Compare All Spouse or Partner Programs In Canada
If you’re planning to reunite with your spouse, partner, or fiancé(e) in Canada, this page compares the three main pathways under the Family Class category so you can quickly see which option fits your goals.
Spouse or Partner Sponsorship (PR) is the permanent residency route for couples who are ready to settle in Canada long term. You can apply through either Inland or Outland processing, and it’s available for married, common-law partners (12-months living together) and conjugal partners.
If your goal is to work while you wait, the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) can provide extra flexibility. Keep in mind: your spouse can only apply after your sponsorship application has been officially accepted and you’ve received an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR).
For couples not yet ready for sponsorship or those awaiting Outland processing, a Visitor Visa can be a temporary way to stay together under “dual intent”—meaning you can apply to visit Canada while still planning to immigrate permanently.
Because each program has different eligibility rules, benefits, and timelines, the best choice depends on your status, location, and plans. Book a consultation with our Canadian immigration consultants to review your relationship, compare your options, and map out the best next step with clarity and confidence.
| Program Name | Spousal Sponsorship | Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) | Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Objective | Obtain Permanent Residency (PR) | Authorized Employment in Canada | Temporary Family Reunification |
| Eligibility Criteria | Spouses of Canadian Citizens (Inland & Outland) or Permanent Residents (Only Inland) | Applicants with a pending inland spousal sponsorship application; spouses of international students and foreign workers (if eligible) | Open to all applicants, except those from visa-exempt countries, who are required to obtain just an eTA |
| Accepted Relationship Type | Spouse, Common-Law Partner (minimum 12 months living together), Conjugal Partner | Spouse, Common-Law Partner (minimum 12 months living together) | Spouse, Common-Law Partner, Fiancé or Fiancée, Boyfriend or Girlfriend |
| Work Authorization | Authorized upon PR approval | Authorized upon permit issuance | Not permitted (unless status is changed) |
| Average Processing Time | ⏳⏳⏳ | ⏳⏳ | ⏳⏳ |
| Success Rate | High | Average to high (depending on the stream) | Low to average (depending on country of residence and strength of ties) |
| Government Application Fees (CAD) |
Sponsorship Fee: $85 Principal Applicant Processing Fee: $545 Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): $575 Biometrics Fee: $85 (usually paid at submission) Total: $1,290 |
Work Permit Processing Fee: $155 Open Work Permit Holder Fee: $100 Biometrics Fee: $85 (usually paid at submission) Total: $340 |
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Fee: $100 Biometrics Fee: $85 Total: $185 Note: If the spouse is from a visa-exempt country, they would only pay $7 for an eTA instead. |
| Our Professional Fees (CAD or USD) |
Consultation: $50–$200 Full: $3,750 DIY: $2,250 Peace of Mind: $650 |
Consultation: $50–$200 Full: $1,750 DIY: $1,050 Peace of Mind: $425 |
Consultation: $50–$200 Full: $1,750 DIY: $1,200 Peace of Mind: $650 |
Primary Objective
Obtain Permanent Residency (PR)
Authorized Employment in Canada
Temporary Family Reunification
Eligibility Criteria
Spouses of Canadian Citizens (Inland & Outland) or Permanent Residents (Only Inland)
Applicants with a pending Inland Spousal Sponsorship application; Spouses of International Students and Foreign Workers (if eligible)
Open to All Applicants, Except Those from Visa-Exempt Countries, Who Are Required To Obtain Just An eTA.
Accepted Relationship Type
Spouse, common-law partner (minimum 12 months living together), conjugal partner
Spouse, common-law partner (minimum 12 months living together)
Spouse, common-law partner, fiancé or fiancée, boyfriend or girlfriend
Work Authorization
Authorized upon PR Approval
Authorized upon Permit Issuance
Not Permitted (Unless status is changed)
Average Processing Time
🕓🕓🕓
🕓🕓
🕓🕓
Success Rate
High
Average to High (Depending on the Stream)
Low to Average (Depending on country of residence and strength of ties)
Government Application Fees (CAD)
Sponsorship Fee: $85
Principal Applicant Processing Fee: $545
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): $575
Biometrics Fee: $85 (usually paid at the time of submission)
TOTAL: $1,290
Work Permit Processing Fee: $155
Open Work Permit Holder Fee: $100
Biometrics Fee: $85 (usually paid at the time of submission)
TOTAL: $340
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Fee: $100
Biometrics Fee: $85
TOTAL: $185
Note: If The Spouse Is From A Visa-exempt Country, They Would Only Pay $7 For An eTA Instead.
Our Professional Fees (CAD or USD)
Consultation: $50-$200
Full: $3,750
DIY: $2,250
Peace of Mind: $650
Consultation: $50-$200
Full: $1,750
DIY: $1,050
Peace of Mind: $425
Consultation: $50-$200
Full: $1,750
DIY: $1,200
Peace of Mind: $650
