Canada Sponsored Visa requirements

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Visa requirements for moving to Canada to live with a partner or spouse. The Canadian Spousal Sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence. Unlike visitor visas, this route does not grant temporary leave — the applicant becomes a permanent resident of Canada. Applications can be made from outside Canada (outland) or from within Canada while on a valid status (inland). Each guide on this page is written for applicants holding a specific passport, so you can find the exact requirements that apply to your situation.

Visa status Permanent residence via spousal sponsorship. No visitor visa tiers apply.

Visa cost CAD $1,255 (sponsorship fee, processing fee, right of permanent residence fee, and biometrics)

Stay duration Permanent — no time limit once permanent residence is granted

Visa format Permanent Resident card issued after landing

Sponsor income requirement No minimum requirement

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