Canada spousal sponsorship for Nigerian 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 Nigerian 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 Lagos, Abuja, and other major Nigerian cities. Use the IRCC panel physician locator to find the nearest approved clinic and book your appointment in advance.
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
Nigerian nationals must provide a police certificate from the Nigeria Police Force. This is obtained through the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) or designated police command offices. IRCC provides country-specific instructions on the exact process for Nigeria at the time of application.
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 Nigerian passport
– Marriage certificate: in Nigeria, a statutory marriage certificate is issued under the Marriage Act by the Registry. A customary or religious marriage may also be documented, but IRCC generally requires a statutory certificate where one exists. If only a customary marriage was conducted, additional documentation and an affidavit may be required.
– Two passport-sized photographs meeting IRCC specifications
– Immigration medical examination results from a panel physician
– Police certificate from the Nigeria Police Force 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: a court divorce order or death certificate ending that marriage
All documents not in English are rare for Nigeria, but where local-language documents are submitted, a certified translation must accompany them.
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 Nigeria.
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, a background check, or an interview at any stage. Processing times for Nigerian applications can be longer than average due to additional security screening requirements that apply to a number of countries.
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, and legal fees if using a representative.
Check current processing times on the IRCC website before applying, as times vary with application volumes and background processing requirements.
After approval
Once approved, the sponsored person receives a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and 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 had only a customary or traditional wedding. Is this recognised?
IRCC accepts customary marriages where they are legally valid under Nigerian law, but the evidence requirements are higher. You will typically need an affidavit attesting to the customary marriage, witness statements, and supporting evidence of the ceremony. A statutory marriage certificate is easier to process. If possible, register your customary marriage at the registry to obtain a statutory certificate.
Why might processing take longer for Nigerian applicants?
IRCC applies additional background and security screening to applications from a number of countries, and Nigeria is among them. This does not mean an application is more likely to be refused, but it can add months to processing time. Build this into your timeline and do not make irreversible travel or employment plans dependent on a specific approval date.
Can we use the inland route if my spouse is already in Canada on a visitor visa?
Yes, if your spouse holds valid temporary status. They can apply from within Canada and request an open work permit while processing continues. They should not leave Canada during the inland process without first seeking advice.
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 and humanitarian factors. Legal advice before filing is strongly recommended.
Should we use an immigration consultant?
While not required, many Nigerian applicants choose to work with a regulated Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC) or immigration lawyer, particularly given longer processing times and the importance of presenting a complete, well-organised application from the outset.
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.