Spousal Sponsorship to Canada: What Brits Need to Know

Whether you met in Canada, the UK, or somewhere in between, bringing a British partner to Canada runs through the spousal or common-law sponsorship program. It's one of the more predictable family-migration pathways among the four countries MBG covers, but there are still details worth getting right.

The good news: Canada's spousal and common-law sponsorship program is one of the more accessible family-migration pathways among the countries MBG covers, no income test for most applicants, and a genuine bridge option if you're already in the country. This guide covers eligibility, cost, and what to expect.

Common-law or married: what counts

If you're common-law, you need to show 12 continuous months of cohabitation in a conjugal relationship. If you're legally married, that specific 12-month cohabitation clock doesn't apply in the same way, though IRCC still assesses whether the relationship itself is genuine either way.

No income test, with one exception

Sponsors must be 18 or over, a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person registered under the Indian Act, and must live in Canada. The sponsorship undertaking lasts 3 years from the day the sponsored partner becomes a permanent resident. There is no minimum income test for spousal sponsorship, with one exception: if the sponsored partner has a dependent child who themselves has a dependent child.

Working while you wait

If you're applying from inside Canada, a spousal open work permit becomes available once the Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) for the PR application is issued, and it's extendable up to 2 years while processing continues. This is separate from the January 2025 restrictions, which target spouses of temporary workers and students, not family-class sponsorship, so this pathway isn't affected by that change.

What it costs

How long it takes

IRCC doesn't publish a single fixed processing-time figure any more, its processing-time tool is interactive and reflects current queues, so check it directly rather than relying on a number you've seen quoted elsewhere.

1. 1

   Confirm your relationship category

   Common-law and married couples are assessed differently, work out which applies before you gather evidence.

2. 2

   Build your cohabitation evidence if common-law

   Joint leases, bills and bank accounts covering the full 12 months matter here.

3. 3

   Apply for the spousal open work permit if you're inland

   It becomes available once your AOR is issued, and it's separate from the 2025 restrictions on temporary workers and students.

4. 4

   Check IRCC's live processing-time tool regularly

   Processing times move, an old figure isn't a reliable planning number.

Visa paperwork is only the start of a move like this. The Ultimate Relocation Guide is a paid, step-by-step guide (from AUD $59) covering what comes next: banking, housing, healthcare and your first 90 days.

Related Reading

Moving from the UK to Canada: The Complete 2026 Guide

Healthcare in Canada for Brits: What's Covered, What's Not, and How to Get a Doctor

Cost of Living in Canada vs the UK: What Brits Actually Pay After Moving

Getting Your Canadian Social Insurance Number: A Guide for Brits