Can a Canadian permanent resident sponsor a spouse while temporarily living outside Canada?

No, a Canadian permanent resident can’t sponsor a spouse if they are living outside Canada. Short, temporary trips (such as vacations or brief business travel) usually don’t affect eligibility as long as their primary home remains in Canada. IRCC requires permanent residents to live in Canada when they submit a spousal sponsorship application and to maintain their residence in Canada while it’s being processed (short, temporary trips abroad are generally fine as long as Canada remains their primary home). This ensures the sponsor is genuinely prepared to support their spouse and committed to building a life together in Canada. If you’re unsure how these rules apply to your situation, speaking with experienced Canadian immigration consultants can provide clarity.

Only Canadian citizens are permitted to sponsor a spouse from outside Canada, and even then, they must prove that they will return to Canada once their spouse becomes a permanent resident. Permanent residents do not have this flexibility; their eligibility is tied to residing in Canada and meeting their residency obligations. You can review the full sponsorship pathway on our Spousal Sponsorship page. For a broader explanation of sponsorship eligibility, you can also see our related FAQ: “Can I sponsor my wife to come to Canada?”

Short trips abroad, such as vacations or brief business travel, do not affect eligibility as long as the permanent resident’s primary home remains in Canada. However, if a permanent resident is living abroad for work, study, or personal reasons, they must return to Canada before submitting a spousal sponsorship application.

If you would like personalized advice or help preparing your application, you can book an appointment with our team. For information on professional service pricing, visit our Immigration Consultant Fees page.