Approval in Principle (AIP) for an inland spousal sponsorship generally takes 6 to 10 months from the date of submission. Achieving AIP is crucial because it protects the applicant from deportation by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and may qualify them for provincial healthcare.
Applying for inland spousal sponsorship means you and your partner are currently living together inside Canada. Whether you are sharing an apartment in Montreal, Calgary, or Halifax, the inland pathway is designed to keep families physically together while the paperwork is processed. However, living in Canada without permanent status can cause immense anxiety for the sponsored partner.
This anxiety usually fades once you receive Approval in Principle (AIP). ⚠ AIP is the “first stage” of approval from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It officially confirms that your relationship is genuine and the sponsor is eligible. This guide explains the timeline to reach AIP and the immense legal benefits it provides to families.
The Step-by-Step Inland Sponsorship Process in Canada
Inland sponsorship is a federal process managed by IRCC. To reach the critical AIP milestone, you must meticulously follow the application stages, ensuring no documents are missing, as incomplete applications will be returned entirely, resetting your timeline.
Step 1: Submitting the Complete Inland Application
The journey begins when your Canadian law firm submits the massive application package via the PR Portal. 📂 This includes police certificates, proof of cohabitation (like joint leases and utility bills), and the official IRCC forms. Concurrently, many applicants also submit an application for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP).
Step 2: Receiving the Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)
Before any real processing begins, IRCC will issue an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR). This typically arrives 1 to 3 months after submission. The AOR provides your unique Application Number and confirms that your file has entered the queue. Shortly after, the applicant will receive a request to complete their biometrics (fingerprints).
Step 3: Sponsor Approval and Reaching AIP
Between months 6 and 10, an IRCC officer will deeply review the file. 🔍 They will verify that the Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident meets the financial and legal requirements to be a sponsor. They will also assess the genuineness of the marriage or common-law relationship. When both pass, IRCC issues the Approval in Principle (AIP) letter.
Step 4: Final Security, Medical, and PR Confirmation
AIP does not mean you are a Permanent Resident yet. After AIP, IRCC conducts the final background checks, involving CSIS and the RCMP, and reviews your Immigration Medical Exam. Once cleared, you will receive the final Portal Invitation to confirm your Canadian address and download your electronic Confirmation of Permanent Residence (eCOPR).
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Sponsoring a spouse from within Canada carries several standard federal fees, as well as the cost of ensuring the application is done perfectly the first time. 💰
| IRCC Sponsorship Fees | $1,080 CAD | Standard fee covering the sponsorship, principal applicant, and Right of PR. |
| Open Work Permit Fee | $255 CAD | Optional fee if applying for an SOWP alongside the inland PR application. |
| Medical Exam & Biometrics | $300 CAD | Biometrics ($85) and an exam by a Canadian Panel Physician ($150-$250). |
| Lawyer Representation | $3,500 to $6,000+ CAD | Legal fees for a Canadian immigration firm to prepare and submit the file. |
- Provincial Health Coverage: Once you receive AIP, you can usually apply for provincial healthcare (like OHIP in Ontario or MSP in British Columbia) for free, saving you thousands in private health insurance.
How Long Does the Entire Process Take?
While AIP usually arrives between 6 to 10 months, the entire inland spousal sponsorship process officially takes about 10 to 14 months to complete under standard IRCC processing times. ⌛ Delays can occur if IRCC requests an in-person interview or if the background checks uncover a potential criminality issue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does AIP mean I am officially a Permanent Resident?
No. Approval in Principle (AIP) only means you have passed the first stage of assessment regarding your relationship and sponsor. You are not a Permanent Resident until you receive your final eCOPR document.
Will CBSA deport me before I get AIP?
If you maintain valid temporary status (like a visitor record or SOWP), you are safe. Even if you fall out of status, an inland spousal application generally provides a public policy administrative stay of removal, meaning CBSA usually will not deport you unless there are serious criminal issues.
Can I leave Canada after receiving Approval in Principle?
It is highly risky. Inland applications require you to live with your sponsor in Canada. If you leave for a vacation and a border officer refuses your re-entry into Canada, your entire inland PR application will be abandoned and cancelled.
What happens if my Canadian sponsor withdraws the application?
If the sponsor formally withdraws their support before you become a Permanent Resident, the application is cancelled. Even if you already received AIP, you will not be granted PR and may need to leave Canada if you have no other valid visa.
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