If you are living in Canada with a spouse or common-law partner and wish to support his or her application to immigrate as a member of the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class, you must first sponsor him or her for immigration. To sponsor your spouse or your common-law partner you must sign an Undertaking with the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

This is a promise to the Government of Canada that you will support your spouse or common-law partner and his or her dependent children for a period of three to 10 years. This covers basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter and other needs for everyday living. Dental care, eye care and other health needs not covered by public health services are also included. The undertaking ensures the applicant and his or her dependent children do not have to apply for social assistance.

You must also sign a Sponsorship Agreement with your spouse or common-law partner that outlines your mutual commitments to each other. You promise to provide for the basic requirements of your spouse or common-law partner and any dependent children for the duration of the undertaking and your spouse or common-law partner promises to make every effort to become self-supporting.

Dependent Children:

All dependent children must be included on your sponsorship application and your spouse or common-law partner's application to immigrate. Dependent children include your spouse or common-law partner's dependent children and any dependent children of their dependent children.

•   If your spouse, partner or dependent child lives abroad, use the Application to Sponsor a Member of the Family Class.

To sponsor a spouse or common-law partner from within Canada:

Your spouse must be of the opposite or same sex and married to you. Your marriage must be legally recognized both by Canadian federal law and the laws in the country where your marriage took place. Your common-law partner must have lived with you for at least one year in a conjugal relationship.

Your spouse or your common-law partner must also:
• have valid, legal status in Canada as a visitor, student or temporary worker;
• be living with you in Canada;
• have a valid passport or travel document;
• be 16 years of age or older;
• be your spouse or common-law partner for genuine reasons and not primarily for the purpose of obtaining permanent residence in Canada; and not be subject to enforcement proceedings.

• Applying for Permanent Residence from Within Canada - Spouse or Common-law Partner In Canada Class