Sponsorship from Within Canada

Are you already living in Canada with your spouse or common-law partner? The Inland sponsorship program is the ideal solution to regularize their status while staying together. Our team guides you through every step to secure your partner’s permanent residency without any interruption to your life together.

The Key Advantage: Open Work Permit (OWP)

The primary benefit of Inland sponsorship is the ability for the sponsored person to apply for an Open Work Permit at the same time as their permanent residency application.

1. Professional Freedom: Work for any employer in Canada.
2. Financial Stability: Reduce economic stress during the processing period.
3. Maintained Status: Peace of mind while waiting for the final IRCC decision.

Eligibility of the Sponsor

To sponsor your partner from within Canada in 2026, you must:

1. Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident at least 18 years old.
2. Physically reside in Canada throughout the entire process.
3. Not have been sponsored as a spouse yourself within the last 5 years.
4. Prove you do not receive social assistance (except for disability).
5. Not be in undischarged bankruptcy, in prison, or under a removal order.

Recognizing the Relationship

IRCC requires solid evidence to validate one of two situations:

1. Legal Marriage: Must be valid under the laws of the country of celebration and Canadian law.
2. Common-Law Partner: Continuous cohabitation for at least 12 months. See our detailed guide on relationship evidence for sponsorship.

The Quebec Challenge

If you reside in Quebec, you must obtain approval from the Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI).

1. Undertaking: You sign a 3-year financial support contract.
2. Application Caps: Be aware of the 10,400 application quota in effect until June 25, 2026. Our team helps you navigate these provincial restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I travel abroad while the application is being processed?

Traveling is possible but strongly discouraged. If your partner is refused re-entry into Canada, their Inland sponsorship application will be automatically cancelled. For more mobility, consult our page on Sponsorship from Outside Canada.

Do I need to prove a minimum income?

No. To sponsor only a spouse or partner, there is no minimum income (LICO) required at the federal level. However, for other categories, financial capacity requirements apply.

Secure Your Future with Pro Immigration

Don’t let a form error or lack of evidence jeopardize your future. Our team of experts ensures that your work permit and permanent residency applications are flawless.