Spousal sponsorship is available to spouses, common-law partners and conjugal partners, but the application route depends on where the sponsored person lives.
Inland sponsorship
The sponsored person lives in Canada with the sponsor. A work permit may be available while the application is processed, but leaving Canada carries risk, and there is no appeal right on a refusal.
Outland sponsorship
The sponsored person lives outside Canada, or lives in Canada but chooses the outland stream. Travel is simpler and appeal rights may apply, but there is generally no interim work permit.
Proving the relationship
Officers look for consistency, duration and interdependence: shared finances, cohabitation evidence, communication history, family recognition and photographs across time. Volume without coherence does not help.
Undertaking and obligations
The sponsor signs an undertaking to support the sponsored person financially for a defined period. It is a legal commitment, not a formality.
Sample article shipped with the CRSPoint theme.