Unlike the parents' route, this one is open all year: no intake round, no lottery, no cap — and no minimum income requirement. That last point surprises many people: to bring your partner you do NOT have to prove an income, only that you aren't receiving social assistance and aren't bankrupt. What does get examined closely is whether the relationship is genuine, and that is the number one cause…
This is the decision that weighs most. The outland stream takes about 16 months, lets your partner travel freely and carries a right of appeal if refused. The inland stream takes about 25 months and has no appeal, but allows an open work permit that arrives in months. A detail almost nobody knows:…
This is where it's won or lost. The marriage certificate isn't enough: IRCC wants to see a relationship with a history. Dated photos across time and with other people, not just selfies; messages from different periods; bank accounts, leases or policies naming both of you; signed statements from…
You complete IMM 1344, which includes the undertaking, and IMM 5532 with the relationship history. Your partner completes their permanent residence forms. Everything is signed digitally and uploaded together through the portal. Declare ALL family members, including those not coming now.
Your partner takes the medical exam with an IRCC-authorized physician and gives biometrics at an official collection point. Police certificates are needed from every country where they lived 6 months or more since age 18, and in some countries they take weeks: start with the slowest ones.
IRCC decides in two phases: first it approves that you may sponsor (one to three months), then it assesses the residency. If additional documents or an interview are requested, the deadlines are short and are not extended. Keep an eye on the portal and your addresses up to date.