Spousal Sponsorship Processing Times

According to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), current processing times for sponsoring a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner range from approximately 16 months to 25 months depending on where the sponsored spouse or partner is living when the application is submitted.

There are currently about 51,300 people applying through outland sponsorship who are waiting for a decision. There are about 52,300 inland applicants waiting for a decision.

If you plan to live in Quebec, processing will take longer because Quebec conducts an additional stage of processing for family sponsorship applications.

Inland vs Outland Sponsorship: What’s the Difference?

One of the most confusing parts of the family sponsorship process is understanding the difference between inland and outland sponsorship. These two terms are commonly used to describe the types of applications that may be submitted, though they are terms rarely used by IRCC.

If the sponsored person resides outside Canada, the application for permanent residence must be submitted to IRCC’s Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia. This is referred to as Outland sponsorship.

Inland sponsorship may be pursued when the couple is together in Canada and the foreign spouse/common-law partner has temporary status in Canada, either as a worker, student, or visitor. Inland applications must be submitted to IRCC’s Case Processing Centre in Mississauga, Ontario.

Here are some of the key differences between inland and outland sponsorship:

Not sure if inland or outland sponsorship is best for you? We recommend speaking with a regulated Canadian immigration consultant to discuss your options before making a decision:

Inland Sponsorship

Inland sponsorship is typically used when the sponsored spouse or partner is already living in Canada with the sponsor.

For example, a Canadian citizen may marry someone who is in Canada as a visitor, worker, or student. The couple may then choose to submit an inland sponsorship application while continuing to live together in Canada.

One major advantage of inland sponsorship is that the sponsored spouse is usually eligible for an open work permit while the application is being processed. This can allow them to work legally in Canada while waiting for permanent residence. Outland applicants may also be eligible for an open work permit, but only if they are residing with their partner in Canada while the application is being processed.

Inland applications are currently taking longer to process than outland applications.

Outland Sponsorship

Outland sponsorship is generally used when the sponsored spouse or partner is living outside Canada. For example, a Canadian citizen living in Toronto may sponsor a spouse who continues living in France, India, Mexico, or another country while the application is processed.

Despite the name, it is possible to opt for outland sponsorship even when both partners are already residing together in Canada.

Many couples choose this stream because processing is currently faster. Outland applicants may also have more flexibility if they need to travel internationally during processing. The right option depends on your family’s circumstances, immigration status, work plans, and where you are currently living.

Not sure which to choose? Review your options by speaking with our regulated Canadian immigration consultant.

How Spousal Sponsorship Processing Times Work

IRCC’s processing times begin once they receive a complete sponsorship application, including all required forms, fees, supporting documents, and police certificates. Processing ends once a final decision is made.

In most cases, the process involves several stages. First, IRCC reviews the sponsor’s eligibility. Then officers assess whether the sponsored spouse or partner meets the program requirements for permanent residence. During processing, IRCC may request additional documents, updated forms, biometrics, or further information about the relationship.

Here’s an example processing timeline from one Reddit user who posted about their experience of applying for spousal sponsorship in 2025:

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ImmigrationCanada

How to Avoid Spousal Sponsorship Processing Delays

The single best way to avoid delays is to submit a complete and organized application. Spousal sponsorship is often one of the most document-heavy immigration programs. Couples frequently underestimate how much evidence they need to provide. If in doubt, speak with an immigration consultant.

There are several practical steps you can take to improve your chances of smooth processing.

Provide strong relationship evidence

The most important part of many sponsorship applications is proving that the relationship is genuine. Different couples will have different types of evidence available. This is especially true to common-law applicants who do not have a marriage certificate and therefore must show a variety of other evidence. Common examples include photographs together, travel records, correspondence, shared financial accounts, joint leases, insurance policies, utility bills, messages, and letters from friends or family.

The goal is not to overwhelm the officer with thousands of pages of documents. Instead, provide evidence that clearly tells the story of your relationship.

Double-check every form (actually, triple-check!)

Many sponsorship delays occur because forms are incomplete, outdated, or inconsistent with other parts of the application. Before submitting, carefully review every form and compare dates, addresses, employment history, and personal information across all documents.

Even small discrepancies can trigger additional requests from IRCC.

Gather police certificates early

Police certificates are often one of the most time-consuming parts of preparing a sponsorship application. Depending on the countries where the sponsored spouse has lived, obtaining these documents can take weeks or even months.

Respond quickly to IRCC requests

If IRCC asks for updated forms, additional evidence, biometrics, or clarification, respond as quickly as possible.

For inland applicants, expect to receive an email from IRCC late in the processing timeline to confirm your in-Canada status. This is needed to create your Permanent Residence Portal profile. The email is commonly referred to as P1 – and typically requires response within a limited time. A second email, often called P2, will be sent shortly after requesting current address and photo.

Replying promptly to your P1 and P2 emails will ensure your application moves forward smoothly.

What About Child Sponsorship Processing Times?

Canada allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor dependent children to become permanent residents.

Processing times for child sponsorship applications vary depending on the circumstances of the case and where the child is living. These applications can take anywhere from a few months to well over a year to be processed. Because these applications are often processed differently from spousal sponsorship cases, they are not included in this tracker.

If you are sponsoring both a spouse and dependent children, it is important to review the specific requirements that apply to your family’s situation.

Spousal Sponsorship Processing Times FAQ

Is inland or outland sponsorship faster?

Currently, outland sponsorship is significantly faster. According to IRCC’s latest estimates, outland sponsorship applications take approximately 16 months, while inland sponsorship applications take approximately 25 months.

However, processing times change regularly, so applicants should always check the latest figures before making decisions.

Why Are Inland Sponsorship Applications Slower?

There is no single reason why inland applications are processed slower than outland applications. Inland applications often involve additional reviews related to temporary status in Canada, cohabitation, and more.

Can I stay in Canada while my sponsorship application is processing?

In many cases, yes. If you are applying through inland sponsorship, you may remain in Canada while the application is being processed, provided you maintain valid temporary status or otherwise qualify to remain in Canada.

Outland applicants may also be able to stay in Canada during processing, but they must have the proper authorization to stay in Canada as a temporary resident. If not already authorized to stay in Canada, partners may apply for status as a visitor, student, or worker.

Can I work while waiting for spousal sponsorship approval?

Many sponsorship applicants may qualify for an open work permit while their permanent residence application is being processed. This can allow the sponsored spouse to work legally in Canada before receiving permanent residence.

In order to be eligible for an open work permit, applicants must be residing in Canada with their partner. Both inland and outland applicants may be eligible, if they meet the criteria.

Why do Quebec sponsorship applications take longer?

Family sponsorship applicants planning to settle in Quebec must complete an additional provincial step after receiving approval from the federal government. Because both the federal government and Quebec are involved in the process, overall processing times are longer than in other provinces.

What is the most common reason spousal sponsorship applications are refused?

One of the most common reasons for refusal is that IRCC is not satisfied that the relationship is genuine. Applications may also be refused because of inadmissibility issues, missing documentation, inconsistent information, or failure to meet program requirements.

Providing clear and well-organized evidence is one of the best ways to strengthen an application. If in doubt, speak with an immigration consultant.

What documents help prove a genuine relationship?

The strongest applications typically include evidence showing how the relationship developed and how the couple has built a life together. Examples may include photographs, travel records, communication logs, joint bank accounts, insurance policies, leases, shared bills, a common-law statutory declaration, and letters from family or friends.

Can I sponsor my spouse if we were married outside Canada?

Yes. Canada recognizes many marriages that were legally performed outside Canada, provided the marriage is legally valid both in the country where it occurred and under Canadian law.

IRCC Processing Times Overview

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