Loading…
Loading…
Free eligibility check - we'll recommend the best path.
Start Free Assessment →To be eligible to sponsor you must:
Official guide (IRCC): Sponsor your spouse/partner/child - how to apply
Even if you have a previous refusal or criminal record, options may exist. We assess complex cases - book a free consultation.
Evidence package is critical - this is where many applications fail.
Reserved for exceptional circumstances only.
| Aspect | Inland | Outland |
|---|---|---|
| Where is your partner? | In Canada | Outside Canada |
| Work permit during process? | Yes - BOWP (open work permit) | No |
| Can leave Canada? | Yes, with care | Yes |
| Processing location | Canada | Visa office abroad |
| Processing time (IRCC, Sept 2026) | ~26 months | ~18 months |
| If refused | Limited appeal options while in Canada | IAD appeal available |
| Best if... | Partner is already in Canada | Partner is waiting abroad |
Both streams have advantages. VMC advises which is better for your specific situation.
Free assessment - no obligation
This is the most critical part of any spousal sponsorship - especially for common-law applicants.
We help you build the strongest possible evidence package. A weak evidence package is the #1 cause of spousal sponsorship refusals.
Inland sponsorship applicants may be able to apply for an open work permit while the PR application is being processed. Eligibility depends on the specific IRCC program rules and current policy.
If your spouse or partner is already in Canada on valid temporary status and you submit an inland spousal sponsorship, an open work permit may allow them to work for any employer while waiting for a decision.
This allows them to work for any employer in Canada while waiting for their PR - maintaining their status and income.
We include BOWP guidance in every inland sponsorship.
Spousal sponsorship currently takes about 18 months for applications from outside Canada and about 26 months for inland applications (IRCC estimate, updated September 2026, outside Quebec; IRCC's service standard is 12 months). The posted time is an estimate, not a maximum or a guarantee.
| Stream | Estimated Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Outland (outside Canada) | ~18 months | IRCC estimate, updated September 2026 |
| Inland (in Canada) | ~26 months | IRCC estimate, updated September 2026; BOWP available |
| IRCC service standard | 12 months | No stream is currently meeting it |
Times change - check IRCC's processing-times tool before you apply. We confirm current estimates for your situation at consultation.
Still have questions? Our licensed RCICs answer within 24 hours.
Book a free consultationWhether you're sponsoring from abroad or already in Canada - we guide you through every step.
Toronto · Brampton · Mississauga · Markham · Vaughan · Hamilton · Niagara · Ottawa · Vancouver · Calgary · Edmonton · Winnipeg · Montreal · Halifax and across Canada