousal Sponsorship Financial Requirements Canada 2026

LICO Tables — 2026 Sponsorship Income Thresholds

Note: Sponsoring a spouse/partner does not require meeting LICO as the minimum. LICO applies when dependants are included in the application. Table below shows 2026 estimated LICO figures.

Family Size After Sponsorship	Urban (500,000+)	Urban (100,000–499,999)	Urban (30,000–99,999)	Rural/Small
1 person (sponsor alone)	$26,620	$23,542	$23,542	$20,998
2 persons (sponsor + spouse)	$33,140	$29,290	$29,290	$26,134
3 persons (+ 1 child)	$40,742	$36,010	$36,010	$32,137
4 persons (+ 2 children)	$49,481	$43,723	$43,723	$39,004
5 persons (+ 3 children)	$56,141	$49,633	$49,633	$44,283
6 persons	$63,342	$55,972	$55,972	$49,937
7 persons	$70,540	$62,316	$62,316	$55,586
Each additional person	+$7,198	+$6,344	+$6,344	+$5,649

Source: Based on Statistics Canada Low Income Cut-Offs. IRCC updates annually. Confirm at canada.ca/spousal-sponsorship for the current year.

Government Fees — Spousal Sponsorship 2026

Fee	Amount
Sponsorship application fee	$570
Principal applicant PR application fee	$530 (includes $515 RPRF)
Dependent child PR fee (under 22)	$160 per child
Biometrics (applicant)	$85
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)	~$1,300–$2,000

Government fees for outland processing. Inland processing has the same fees. Add $1,500–$5,000 for a lawyer or consultant.

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

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 SIN at Service Canada	Day 1–3
🔴 Immediate	Open bank account (newcomer package)	Day 1–5
🔴 Immediate	Get provincial health insurance card	Province-specific (some have 3-month wait)
🟠 First month	Apply for newcomer or secured credit card	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	Explore credential recognition if applicable	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 GST/HST credit, CCB, TFSA room accrual	File even with $0 income
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