Bringing your spouse or partner to Canada? Understanding spousal sponsorship can be confusing, but we’re here to help.
Welcome to "Q&A with Bani", a new weekly video series where Bani Arora (RCIC), AskAïa’s immigration expert, answers the most important questions from newcomers. Each episode is powered by Aïa, our AI immigration assistant, which gathers real questions from people like you.
This week, we’re covering spousal sponsorship—who qualifies, how to apply, and what to expect in terms of costs and processing times. Watch the full video below, and if you have an immigration question, ask Aïa directly for a chance to have it answered in a future episode.
What’s “Q&A with Bani”?
Immigration can be complex, but getting the right answers shouldn’t be. That’s why we created “Q&A with Bani”, a weekly video series where Bani Arora (RCIC), AskAïa’s immigration expert, answers real questions from newcomers and immigrants to Canada.
Each episode is powered by AskAïa, which gathers the most common immigration concerns and ensures that Bani provides clear, expert-backed answers. Whether you're exploring visa options, permanent residency pathways, or sponsorship rules, this series is designed to simplify the process and give you the guidance you need.
Watch: Spousal Sponsorship Explained
In this episode of "Q&A with Bani," we dive into spousal sponsorship, one of the most common ways for couples to reunite in Canada. Who qualifies? What are the costs? How long does it take? Bani Arora, AskAïa’s immigration expert, answers these key questions and more.
With insights powered by Aïa, our AI immigration assistant, we break down the process so you can understand your options and avoid common pitfalls. Watch the full video below to get expert answers on spousal sponsorship.
Why Spousal Sponsorship Matters
For many newcomers, reuniting with a spouse or partner in Canada is a top priority. Spousal sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their loved ones to live with them permanently. But the process can be confusing—eligibility rules, required documents, and processing times vary depending on your situation.
In this episode, Bani answers the most pressing questions, including:
- What is spousal sponsorship in Canada?
- Who qualifies for spousal sponsorship? (Married, common-law, conjugal)
- Can a student sponsor their girlfriend/boyfriend?
- How does a visa refusal affect sponsorship?
- Are there extra hurdles for LGBTQ+ sponsorship?
- How much does spousal sponsorship cost?
- What are the eligibility requirements for family sponsorship in Canada?
- Does sharing joint finances with a foreign partner impact the sponsorship application?
- Can a spouse stay in Canada while waiting for sponsorship approval?
- How long does spousal sponsorship take?
- Who is responsible for spousal sponsorship in Canada?
- What is the minimum income required to sponsor a partner in Canada?
- Can you leave Canada while waiting for sponsorship approval?
- What documents prove a genuine relationship?
- Can someone stay in Canada while waiting for their sponsorship approval after signing the application?
- How long are you financially responsible for your sponsored spouse?
Every question in this Q&A comes from real concerns immigrants face, ensuring that we address the most relevant challenges in the sponsorship process. If you're planning to apply or want to know what to expect, take our free assessment to discover your best immigration options.
Stay Tuned for More
Spousal sponsorship is just the beginning. Every week, Q&A with Bani will tackle key immigration topics—from study permits to work visas, permanent residency, and more. Our goal is simple: make Canadian immigration easier to understand with expert-backed answers powered by Aïa.
Have a question about immigration? Ask Aïa directly, and your question might be featured in a future episode! Stay connected, follow our updates, and don’t miss next week’s topic—where we’ll break down another essential immigration process.
