Canada

Language requirements vary depending on the institution and program.

Eligible spouses and dependents may qualify under applicable programs.

Canada offers several pathways for eligible graduates.

Certain work permit categories may allow spouses to apply for accompanying permits.

Conditions vary depending on the work permit granted.

Certain pathways may support future immigration opportunities.

Most skilled immigration pathways require language proficiency evidence.

Yes, eligible family members may often be included.

Processing times vary by program and applicant profile.

Spouse: you are legally married, and the marriage is valid where it took place and under Canadian law.

Common-law partner: you have lived together continuously in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 months.

Conjugal partner: you could not marry or live together because of serious obstacles, such as immigration barriers or laws against same-sex relationships, and have been in the relationship for at least 12 months.

You must be at least 18, a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered under the Indian Act, and able to show you will live in Canada once your partner becomes a permanent resident. Citizens living abroad can sponsor. Permanent residents must live in Canada.

You may not qualify if you are in prison, bankrupt and not discharged, in default of a past sponsorship undertaking or court-ordered support, receiving social assistance (other than for disability), or have certain serious convictions. A previously sponsored partner may also face a waiting period before sponsoring someone new. We review your situation before you apply.

For a spouse or partner, IRCC does not set a minimum income outside Quebec. You do, however, sign an undertaking promising to support your partner financially for 3 years after they become a permanent resident, so that they do not need social assistance. Quebec has its own sponsor rules and an additional provincial undertaking.

For a spouse or partner, IRCC does not set a minimum income outside Quebec. You do, however, sign an undertaking promising to support your partner financially for 3 years after they become a permanent resident, so that they do not need social assistance. Quebec has its own sponsor rules and an additional provincial undertaking.

IRCC's service standard is 12 months, but its processing-times tool in September 2026 showed roughly 18 months for outland and 26 months for inland applications outside Quebec. Quebec applications take longer. Times are updated monthly and start from when IRCC receives a complete application. Incomplete applications are returned, which is why careful preparation matters.

There is no paid fast-track. A complete, well-documented application avoids delays, as does responding quickly to IRCC requests. IRCC can expedite in urgent humanitarian cases, such as a serious illness, and we can advise whether yours qualifies.

Not always, but IRCC can interview either of you, together or separately, particularly if the file raises questions. We prepare clients so they know what to expect.

IRCC's service standard is 12 months, but its processing-times tool in September 2026 showed roughly 18 months for outland and 26 months for inland applications outside Quebec. Quebec applications take longer. Times are updated monthly and start from when IRCC receives a complete application. Incomplete applications are returned, which is why careful preparation matters.