How Much Does It Cost and How Much Do You Need to Earn to Sponsor Your Partner or Spouse to Canada?
By Anne Lui, founder and principal consultant of Hopeway Immigration
Valentine’s Day brings flowers, dinner plans… and big life questions.
Your partner is by your side. You’re imagining a future together in Canada. And somewhere between booking a reservation and exchanging gifts, the practical thoughts kick in:
“Can I afford to sponsor my spouse to stay in Canada permanently?”
“Do I make enough money?”
“How much does this actually cost?”
Let’s clear up the confusion – in plain English.
Do I Need to Earn a Certain Amount to Sponsor My Spouse or Partner?
This is usually the first question people ask and the answer almost always catches them off guard.
In most spousal and common-law sponsorship cases in Canada, there is no minimum income requirement. That means no income cut-off, no magic salary number and no need to hit a specific pay grade!
Even if your income is fairly modest, you can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner as long as your relationship is real, committed, and marriage-like.
Sounds simple, right? Here’s the part people often miss
When you sponsor your partner, you’re not just filing paperwork you’re making a formal promise to the Canadian government.
You must sign an undertaking, agreeing that you will:
- Take care of your partner’s basic financial needs, and
- Support them for three years after they become a permanent resident
And if your partner ends up needing social assistance during those three years, the government will expect you not them to pay that money back.
So while there’s no income “threshold,” IRCC still expects you to be financially stable. You can’t be bankrupt, in default, or unable to realistically support your partner.
In other words: Love can be emotional. Sponsorship is a legal commitment.
How Much Does It Cost to Sponsor a Spouse or Common-Law Partner?
Now let’s talk about the numbers everyone eventually asks for.
For 2026, the government fees charged by IRCC are:
- Sponsorship fee: $85
- Principal applicant processing fee: $545
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $575
- Biometrics: $85 per person
Total government fees: $1,290 CAD for most applicants
These fees are mandatory and paid directly to IRCC no shortcuts, no Valentine’s discounts
What About Immigration Consultant Fees?
Professional fees are separate from government fees. Immigration consultant fees vary, depending on the level of support and representation you want, the complexity of your case, the consultant’s business model etc..
Not all consultants are equal. It’s critical to hire someone who is:
- Licensed
- Experienced specifically in spousal sponsorships
- Transparent about fees and process
If you’re unsure how to choose the right professional, this guide is a good place to start:
https://hopewayimmigration.com/how-to-choose-the-best-immigration-consultant-in-toronto/
A well-prepared application can save you months of delay and the emotional cost of a refusal.
Valentine’s Takeaway
You don’t need to be wealthy to sponsor your spouse or partner.
You do need to be prepared, informed, and realistic.
Love brings you together.
Planning keeps you together.
If you’re thinking about sponsoring your partner and want clarity on costs, income, and strategy, a consultation with Hopeway Immigration can help you move forward calmly, correctly, and with confidence.
And maybe next Valentine’s Day, you won’t just be celebrating love you’ll be celebrating home in Canada.
