Spouse, partner & child sponsorship
Prepare to discuss the relationship or family circumstances behind your sponsorship plans.
Explain the history clearly and consistently.
A family application should present the relevant history with clear, consistent supporting information. Discuss your particular family category and any previous applications before deciding how to prepare.
Present the relationship in its real context.
A family record should be accurate, understandable and consistent across forms and supporting documents. We discuss the relationship history, family changes, dependants and earlier immigration applications. Where evidence is unavailable, the aim is to identify the issue honestly and discuss how it can be explained.
How VSA can assist
Subject to an agreed service scope, VSA can assess the proposed application, help organise the supporting evidence and explain gaps or inconsistencies that need attention. We aim to make the record clear and truthful. Fees, responsibilities and the work included are confirmed in writing before retained services begin.
What to discuss in your consultation
- The relationship or family history relevant to the application.
- The sponsor and applicant circumstances to assess.
- Evidence that needs explanation or further preparation.
Prepare for a useful conversation
Make a relationship or family timeline and note any prior marriages, applications or refusals relevant to the assessment.
A preparation checklist
- Relationship and family timeline
- Civil-status records and changes in family circumstances
- Relevant communication or other relationship evidence
- Earlier sponsorships, applications and decisions
This is a discussion checklist, not an application checklist. The records required depend on the route and your circumstances.
Start with a short enquiry. The office will explain consultation arrangements, fees and the appropriate document-sharing process before you send private records.
What the next steps can look like
Clarify the goal
We discuss your circumstances, immigration history and any immediate timing issue.
Review the available evidence
We identify the records and questions needed for a useful assessment.
Agree on the work
Any retained services, professional fees and responsibilities are confirmed in writing.
Prepare and keep the record current
Agreed work follows the relevant process; changes in circumstances must be reported promptly.
Before you decide.
Should we use the same evidence as another couple?
Your evidence should reflect your own relationship and circumstances. A copied statement or a generic bundle may fail to explain the facts that matter in your case.
How do I find the latest official requirements?
Use the government links below. Check the current programme page and its notices before relying on a summary, a past invitation round or another person’s experience.
What does the consultation cost?
Contact the office to confirm the fee, duration and format before booking. Further representation is a separate decision with a written scope and fee agreement.
Government guidance & latest updates
Open the official website for current instructions, forms and notices. These external sources may change after this guide is reviewed. Government decisions and programme availability are outside VSA’s control.
IRCC: family sponsorship ↗www.canada.ca · Opens the official external websiteIRCC notices: current programme changes ↗www.canada.ca · Opens the official external websiteGuide reviewed 12 November 2026. General information only. Eligibility, availability and requirements must be checked against current official instructions and your circumstances. Linked government websites do not endorse VSA.
Visit the official-updates hub