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If you are living and working in Canada on a temporary work permit, you may want your spouse or common-law partner to join you permanently.?The good news is that yes, you can sponsor your spouse for permanent residence (PR) even if you are not yet a permanent resident yourself — as long as you meet the sponsorship requirements and hold valid temporary status in Canada.
Here’s a clear explanation of how spousal sponsorship works for work-permit holders.
1. Can Work-Permit Holders Sponsor Their Spouse for PR?
Yes.?Foreign workers in Canada can sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residence under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class (Inland) or the Family Class (Outland).
You can sponsor your spouse if you:
• Are legally inside Canada
• Hold valid temporary status (visitor, worker, or student)
• Can financially support your spouse
• Are not receiving social assistance (except disability benefits)
Permanent residence is not required for you to sponsor your spouse.
2. Eligibility Requirements for the Sponsor
To sponsor your spouse for PR while on a work permit, you must:
• Be 18 or older
• Have valid legal status in Canada
• Prove the relationship is genuine
• Not be inadmissible (criminality/security issues)
• Not be bankrupt or in default of previous sponsorship obligations
There is no minimum income requirement, but you must show the ability to support your spouse without social assistance.
3. Eligibility Requirements for the Spouse
The spouse or partner must:
• Be legally married or in a genuine common-law relationship
• Pass medical and background checks
• Be admissible to Canada
• Provide valid identity and civil documents
• Submit proof of the relationship (photos, communication, joint documents)
4. Inland vs. Outland Spousal Sponsorship
Inland Sponsorship
• Spouse is living inside Canada
• Can apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP)
• Must stay in Canada during processing
• Processing time: approx. 12 months
Outland Sponsorship
• Spouse is living outside Canada
• Can travel in and out of Canada during processing
• Generally similar processing time
• No OWP unless they qualify under another program
Workers often choose Inland to allow the spouse to work in Canada while waiting.
5. Can the Sponsored Spouse Work?
Yes — under Inland sponsorship.
Spouses applying inland can request an Open Work Permit once IRCC confirms the application is complete.?This allows them to work for any employer in Canada while the PR application is being processed.
6. Required Documents for Sponsoring Your Spouse
You will typically need:
• Copies of passports
• Proof of work permit and legal status
• Marriage certificate or common-law proof
• Relationship evidence (photos, chats, shared bills, lease, etc.)
• Police certificates
• Medical exam
• IRCC application forms
• Fee payment receipt
IRCC may request additional documents depending on the case.
7. What Happens If Your Work Permit Expires During Sponsorship?
If your work permit is expiring:
• You must extend it or maintain status through another program
• If you apply before expiry, you get implied (maintained) status
• Your PR sponsorship is not affected as long as you legally remain in Canada
You do not need a PR to continue sponsoring.
8. Can Sponsorship Be Refused?
Yes — refusal may occur if:
• IRCC doubts the relationship is genuine
• Missing or incorrect documents
• The sponsor is inadmissible
• Misrepresentation
• Previous sponsorship obligations not met
A refused application can be appealed in many cases.
Key Takeaway
You can sponsor your spouse or common-law partner for PR while on a Canadian work permit.?As long as you have valid temporary status and a genuine relationship, your spouse can apply for PR — and may even receive an open work permit during processing.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice.?Spousal sponsorship requirements are based on IRCC policies and may change.?Always check the latest details with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before applying.
November 27, 2025
