There are two types of applications for Spouse and Common-Law Sponsorship

​Outland Sponsorship: If the sponsored spouse resides outside of Canada, their legal place of residence or their country of citizenship will determine how to handle your application. You are still eligible to apply under this category if you and your spouse or common-law partner reside in Canada together. If you apply under this category, the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) will allow you to challenge a denial.

Inland Sponsorship (Spouse or Common-Law in-Canada category): You and your sponsor must cohabitate at the time of application and throughout the process. Your application will be processed in Canada. If the sponsored partner has a legitimate immigration status in Canada, they can also be qualified for an Open Work Permit. If a person does not have legitimate status, they might nevertheless be sponsored for permanent residence under a special public policy or—in the event that the CBSA has issued a deportation order—by utilizing H&C inside the application. If inland sponsorship is turned down, there is no right of appeal.

​ The following individuals, along with their dependent children (age 21 or under), may be sponsored for permanent residence in Canada.

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• Spouse: spouse through marriage: husband, wife, or partner (proxy marriages are not allowed)

• Common law A partner is someone you have lived with consistently for at least a year.

• Conjugal Partner: if you have been in a committed relationship equivalent to a marriage for at least a year and your partner does not meet the requirements for Spouse or Common-Law status. You cannot live together unless there are exceptional circumstances; for example, your job's location, your studies overseas, or your inability to secure a Canadian visa are insufficient justifications.