Canada spousal sponsorship for Chinese 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 Chinese 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. Panel physicians are available in major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and others. Use the IRCC panel physician locator to find the nearest approved clinic.
The examination must be completed within the validity window IRCC specifies. If processing extends beyond that window, a repeat examination may be required.
Police certificates
Chinese nationals must provide a police certificate from the Public Security Bureau (PSB) at the provincial or municipal level. IRCC provides country-specific instructions on how to obtain this certificate at the time of application. The process typically involves applying through your local PSB office.
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 Chinese passport
– Marriage certificate issued by the Civil Affairs Bureau (民政局): this is the official government marriage registration document. A marriage certificate issued only through a religious or traditional ceremony without civil registration is not accepted.
– Household registration record (户口本, hukou): IRCC may request this as supporting identity and civil status documentation
– Two passport-sized photographs meeting IRCC specifications
– Immigration medical examination results from a panel physician
– Police certificate from the Public Security Bureau and 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: divorce certificate (离婚证) or death certificate
All documents not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation by a qualified translator.
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 applicant’s country of residence.
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.
IRCC may request additional documents, an interview, or further information at any stage. Document verification for Chinese documents can add time to processing, as IRCC may verify the authenticity of official records.
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, police certificate fees, certified translations, and legal fees if using a representative.
Check current processing times on the IRCC website before applying, as times vary with application volumes.
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 traditional ceremony without civil registration. Is this valid?
No. IRCC requires a civil marriage certificate issued by the Civil Affairs Bureau. A traditional ceremony alone does not constitute a legally recognised marriage for immigration purposes. If your marriage has not been registered, you will need to do so before applying.
My documents are in Chinese. Do they need to be translated?
Yes. All documents not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation. The translation must be completed by a qualified translator who certifies the accuracy of the translation. Use a translator recognised in Canada.
Can we include the household registration (hukou) if the marriage is not yet recorded there?
The hukou may still be submitted as identity evidence. However, the Civil Affairs Bureau marriage certificate is the primary marriage document. If your household registration has not yet been updated to reflect the marriage, this does not invalidate the application.
Is there a right of appeal if refused?
Yes. Refusals can be appealed to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). The IAD can consider both the legal merits of the case and humanitarian and compassionate factors. Legal advice before filing is strongly recommended.
Do we need a representative?
You are not required to use an immigration consultant or lawyer, but many couples choose to do so where documentation is complex or the relationship evidence needs careful organisation.
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.