How long does conjugal partner sponsorship take to process?

Conjugal partner sponsorship generally follows a similar processing timeframe to other spousal sponsorship categories, with many applications taking around 10–13 months to complete. However, conjugal cases can sometimes take longer because IRCC must review more complex evidence before confirming eligibility. Applicants can see how this timeline fits into the overall process on the Spousal Sponsorship Program Page.

IRCC spends additional time on conjugal applications because officers must verify the genuineness of the relationship and confirm the existence of significant, objective barriers that prevent marriage or cohabitation. These requirements are outlined in the FAQ “What are the requirements for conjugal partner sponsorship in Canada?”. Conjugal applicants often need to submit extensive proof, such as communication history, efforts to visit each other, attempts to overcome immigration or legal obstacles, and documentation demonstrating why living together is not possible. If any of this evidence needs clarification, IRCC may issue an additional document request, which can pause parts of the assessment until the applicant responds.

In some cases, delays occur because IRCC must verify documents from multiple countries or evaluate complex personal circumstances. Since conjugal partners are often separated due to immigration restrictions, some applicants also look into a Visitor Visa for Spouse while the PR application is in progress. While this may help couples spend time together during processing, it does not speed up the PR decision.

To help avoid delays and ensure that your conjugal partner application is fully supported with the right evidence, you may consider working with our Licensed immigration consultants, who can guide you through preparing a complete file. You can review the Immigration Consultant Prices page for service details or connect directly with a specialist through our Book Consultation page.