Canada spousal sponsorship for Filipino nationals
What this visa is
The Canadian Spousal Sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to become a permanent resident of Canada. This is a permanent immigration route, not a temporary visa. If approved, the sponsored person can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada without restriction.
This guide covers the process for Filipino nationals being sponsored to join a partner who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Who can apply
You can apply under this program if you are:
- Legally married to your sponsor
- In a common-law relationship and have cohabited continuously for at least twelve months
- In a conjugal relationship with your sponsor for at least one year and are unable to live together due to circumstances beyond your control
You must be aged 18 or over. Your relationship must be genuine and not entered into primarily for immigration purposes.
Who can sponsor
The sponsor must be:
- A Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Aged 18 or over
- Residing in Canada, or a Canadian citizen who intends to reside in Canada when the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident
The sponsor must not be receiving social assistance (other than for disability), must not have defaulted on a previous sponsorship undertaking, and must not be undischarged bankrupt or subject to a removal order.
Financial requirement
There is no minimum income requirement to sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner. The sponsor does not need to demonstrate a specific salary or savings level.
The sponsor must sign a legally binding undertaking to financially support the sponsored person for three years from the date they become a permanent resident. During this period, the sponsor is responsible for repaying any social assistance the sponsored person receives from the government.
Language requirement
There is no English or French language requirement for spousal sponsorship. The sponsored person does not need to pass a language test to obtain permanent residence through this route.
Medical examination
All applicants must undergo an immigration medical examination conducted by an IRCC-approved panel physician. The Philippines has a high volume of immigration medical examinations processed annually, and panel physicians are available in Manila and other major cities. Use the IRCC panel physician locator to find the nearest approved clinic and book well in advance, as appointments can be in demand.
The medical examination must be completed within the validity window IRCC specifies. If processing extends beyond that window, a repeat examination may be required.
Police certificates
Filipino nationals must provide a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance. This is the standard police certificate recognised by IRCC for Philippine nationals. You apply for an NBI clearance online through the NBI e-Clearance portal, attend an appointment for biometric capture, and collect the certificate in person or by mail.
You must also provide police certificates from every other country you have lived in for six months or more since the age of 18.
Documents needed
Sponsor’s documents:
– Proof of Canadian citizenship (passport, citizenship certificate) or permanent residence card
– Completed sponsorship application forms
Applicant’s documents:
– Valid Philippine passport
– Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-issued marriage certificate: this must be the PSA-authenticated copy, not a copy issued by the local civil registrar alone
– Two passport-sized photographs meeting IRCC specifications
– Immigration medical examination results from a panel physician
– NBI clearance and police certificates from any other country lived in for six months or more since age 18
– Completed application forms and checklists as specified by IRCC
Both parties:
– Evidence of genuine relationship: photographs together, communication records, evidence of visits, shared finances, joint accounts, or joint property
– If either party has been previously married: an annotated PSA marriage certificate showing the marriage has been annulled, or a death certificate
All documents not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation.
A note on annulment
The Philippines does not recognise divorce for Filipino nationals (except in certain cases involving a foreign spouse). If either party has been previously married, the prior marriage must have been annulled through the Philippine courts, or the foreign spouse must have obtained a valid divorce abroad that is recognised under Philippine law and confirmed by a Regional Trial Court. This can be a significant documentation step: factor in the time required if annulment proceedings are involved.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through the IRCC secure portal. There are two streams:
Outland application: The sponsored person applies from outside Canada. The application is processed by the Canadian visa office responsible for the Philippines, which is located in Manila. The Manila visa office handles one of the highest volumes of family class applications globally. Processing times reflect this volume.
Inland application: The sponsored person is already in Canada on a valid temporary status (visitor visa, study or work permit). They apply from within Canada. Inland applicants can request an open work permit while the application is in progress.
Costs and processing times
Sponsorship fee: CAD $85
Principal applicant processing fee: CAD $570
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD $515
Biometrics: CAD $85
Total government fees: CAD $1,255. Additional costs include the immigration medical examination, NBI clearance, certified translations, and legal fees if using a representative.
Processing times for outland applications from the Philippines have historically ranged from 12 to 24 months due to the high volume processed through the Manila office. Check current processing times on the IRCC website before applying.
After approval
Once approved, the sponsored person receives a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, where required, a permanent resident visa. They must travel to Canada before the COPR expiry date and confirm their permanent residence at a port of entry.
After landing, a permanent resident card is issued. As a permanent resident, you can live and work anywhere in Canada. After three years of physical presence within a five-year period, you may be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.
FAQs
We were married in a church ceremony only. Is this valid?
A religious marriage in the Philippines is legally valid if solemnised by an authorised minister and registered with the local civil registrar. You will need the PSA-authenticated marriage certificate. If the marriage was not registered, you will need to address this before applying.
My spouse was previously married and the annulment is recent. How long do we need to wait?
There is no mandatory waiting period after annulment, but IRCC will want to see the annotated PSA certificate confirming the annulment. Ensure the annotation is complete before submitting the application.
My spouse is already in Canada as a caregiver. Can they apply from within Canada?
Yes, if they hold valid temporary status in Canada. An inland application allows them to remain in Canada and apply for an open work permit while their permanent residence application is processed.
Can I travel outside Canada while my inland application is in progress?
Travelling outside Canada while an inland application is in process can complicate or discontinue the inland stream. Consult a regulated Canadian immigration consultant or lawyer before making any international travel plans.
Is there a right of appeal if refused?
Yes. Refusals can be appealed to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD), which can consider both the legal merits and humanitarian factors. Legal advice before filing is strongly recommended.
Can dependent children be included?
Yes. Dependent children under 22 can be included in the sponsorship application. Each dependent requires their own medical examination and documentation.