Canada Spouse Sponsorship Checklist for Inside vs. Outside Canada Applications

If you're planning to sponsor your spouse to become a permanent resident of Canada, it's crucial to understand the process and prepare the right documents. Whether your spouse is inside or outside Canada, the application pathway differs and so does the checklist of required forms, proofs, and eligibility requirements. This article provides a detailed Canada Spouse Sponsorship Checklist tailored for both inside and outside Canada applications.

What Is Spouse Sponsorship?

Spousal sponsorship is a part of Canada's Family Class immigration stream, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their legally married spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence. There are two application types:

1. Inland (Inside Canada) Sponsorship: When your spouse is already in Canada on a valid visa.

2. Outland (Outside Canada) Sponsorship: When your spouse is living outside of Canada.

Each stream has its own process and supporting documentation, which is where the Canada Spouse Sponsorship Checklist becomes essential.

General Canada Spouse Sponsorship Checklist (Applies to Both Streams)

Before diving into the differences, here are the common items needed in both inland and outland applications:

• IMM 1344 – Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and Undertaking

• IMM 5533 – Document Checklist for Spouse Sponsorship

• IMM 0008 – Generic Application Form for Canada

• IMM 5406 – Additional Family Information

• IMM 5669 – Schedule A – Background/Declaration

• IMM 5476 – Use of a Representative (if applicable)

• Proof of Relationship:

  • Marriage certificate (translated if not in English or French)

  • Photos together

  • Letters, chats, emails, travel records, and other communication proof

• Identity Documents: Passport copies, birth certificate, national ID, etc.

• Medical Exam Confirmation

• Police Certificates from all countries lived in for 6+ months

• Proof of Sponsor’s Canadian Citizenship or PR

• Proof of Sponsor’s Income/Employment (though income is not a strict requirement)

Use this Canada spouse sponsorship checklist as your baseline and build on it depending on the application type.

Additional Items for Inland (Inside Canada) Sponsorship

If you're applying inland — meaning your spouse is physically in Canada — here’s what else you need to include:

• IMM 5710 – Application to Extend Stay or Change Conditions (Open Work Permit, if applying together)

• Proof of Co-Habitation: Rental agreement, joint bank account, utility bills, etc.

• Proof of Legal Status in Canada: Visitor visa, study/work permit, etc.

• Optional: Open Work Permit Application

  
  

  Inland applicants may apply for an Open Work Permit alongside the sponsorship to work while waiting for a decision.

Pros of Inland Sponsorship:

• Spouse can stay in Canada during processing.

• Eligible for an Open Work Permit.

Cons:

• Travel outside Canada during processing can complicate or delay the application.

Additional Items for Outland (Outside Canada) Sponsorship

If your spouse is living outside of Canada, these documents are typically required in addition to the general checklist:

• Country-specific forms and requirements (found on IRCC's website)

• Proof of Ongoing Communication: Since you may not be living together, you’ll need stronger documentation of ongoing contact.

• IMM 5490 – Sponsored Spouse/Partner Questionnaire

Pros of Outland Sponsorship:

• Generally faster processing time in some visa offices.

• Spouse can travel to Canada as a visitor while waiting (if eligible).

Cons:

• No eligibility for an Open Work Permit during processing.

• Must remain available for interviews or communication in home country.

Financial and Legal Obligations of the Sponsor

Regardless of the stream, the sponsor must:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

• Not be receiving social assistance (exceptions for disability).

• Agree to financially support the spouse for 3 years after permanent residency is granted.

Tips for a Successful Spouse Sponsorship Application

1. Double-check the IRCC website for updated forms and country-specific requirements.

2. Translate all non-English/French documents and provide certified copies.

3. Submit a complete application — incomplete files lead to delays or refusals.

4. Use the IRCC Document Checklist (IMM 5533) to ensure nothing is missed.

5. Keep a copy of everything you submit for future reference.

Conclusion

Whether your spouse is inside or outside Canada, preparing a strong, complete application is key to a successful sponsorship. This Canada spouse sponsorship checklist provides a solid foundation for organizing your documents and understanding the key differences between inland and outland applications.

Be sure to stay informed with updates from IRCC and consider consulting an immigration consultant or lawyer if you have complex circumstances. Reuniting with your spouse in Canada is a life-changing step — with the right preparation, it's absolutely within reach.