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Family Class · IMM 5540

Sponsor your spouse
to permanent residence

Bring your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to Canada as a permanent resident. AI fills your IMM 5540 from your documents. Your licensed consultant reviews everything before submission.

Start for $399 CAD See how it works
$399 CAD flat fee
AI fills IMM 5540
Expert consultant review
Permanent residence outcome
1,200+ approvals
Family Sponsorship - Spouse
IMM 5540
$399 CAD
Flat fee · No hidden costs · IRCC gov't fees separate
1
Book a free consultation - we'll confirm your eligibility as a sponsor
2
Upload both sponsor and applicant documents - AI validates in seconds
3
AI fills IMM 5540 + supporting forms · You confirm the details
4
Consultant reviews everything and submits the complete package to IRCC
No obligation · 30 minutes · Free eligibility assessment
What you need to know

What is Spousal Sponsorship?

Spousal sponsorship is a Canadian immigration pathway that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence. It falls under the Family Class immigration stream and is one of the most common pathways to Canadian PR.

There are two streams depending on where your partner lives: the Inland stream (partner is already in Canada and can apply for an open work permit while waiting) and the Outland stream (partner applies from outside Canada). Both streams use the same core forms - IMM 5540 (Sponsorship Application) and IMM 0008 (Generic Application Form).

As the sponsor, you must meet income and residency requirements and sign an undertaking to financially support your partner for three years. Your partner's application is processed simultaneously with yours.

Quick Facts - Spousal Sponsorship
Sponsor formIMM 5540 E
Applicant formIMM 0008 E
Immigration classFamily Class
OutcomePermanent Residence
Inland processing12–24 months
Outland processing12–18 months
IRCC sponsorship fee$85 CAD
IRCC PR fee$515 CAD
Right of PR fee$575 CAD
GetNorthPath fee$399 CAD (flat)
Two streams

Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship

The right stream depends on where your partner currently lives. Both lead to permanent residence - the key difference is timeline, work authorization, and processing location.

Outland Stream
Partner outside Canada

Your partner applies from their home country or country of residence. The application is processed at the visa office responsible for their country. They can visit Canada on a visitor visa during processing.

Processed by the applicable overseas visa office
Can apply regardless of current immigration status
Partner may still visit Canada while waiting
Generally slightly faster than inland in recent years
Sponsor can be inside or outside Canada
Inland Stream
Partner in Canada

Your partner is physically present in Canada and can apply for an open work permit (OWP) at the same time as the sponsorship, allowing them to legally work while waiting for PR approval.

Partner can obtain an open work permit concurrently
Partner stays in Canada throughout processing
Both applications submitted together to IRCC
Partner must remain in Canada during processing
Slightly longer average processing times
Who qualifies as a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner?
Spouse: legally married. Common-law partner: cohabiting in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months. Conjugal partner: in a genuine relationship for at least 12 months but unable to cohabit due to exceptional circumstances (immigration barriers, religious/legal restrictions). Same-sex relationships are equally eligible under all three categories.
Am I eligible?

Eligibility - Sponsor & Applicant

Both the sponsor and the sponsored person must meet IRCC requirements. Select the tab that applies to you.

Sponsor Requirements
Partner Requirements
Common Issues
You can sponsor if…
You are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (or a registered Indian under the Indian Act)
You are at least 18 years old
If a PR, you are currently living in Canada (or will return to Canada when your partner gets PR)
You can demonstrate you are not receiving social assistance (except for disability)
You agree to sign a 3-year financial undertaking to support your partner
You have not sponsored another spouse in the past 5 years who was granted PR
You cannot sponsor if…
You are currently in default on a previous sponsorship undertaking (partner dependent on social assistance)
You have been convicted of a violent offence, sexual offence, or offence against a family member
You are bankrupt (unless discharged)
You are detained or under a removal order
You have previously sponsored another spouse and that sponsorship was within the last 5 years
Your partner qualifies if…
They are your legal spouse (married), common-law partner (12+ months cohabitation), or conjugal partner
They are admissible to Canada (no serious criminality or security concerns)
They pass the required medical examination by an IRCC-designated physician
They can provide police certificates from their home country and each country they've lived in for 6+ months
They are 18 years of age or older
What your partner needs
Valid passport from their home country (all pages)
Passport-style photos meeting IRCC specifications
Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, joint bank accounts, photos, communication records)
Police certificates from country of citizenship + countries of residence (6+ months in last 10 years)
Medical examination results from IRCC-designated doctor
Common reasons for refusal
Non-genuine relationship: IRCC officers assess whether the relationship is primarily for immigration purposes. Thin evidence of cohabitation or shared life is the #1 refusal reason
Incomplete application: Missing police certificates, outdated medicals, or unsigned declarations result in immediate return of the application
Prior inadmissibility: Criminal history, previous deportations, or misrepresentation on any prior immigration application
Same-sex short-duration marriage: Marriages of very short duration receive heightened scrutiny regardless of gender
How GetNorthPath reduces refusal risk
Relationship evidence checklist - we guide you to gather the right combination of photos, communication logs, joint accounts, and statutory declarations
AI Preliminary Check reviews your My Details answers for consistency with your relationship evidence before your consultant ever sees the file
Consultant reviews the complete package - every document, every form field, and your relationship narrative - before submission
Document Validator confirms all police certificates are current, medicals are in-date, and photos meet IRCC specs
What to gather

Required Documents

GetNorthPath AI reads and validates each document the moment you upload it. Fields marked AI are auto-filled into your sponsorship forms automatically.

Sponsor Identity
Required Canadian passport or PR card AI
If citizen abroad Proof of Canadian citizenship (certificate)
If PR Copy of PR card (front and back) AI
If applicable Proof of status in Canada (work/study permit)
Relationship Evidence
Required Marriage certificate (if married) AI
If common-law Proof of 12 months cohabitation (lease, joint accounts, utility bills)
Required Photos together over time (at least 10–15 spanning the relationship)
Required Communication records (chat logs, call logs, email history)
Recommended Statutory declaration from friends/family confirming genuine relationship
Partner Identity & Travel
Required Valid passport - all pages AI
Required Passport-style photos (IRCC specifications)
If applicable Previous Canadian visas, permits, or entry stamps
If applicable Current immigration status documentation in any country
Background & Medical
Required Police certificate from home country (partner)
If 6+ months abroad Police certificate from each country of residence (last 10 years)
Required Medical exam by IRCC-designated physician (partner)
Note Medical is valid for 12 months - time your booking carefully
Sponsor Financial
Required Proof of Canadian employment or income AI
Required Recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) from CRA AI
Note No minimum income threshold for spousal sponsorship (unlike other family classes)
If applicable Signed undertaking confirming you will financially support your partner for 3 years
Inland Stream - Extra
If inland Proof partner is currently in Canada legally (visitor record, work/study permit)
If inland Application for open work permit (concurrent filing) AI
If inland Proof of current address in Canada (shared lease, utilities)
Note Open work permit fee: $255 CAD additional IRCC fee
AI reads all tagged documents automatically
Documents tagged AI are read by the GetNorthPath Document Validator within 10 seconds of upload. Sponsor identity, passport data, marriage certificates, financial records, and employment details are extracted and pre-filled directly into your IMM 5540 and supporting forms. Your consultant verifies every field before submission.
The GetNorthPath process

How it works - Spousal Sponsorship

From consultation to IRCC submission - without the $5,000 law firm price tag.

1
Free Consultation
30-min call with your consultant. We confirm sponsor eligibility, choose your stream (inland vs. outland), and assess your relationship evidence strength.
Consultant-led
2
Upload Documents
Both sponsor and partner upload their documents. AI validates passport data, checks police cert dates, confirms medical is in-date, and flags any gaps.
AI-powered
3
AI Fills IMM 5540
The AI Form Fill Agent reads your documents and auto-populates IMM 5540, IMM 0008, and supporting forms. You complete the relationship narrative and declarations.
AI-powered
4
Consultant Review
Your consultant reviews every document, every form field, and your full relationship evidence package. Signs off on completeness and submission readiness.
Consultant-led
5
IRCC Submission
One-click submission via Chrome Extension. IRCC acknowledgement received. Application enters the queue - we track status in real-time in your portal.
Consultant-led
Traditional firm
$3,000–$6,000 USD in professional fees
2–4 week wait for initial consultation
Manual form filling - relationship evidence checklist missed
Little visibility into your application status
Generic relationship evidence guidance
GetNorthPath
$399 CAD flat fee - no surprises
Free consultation within 24 hours
AI fills IMM 5540 + supporting forms from your documents
Relationship evidence checklist tailored to your situation
Consultant reviews everything before submission
Powered by AI

What AI fills for you

The GetNorthPath AI reads your uploaded documents and auto-populates your IMM 5540 and IMM 0008. Here's exactly what gets extracted - and what you fill in yourself.

IMM 5540 - Auto-fill Preview
Field
Value
Source
Sponsor family name
PATEL
AI
Sponsor given name(s)
MIHIR
AI
Date of birth (sponsor)
1990-03-22
AI
PR/Citizenship status
Canadian PR
AI
Partner family name
PATEL
AI
Partner given name(s)
PRIYA
AI
Partner date of birth
1992-07-15
AI
Country of citizenship
INDIA
AI
Passport number
T●●●●●●4
AI
Date of marriage
2023-11-08
AI
Sponsor income (NOA)
$78,200 CAD
AI
Relationship narrative
You fill this in
You
Travel history (partner)
You fill this in
You
+ 28 more fields auto-filled · Consultant verifies all
Relationship Evidence Checker
AI audits your relationship evidence package against IRCC's published assessment criteria - photos spanning the right time periods, communication records, financial ties, declarations. Flags gaps before your consultant reviews.
Document Validator - 10 seconds
Every uploaded document is validated instantly. Passport expiry, police cert freshness, medical exam validity window, photo spec compliance. Issues flagged with plain-language fix instructions.
Form Fill Agent - IMM 5540 + IMM 0008
Reads your passport, marriage certificate, PR card, and NOA. Cross-references all values for consistency. Pre-fills 30+ fields across both the sponsor and applicant forms. Your consultant reviews every field.
Chrome Extension - One-Click IRCC Submit
Once your consultant approves, the GetNorthPath Chrome Extension loads all approved data directly into the IRCC portal. No copy-pasting. No re-entry. One click submits your complete sponsorship package.
What to expect

Processing Timeline

1
Free Consultation + Assessment
Eligibility confirmed, stream selected (inland vs. outland), relationship evidence reviewed, GetNorthPath service purchased.
Day 0
2
Documents Uploaded + AI Validated
Both sponsor and partner upload documents. AI validates each file and flags any issues. Relationship evidence checklist completed.
Day 1–5
3
Forms Filled + Relationship Narrative
AI pre-fills IMM 5540 + IMM 0008. You complete the relationship narrative, travel histories, and declarations via the portal.
Day 5–10
4
Consultant Review + Approval
Your consultant reviews every document, form field, and evidence package. May request additional relationship proof. Signs off on submission.
Day 10–14
IRCC Submission + Acknowledgement
Complete package submitted. IRCC sends acknowledgement of receipt. Your portal tracks IRCC status in real time from this point forward.
Day 14–21
IRCC Processing Times (approximate)
Outland - India12–18 months
Outland - Philippines12–18 months
Outland - Nigeria14–20 months
Outland - USA / UK / EU8–14 months
Inland (with OWP)15–24 months
Times vary by IRCC volume and country. Your consultant will advise on current estimates at the time of your application. Check ircc.canada.ca for live processing times.
Inland: your partner can work while waiting
If you choose the Inland stream, your partner can apply for an open work permit (OWP) concurrently with the sponsorship application. The OWP typically processes in 4–6 months - meaning your partner can work legally in Canada while the full PR is pending.
Transparent pricing

$399 CAD. That's it.

No hourly rates. No surprise add-ons. One flat fee covers your entire spousal sponsorship application - from consultation to IRCC submission.

Family Sponsorship - Spouse / Common-Law Partner
Inland or outland · IMM 5540 + IMM 0008 · All nationalities
$399 CAD
IRCC government fees are separate (from $1,175 CAD total)
What's included
Free 30-minute eligibility consultation with a licensed consultant
AI Document Validator - 10-second checks on every upload (both sponsor & partner)
Relationship evidence checklist tailored to your stream and situation
AI auto-fill of IMM 5540 + IMM 0008 from your documents
My Details intake - guided sections for relationship narrative, travel history, and declarations
AI Relationship Evidence Checker before consultant review
Full consultant review and sign-off on every document and form field
One-click IRCC submission via Chrome Extension
Real-time application status portal + WhatsApp/in-app messaging
Additional costs (not included)
IRCC sponsorship fee$85 CAD
IRCC principal applicant PR fee$515 CAD
Right of Permanent Residence fee$575 CAD
Biometrics (most applicants)$85 CAD
Open work permit (inland only)$255 CAD
Medical examination (partner)Varies by country
Your consultant will confirm exactly which IRCC fees apply to your situation at the consultation.
Secure payment via Stripe · Receipt emailed · No subscription
Start for $399 CAD
Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between inland and outland sponsorship?
+
Inland sponsorship is for partners who are already physically present in Canada and want to remain here throughout processing. A key benefit is eligibility for a concurrent open work permit. Outland sponsorship is for partners living outside Canada - the application is processed at the visa office for their country of residence. Outland processing has been slightly faster in recent years for most nationalities. Your consultant will recommend the right stream at the free consultation.
How do I prove my relationship is genuine?
+
IRCC assesses relationship genuineness through a combination of evidence: photos spanning the full relationship, communication records (chat logs, call history), financial ties (joint accounts, money transfers, shared expenses), marriage or cohabitation documentation, travel records of visits, and statutory declarations from people who know you as a couple. Our AI Relationship Evidence Checker and consultant will guide you on what combination is right for your specific situation - long-distance couples, intercultural marriages, and short-duration marriages all need tailored evidence strategies.
Can my partner work in Canada while the sponsorship is processing?
+
If you choose the Inland stream, your partner can apply for an open work permit (OWP) concurrently with the sponsorship. The OWP typically processes in 4–6 months, meaning your partner can work legally while the full PR application is pending. For the Outland stream, your partner may visit Canada on a visitor visa during processing but cannot work without a separate work permit.
Do I need a minimum income to sponsor my spouse?
+
Unlike family class sponsorship for parents or children, there is no minimum income threshold to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner for Canadian permanent residence. You must demonstrate that you are not receiving social assistance (except for disability reasons) and sign an undertaking to financially support your partner for three years after they receive PR. Your consultant will review your financial situation at the free consultation.
Can I sponsor my spouse if I am a permanent resident living abroad?
+
If you are a permanent resident (not a citizen), IRCC requires that you are currently living in Canada to sponsor your spouse. However, there is an exception: if you and your spouse both intend to return to Canada once the sponsorship is approved, you may be eligible. Citizens living abroad face no such restriction. Your consultant will assess your specific situation at the consultation.
Why $399 CAD? How does GetNorthPath compare to an immigration lawyer?
+
Immigration lawyers and firms typically charge $3,000–$6,000+ for spousal sponsorship because most of their time is spent on manual tasks - filling out forms by hand, reviewing documents one by one, copy-pasting data between systems. GetNorthPath uses AI to handle the mechanical work: document reading, form filling, evidence gap analysis, and preliminary review. The result: the same licensed consultant expertise, at a fraction of the price. Your consultant spends their time reviewing and advising - not copy-pasting passport numbers.

Ready to bring your partner to Canada?

Book a free 30-minute consultation. We'll confirm your eligibility, choose the right stream, and give you a clear plan - at no obligation.

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Family Sponsorship - Spouse / Common-Law · IMM 5540
$399 CAD flat fee · Free eligibility consultation
Start for $399 CAD