How can I sponsor my spouse or partner to immigrate to Alberta?

Categories: Family Sponsorship 

The Family Class visas to Canada allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in Canada to sponsor family members to immigrate. Sponsored family members become Canadian permanent residents.

Spouses and Partners

If you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident living in Canada, and you meet the requirements, you can sponsor your spouse or partner to become a permanent resident, too.

You spouse or partner can be living abroad, or they can already be in Canada legally on a temporary visa.

Who can sponsor

To sponsor a spouse or partner you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • You must be either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident living in Canada.
  • You must sign an undertaking that promises you will support the person you are sponsoring, and if you are also sponsoring dependent children, that you will support them, too.
  • You and the person you sponsor must both sign an agreement confirming you both understand your responsibilities.

Who cannot sponsor

You may not be able to sponsor your spouse or partner to Alberta if you:

  • Did not provide financial support to another relative who you agreed to sponsor.
  • Have received financial support from the government, for any reason other than for a disability.
  • Have not paid support you were ordered to by a court in Canada.
  • Are late or have missed an immigration loan payment, or if you have defaulted on an immigration loan.
  • Are in prison.
  • Are bankrupt.
  • Have been convicted of a violent criminal offense, a sexual offense, or an offense against a family member.

Which relationships count

There are 4 kinds of spouse and partner relationships which are eligible for sponsorship to Canada.

Spouses
You must be legally married to the person you are sponsoring, under the laws of Canada or the laws in the country where you were married.

Same-Sex Spouses
You must be legally married to the same-sex spouse you are sponsoring, under the laws of the Canadian province or the laws in the country where you were married.

Common-Law Partner
You have been living together as a couple for at least one year, uninterrupted. (You will need to provide proof that your relationship is ongoing and genuine.)

Conjugal Partner
You have maintained a conjugal relationship with your partner for at least one year, but you have not been able to live together or get married for reasons beyond your control.

How much money do I need?

If you are including any dependent children along with your spouse or partner, you must show that you meet a certain level of income. This means that our gross over the last 12 months pay must be at least the limit on the table below. This is called the Low Income Cut Off (LICO).

Size of Family Minimum gross income
1 person (sponsor) $20,778
2 people $25,867
3 people $31,801
4 people $38,610
5 people $43,791
6 people $49,389
7 people $54,987
Additional: $5,598, per person

Income cannot be from government financial assistance, unless it is assistance for a disability.

How long do I have to support the person I sponsor?

If you are sponsoring only your spouse or partner, you must undertake to support them for at least 3 years from the date they become a Canadian permanent resident.

If you are sponsoring any dependent children who are less than 22 years old, you must undertake to support them for at least 10 years from the date they become a Canadian permanent resident, or until they turn 25.

If you are sponsoring any dependent children who are 22 years old or older, you must undertake to support them for at least 3 years from the date they become a Canadian permanent resident.

Where to get more information