Spousal Sponsorship Calculator Canada 2026

Frequently asked questions

How much does spousal sponsorship cost?

Government fees total approximately $1,165 for the principal applicant: sponsorship ($75), processing ($490), the Right of Permanent Residence Fee ($515), and biometrics ($85). Each dependent child adds approximately $240 in processing and biometrics fees. Third-party costs include medical exams ($250-$300 per person in Canada) and police certificates ($75 per country of residence since age 18). The RPRF can be paid at any point before PR landing. It does not need to be submitted with the initial application.

How long does spousal sponsorship take in Canada?

Processing times vary based on application type and visa office workload. Inland applications typically take 12-18 months from submission to PR approval; outland applications range from 12-24 months depending on the visa office processing the case. These are estimates: actual processing times fluctuate based on IRCC capacity and application volume.

Can my spouse work in Canada while the sponsorship is being processed?

If you file an inland application, your spouse can apply for an open work permit ($255) at the same time, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada while waiting for the sponsorship decision. Inland applicants also receive implied status and can remain in Canada legally during processing. Outland applicants are not eligible for an OWP and cannot work in Canada until they receive permanent residency.

What documents do I need for spousal sponsorship?

You need identity documents (passports, birth certificates), relationship proof (marriage certificate or common-law declaration, photos, communication records, joint financial documents), financial documents (proof of income, tax returns, employment letters), and legal documents (police certificates from every country lived in 6+ months since age 18, immigration status documents). Common-law and conjugal partner relationships qualify with sufficient proof of the relationship. The calculator provides a detailed checklist organized by category.

Can a permanent resident sponsor their spouse?

Yes, permanent residents can sponsor a spouse or common-law partner. However, if the PR was themselves sponsored as a spouse, they must wait 5 years from their own PR landing date before sponsoring a new partner. PR sponsors must also be living in Canada at the time of the application and demonstrate ability to provide basic needs for the sponsored person. The sponsorship undertaking is a legal commitment to financially support your spouse for 3 years after they become a permanent resident.

How does this calculator work?

Enter your sponsor status (Canadian citizen or permanent resident), application type (inland or outland), number of dependent children, and whether you need an open work permit. The calculator computes all government fees based on the current IRCC fee schedule, estimates third-party costs, and projects a processing timeline with key milestones from submission to PR landing. It also generates a document checklist organized by category so you can prepare your application package.