What counts as proof of a genuine relationship?

Shared leases and finances, photos across the relationship, messages, travel together, and statements from people who know you as a couple. Quality and consistency beat volume.

How long does spousal sponsorship take?

IRCC publishes separate posted processing times for applications made from inside and outside Canada, and they move. Our IRCC processing times guide tracks them daily. The most common cause of additional delay is a request for further evidence partway through, which a complete initial file avoids.

Can my spouse work while we wait?

If you apply from inside Canada, your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit during processing. If you apply from outside Canada, they generally cannot work until the application is approved. This is one of the main reasons the inland versus outland choice matters.

Do I need to meet an income requirement to sponsor my spouse?

No. There is no minimum income requirement for sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner, or a dependent child, though you cannot be on social assistance other than disability support. Income thresholds apply to parents and grandparents, where you must meet them for three consecutive tax years.

What happens if the sponsorship is refused?

Outland refusals can be appealed to the Immigration Appeal Division within 30 days. Inland refusals cannot, which is one of the tradeoffs we weigh with you at the start.

What if we have been refused before?

A previous refusal does not bar a new application, but it changes how the next one should be built, because the officer will see the earlier file. Depending on the reasons, appealing or seeking judicial review may be the better route than reapplying. That is the first thing we assess.

Canadian Spousal Sponsorship

Build your life together. Canadian spousal sponsorship, done properly.

Navigating the separation of borders is exhausting. Whether your partner is across the world or staying with you in Canada on a visitor visa, a successful spousal sponsorship is the key to ending the uncertainty. We confirm you qualify as a sponsor and tell you honestly how your file looks before you retain us.

Book a consultation Call (437) 800-1918

Call, text, or message us on WhatsApp at (437) 800-1918

5.0 star rating · Your trusted Canadian immigration law firm on Google

Start your sponsorship review

What sponsorship unlocks

More than just an application. It’s the first day of your future.

A successful sponsorship application provides:

Work authorization

If eligible, secure an Open Work Permit so your partner can contribute and thrive in the Canadian economy while the Permanent Residence portion is processed.

Uninterrupted togetherness

Transition from “temporary visitor” to Permanent Resident without the fear of being separated by visa expirations.

A path to citizenship

Establish the foundation for your partner to eventually join you as a fellow Canadian citizen.

How long it takes

The part of the timeline you control.

IRCC publishes posted processing times for spousal sponsorship applications made from inside and outside Canada. Our IRCC processing times guide tracks those figures daily, so check it rather than relying on a number on this page.

Those are the posted figures. In practice, the thing that most often adds months is not IRCC. It is a request for more evidence partway through, because something in the original file did not line up. A complete file at the outset is the only part of the timeline you control.

Current processing

Inside Canada and outside Canada, with the date IRCC last updated each figure.

See IRCC’s posted times

How we work

A lawyer-led process, with our own software doing the assembly.

Initial consultation

Tell Josh what you are dealing with. You get legal advice on your actual situation, written next steps, and a flat fee for the work, before you commit to anything. We quote after we diagnose, never before.

Application preparation

You work in our secure client portal to assemble your file. Our software handles the document assembly, extraction, and cross-checking, which is why a lawyer reviewing every page personally still fits inside a flat fee.

A licensed Canadian lawyer reviews and files

A licensed Canadian lawyer reviews every page before it is filed.

Flat fees. Once you are a client, a reply within one business day. No surprises.

Why a professional consultation matters

Spousal sponsorship is not one-size-fits-all.

Many spousal applications that run into trouble do so on “thin evidence” or “procedural errors.” Officers are required to assess whether a relationship is genuine, and the only way they can do that is on paper. Being asked to prove it is one of the more demeaning parts of this process, and almost everyone finds it so. It is not a sign that anyone suspects you. Our job is to make sure the paper says what your life actually looks like.

Choose the right stream

We'll determine if “Inland” or “Outland” is faster and safer for your specific living situation and travel needs.

Conduct a “genuineness” audit

We review your relationship history to identify potential “red flags” (like short courtships or limited cohabitation) and build a narrative that satisfies IRCC.

Optimize work permit timing

We map out exactly if and when to apply for the Open Work Permit so your partner has the right to work as soon as legally possible.

Aim for “one-and-done” filing

One missing signature or outdated police certificate can result in a returned application, wasting months of your time. We check every form and document before anything is filed.

FAQ

Spousal sponsorship questions, answered.

Do not see your question? Ask us directly. A member of our team will reach out almost instantly.

Ask a question

What counts as proof of a genuine relationship?: Shared leases and finances, photos across the relationship, messages, travel together, and statements from people who know you as a couple. Quality and consistency beat volume.
How long does spousal sponsorship take?: IRCC publishes separate posted processing times for applications made from inside and outside Canada, and they move. Our IRCC processing times guide tracks them daily. The most common cause of additional delay is a request for further evidence partway through, which a complete initial file avoids.
Can my spouse work while we wait?: If you apply from inside Canada, your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit during processing. If you apply from outside Canada, they generally cannot work until the application is approved. This is one of the main reasons the inland versus outland choice matters.
Do I need to meet an income requirement to sponsor my spouse?: No. There is no minimum income requirement for sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner, or a dependent child, though you cannot be on social assistance other than disability support. Income thresholds apply to parents and grandparents, where you must meet them for three consecutive tax years.
What happens if the sponsorship is refused?: Outland refusals can be appealed to the Immigration Appeal Division within 30 days. Inland refusals cannot, which is one of the tradeoffs we weigh with you at the start.
What if we have been refused before?: A previous refusal does not bar a new application, but it changes how the next one should be built, because the officer will see the earlier file. Depending on the reasons, appealing or seeking judicial review may be the better route than reapplying. That is the first thing we assess.

Trusted by clients across Canada.

5.0 star rating · Read every review on Google

Jess S.

I'm glad I met Josh. He helped me with my Canadian Work Permit Visa and my husband's OWP. I was apprehensive at first, and I had a lot of questions, but Josh was always accurate and willing to help. He is an excellent professional, and it's clear that he cares about every client.

Lucas Arantes

Josh was incredibly helpful throughout two work permits and our overall immigration process, guiding all of us (including two different employers) every step of the way. He made complicated immigration topics easy to understand and helped us choose the best strategy for our family's needs. Now we're proud Canadian citizens raising our two kids in Montréal.

Adam Cowley

We worked with Josh on a work permit re-application after we had some struggles trying to get it ourselves. Josh was a pleasure to work with and helped us get our approval in a timely fashion. We hope to work with him again soon.

Every matter is different. Results vary, and past outcomes do not predict future ones.

Joshua Schachnow, founding Canadian immigration lawyer at Schachnow Law

Meet our founder

Joshua Schachnow, B.Com., J.D.

Founder

Josh is a Toronto-based lawyer who has been practising immigration law for more than nine years. He has helped thousands of individuals and companies navigate Canadian immigration, from work permits to permanent residence, study permits, citizenship, LMIAs and more, and he built the software this firm runs on. Josh always puts his clients first, and believes quick and thoughtful communication is most important to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Ready to get started

Bring your partner home.

Share a few details about your relationship and current situation. A member of our team will reach out almost instantly to book your consultation, where a lawyer will review your profile and map out the right path to permanent residence.

Flat fees. No obligation. We follow up fast.

Call (437) 800-1918 Other ways to reach us