Move with Spouse to Canada

When you apply through Spousal/Partner Sponsorship or for a Spousal Open Work Permit, you’ll need to prove that your relationship is genuine and legally recognized.

IRCC won’t approve a family-based application without strong evidence.

Core Relationship Documents

You must provide official records that confirm your family ties.

Include:

• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificates for dependent children
• Completed Additional Family Information (IMM 5406) form
• Any other civil documents that confirm your relationship

Every form must be signed. IRCC rejects unsigned applications without processing them.

If you’re moving to Canada with your spouse, your documents must consistently show that relationship across all forms and supporting records.

Identity and Background Requirements

Relationship proof isn’t enough on its own. IRCC also verifies identity and admissibility for you and your family.

You may need to:

1. Submit biometrics — provide fingerprints and a photograph as required.

2. Undergo background checks — IRCC may continue processing while checks remain in progress.

3. Update documents when requested — provide revised or additional records if your situation changes.

4. Ensure consistency across applications — details must match in your sponsorship and work permit filings.

If a background check is ongoing, IRCC can hold your application until it’s complete.

Common Issues That Cause Problems

IRCC often refuses applications for mistakes that could have been avoided.

Watch for these issues:

• Incomplete Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
• Missing civil status documents
• Inconsistent information between forms
• Failure to provide enough proof of the relationship
• Unsigned forms

You carry the burden of proving the relationship. IRCC may not request missing documents before making a decision.

Practical Steps Before You Submit

Review every form line by line. Confirm names, dates of birth, and marital status match across all documents.

Gather updated versions of your records before filing. If any document changes while your application is under review, provide the updated version promptly.

IRCC evaluates the full record when assessing a Spousal/Partner Sponsorship or Spousal Open Work Permit request.

You apply for Spousal/Partner Sponsorship through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Canada requires you to submit the application online.

Both the sponsor and the principal applicant must complete digital forms and sign them electronically before submission.

Step-by-Step Process

Confirm eligibility and gather documents.

You must hold a valid travel document, such as a passport. Collect all required supporting documents before you start, because missing documents can lead to refusal. Non-routine cases may require additional evidence or an interview.

Complete the online forms.

The sponsor and the principal applicant each complete their required digital forms in the IRCC online portal. Fill out every required section accurately and completely before submitting.

Upload documents and submit electronically.

After completing the forms, upload all supporting documents to the online system. IRCC will not process incomplete applications, and missing items can result in rejection rather than a request for more information.

Pay required fees, including biometrics.

You must pay the biometrics fee if it applies to you. IRCC will issue a biometrics instruction letter after submission.

Complete biometrics within 30 days.

If required, you must provide fingerprints and a photo within 30 days of receiving the instruction letter. Failure to meet this deadline can delay or jeopardize your application.

Attend interviews or provide additional documents if requested.

IRCC may request more documents or schedule an interview for non-routine applications. You must respond within the timeframe provided.

Exams and Validity Requirements

If exams are required for your application, they must all remain valid at the same time. Plan carefully so one document doesn’t expire while another remains pending.

Spousal Open Work Permit

While your permanent residence application is in process, you may qualify for a Spousal Open Work Permit. This permit allows you to work in Canada while IRCC processes your sponsorship file.

You must still submit a complete and accurate application for permanent residence. The work permit doesn’t replace the sponsorship process.

Tax and Residency Considerations

If you recently moved to Canada or lived abroad part of the year, the Canada Revenue Agency may treat you as a newcomer for your first year as a tax resident. This status can apply even if you had no Canadian income.

Review official guidance from IRCC and the Canada Revenue Agency to ensure you meet both immigration and tax obligations.

Waiting for a decision from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can take time. Processing times start the day IRCC receives your complete application and end when a decision is made.

You cannot control the timeline, but you can control how prepared you are.

Keep Your Application Complete and Updated

IRCC may delay or return an incomplete application. Missing documents, unpaid processing fees, or an incorrect biometric fee can slow your case.

Take these steps:

• Keep copies of all original supporting documents.
• Monitor your account for document requests.
• Respond promptly if IRCC asks for additional evidence.
• Report any changes in your dependants’ status since you applied.

If your case becomes non-routine because documents were missing or submitted late, IRCC may take longer to review it.

If you applied under Spousal/Partner Sponsorship, confirm that your sponsor continues to meet eligibility requirements. Any material change can affect processing.

Consider Work Authorization Options

If you’re in Canada, you may qualify for a Spousal Open Work Permit while your permanent residence application is in process. This permit allows you to work while IRCC reviews your sponsorship file.

Submit a complete application to avoid delays. If you are required to apply on paper, follow the instructions carefully.

Check IRCC’s official processing times tool for current estimates. Processing times may increase if application volumes exceed annual immigration levels.

Maintain Your Temporary Status

If you’re visiting Canada while waiting, you must convince an officer that you’ll leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.

Be prepared to show ties to your home country, such as:

• Employment
• Housing
• Financial assets
• Family connections

Officers assess whether you genuinely intend to leave if your temporary status expires.

Stay Compliant With Tax and Residency Rules

If you move to Canada during processing, understand your tax residency status. Your residency status determines:

• Whether you must file Canadian taxes
• When you may qualify for benefit or credit payments

Keep the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) updated with your correct address and residency information. Incorrect records can affect payments or benefits.

If you are studying or working in Canada, your tax obligations depend on your immigration and residency status. Review CRA guidance to determine your filing requirements.

Staying organized, responsive, and compliant reduces avoidable delays while IRCC processes your application.

You can apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) under Spousal/Partner Sponsorship. In many cases, you may also apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit at the same time and place as your permanent residence application.

You must meet basic admissibility standards. You need to be in good health and have no criminal or immigration-related convictions.

Eligibility and Admissibility

IRCC reviews both you and your spouse. You must provide complete and accurate information about:

• Your marital status and any changes in family composition
• Biographical details and family relationships
• Personal and family contact information
• The country where the sponsored person lives and any other countries where they previously lived

You must also provide biometric data and pay the required biometric fees in CAD (CA$). Check the IRCC website for the current fee amounts and payment instructions.

Application Process

Start by creating or signing in to your IRCC account. Use the Permanent Residence online application portal to begin.

Complete all required forms. Make sure every field matches your supporting documents.

Upload your supporting documents, like identity papers and relationship evidence. Include full personal history details.

Follow IRCC instructions for biometrics collection and pay the required fees in Canadian dollars.

Submit the full application online. Save your confirmation records.

IRCC posts estimated processing times, which vary depending on when you apply. These estimates reflect how long it may take to receive a decision.

After You Apply

If you qualify for a Spousal Open Work Permit, you can work in Canada while your permanent residence application is in process.

Register with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as a newcomer. The CRA administers federal, provincial, and territorial benefits and credits.

You may apply for some benefit and credit payments before filing your first Canadian tax return.

Update your contact information with IRCC as needed. Report any changes in marital status or family composition right away to prevent delays.

When moving with your spouse, you can include your children in the same application package if they qualify as dependants. IRCC assesses each child’s eligibility based on the information and documents you provide.

If you apply together at the same time and place, your family may qualify to pay a maximum total processing fee of CA$. This cap applies only if all family members submit their applications together and each child meets IRCC’s dependant requirements.

Prepare complete and consistent documentation for every child.

Required Forms and Documents

IRCC requires digital forms completed online for accompanying children. These typically include:

• Generic Application Form for Canada (Form IMM 0008)
• Schedule A – Background/Declaration (Form IMM 5669)
• Updated legal documents showing changes in marital status, if applicable
• Child custody documents, if parents are separated or divorced
• All supporting documents listed on your personalized document checklist

Missing documents can delay processing or result in the application being returned.

Each child must also complete biometric collection, unless exempt. This includes fingerprints and a digital photo.

Attend the biometric appointment as instructed after submission.

Children Under Spousal or Partner Sponsorship

If you apply under Spousal/Partner Sponsorship, you can include dependent children in the same sponsorship process. IRCC reviews the entire family unit together.

Forms must be accurate and consistent across your spouse’s and children’s applications. Differences in marital history, custody status, or background declarations can cause delays.

Work Permit Considerations

If you hold or apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit, your children may also need status documents depending on their situation.

For work permits, the fee is:

Pay the correct fees at submission. Incorrect payment can result in processing delays.

Practical Steps. Confirm dependant eligibility before submitting any forms.

Submit all family applications together to qualify for the CA$500 maximum family fee, if eligible. Complete digital forms carefully and ensure information matches across all applications. Upload all required supporting documents listed on your checklist. Complete biometrics promptly after receiving instructions from IRCC.

Accurate documentation and coordinated filing reduce delays and protect your children’s status while you settle in Canada.