Spousal Sponsorship: 3 Common Myths You Shouldn't Fall For

Sponsoring your spouse or partner to come to Canada is one of the most meaningful ways to reunite with loved ones — but it can also be confusing. As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), I often see applicants fall into the trap of believing misinformation or assumptions that can hurt their chances.

Here are three of the most common myths about spousal sponsorship — and the truth behind them:

❌ Myth #1: "Once we get married, I can move to Canada right away."

✅ Reality: Marriage doesn’t automatically guarantee permanent residence or an instant ticket to Canada. The sponsorship process takes time — sometimes several months or over a year — depending on whether you apply inland or from outside Canada.Even if your relationship is legitimate, your application must still meet all eligibility and documentation requirements to be approved.

❌ Myth #2: "We need a big wedding and hundreds of photos to prove our relationship."

✅ Reality: IRCC doesn’t need an elaborate wedding album to approve your sponsorship. What matters most is proving that your relationship is genuine and not entered into for immigration purposes. This can include shared finances, communication history, joint travel, and statements from friends and family — not just a fancy ceremony.

❌ Myth #3: "I can work in Canada as soon as we apply.

✅ Reality: Simply applying for spousal sponsorship does not give the sponsored partner the right to work in Canada. Good news is, that as of 2024, eligible applicants under both inland and outland sponsorship streams can apply for an open work permit after submitting their sponsorship application.

However, processing times still apply, and you must meet the eligibility criteria before starting work. It’s important to understand the timeline and submit the correct documents upfront to avoid delays.

💡 Need Help Navigating Spousal Sponsorship?

Sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner is a major step — and it's one you want to get right. As an experienced RCIC, I can guide you through the process clearly, confidently, and compliantly.

✨ Thinking about sponsoring your spouse or partner?Let’s talk about your options and make your application as strong as possible from the start.

📩 Book a consultation or contact me today to get started.