March 2025 - Inland Spousal Sponsorship

[Charlamanderxxxx]

Hi Kind people,

Trying to get some answers from the community here.
I am Principal Applicant, on closed work permit here. My wife is PR. We got married here in Canada, 6 months back. In long distance relationship since 3.5 years. We were trying to find a common place to plan a life and see if we can move our bases to the common country. My wife got here on PR and I got here through closed work permit via my employer.

I am trying to find a thread or video link for the step by step form filling and filing the spousal (Inland) sponsorship on my own.
Apologies in advance for the long text:

I have filled IMM, 0008, 5406, 5669, 5562 online and
I have filled 1344, 5532 and 5533 pdfs.
Now I am compiling my travel documents, visa stamps, PCCs, birth certificates etc.
Seeking help:
1. What other additional application form(s) pdf shall I need to fill?
2. PCCs for past 10 years only required? just to be sure? I have PCCs for 15-18 years past also, but do I need to attach it?
3. If I had travelled for 10 days, 9 years back for tourism. shall I need to mention it in travel history?

4. What 'Additional Supporting Documents' shall I need to produce? I am planning to provide:
4.1 proof of language (not necessary - and IELTS test result is from before 2 years), what you suggest, shall I add? Is it a must for spousal?
4.2 letter of explanation - for relationship history and for 1 of the PCC.
4.3 Document checklist
4.4 Proof of physical presence in Canada
4.5 Marriage Certificate.
4.6 If I have marriage certificate, married in Canada: 6 months back, shall I need to provide relationship history and proof of meeting/dating before coming to Canada?
4.7 National Identity Cards: SIN for my spouse and myself
4.8 Proof of Education: Degrees, WES result (WES was done more than 5 years ago - do i need to renew, but I am not claiming any point game here for Express Entry)
4.9 Proof of funds: I can provide bank statements and payslips.
4.10 Proof of work experience: I can provide 10 years work history, but is it really needed? I am on closed work permit here.
4.11 Proof of Valid temporary resident status: my work permit copy!
4.12 Resume: Do i need to attach?
4.13 PR Card of my Spouse
4.14 proof of residence/shared residence
4.15 Any other documents that you can suggest?

thanks in advance,
Regards

This should help answer your questions: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...ication/application-forms-guides/imm5533.html I saw that you already listed the 5533 in the list. You can follow what they request.

1. 5533
2. 5533
3. If they ask, for the past 10 years, then yes

4. 5533


this YouTube channel helped me a lot during my time: https://www.youtube.com/@HitSubmitCanada/featured

 

[RAD0707]

This should help answer your questions: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...ication/application-forms-guides/imm5533.html I saw that you already listed the 5533 in the list. You can follow what they request.

1. 5533
2. 5533
3. If they ask, for the past 10 years, then yes

4. 5533


this YouTube channel helped me a lot during my time: https://www.youtube.com/@HitSubmitCanada/featured

Awesome! you have guided me to the right person. Very elaborative videos. will follow that. thanks for responding.

 

[LunaaStarr]

Hi Kind people,

Trying to get some answers from the community here.
I am Principal Applicant, on closed work permit here. My wife is PR. We got married here in Canada, 6 months back. In long distance relationship since 3.5 years. We were trying to find a common place to plan a life and see if we can move our bases to the common country. My wife got here on PR and I got here through closed work permit via my employer.

I am trying to find a thread or video link for the step by step form filling and filing the spousal (Inland) sponsorship on my own.
Apologies in advance for the long text:

I have filled IMM, 0008, 5406, 5669, 5562 online and
I have filled 1344, 5532 and 5533 pdfs.
Now I am compiling my travel documents, visa stamps, PCCs, birth certificates etc.
Seeking help:
1. What other additional application form(s) pdf shall I need to fill?
2. PCCs for past 10 years only required? just to be sure? I have PCCs for 15-18 years past also, but do I need to attach it?
3. If I had travelled for 10 days, 9 years back for tourism. shall I need to mention it in travel history?

4. What 'Additional Supporting Documents' shall I need to produce? I am planning to provide:
4.1 proof of language (not necessary - and IELTS test result is from before 2 years), what you suggest, shall I add? Is it a must for spousal?
4.2 letter of explanation - for relationship history and for 1 of the PCC.
4.3 Document checklist
4.4 Proof of physical presence in Canada
4.5 Marriage Certificate.
4.6 If I have marriage certificate, married in Canada: 6 months back, shall I need to provide relationship history and proof of meeting/dating before coming to Canada?
4.7 National Identity Cards: SIN for my spouse and myself
4.8 Proof of Education: Degrees, WES result (WES was done more than 5 years ago - do i need to renew, but I am not claiming any point game here for Express Entry)
4.9 Proof of funds: I can provide bank statements and payslips.
4.10 Proof of work experience: I can provide 10 years work history, but is it really needed? I am on closed work permit here.
4.11 Proof of Valid temporary resident status: my work permit copy!
4.12 Resume: Do i need to attach?
4.13 PR Card of my Spouse
4.14 proof of residence/shared residence
4.15 Any other documents that you can suggest?

thanks in advance,
Regards

Hi there,

There are quite a few youtube videos I find that guide on the processes but I would really recommend following the document checklist that's provided for the Spousal Sponsorship.
And yes, everything they are asking for you need to provide, such as the 10 years work history, copies of current and past work permits and proof of your relationship leading to your marriage and of your marriage.

I will say I've never seen a resume asked for? I wouldn't include anything that isn't asked for.

I know it's not a specific answer to every single question but following the document checklist is the BEST advice I can give you. It tells you on there what you need such as no more than 20 pictures for the proof of relationship photos, what documents need to be filled out and copied, etc.

 

[RAD0707]

Hi there,

There are quite a few youtube videos I find that guide on the processes but I would really recommend following the document checklist that's provided for the Spousal Sponsorship.
And yes, everything they are asking for you need to provide, such as the 10 years work history, copies of current and past work permits and proof of your relationship leading to your marriage and of your marriage.

I will say I've never seen a resume asked for? I wouldn't include anything that isn't asked for.

I know it's not a specific answer to every single question but following the document checklist is the BEST advice I can give you. It tells you on there what you need such as no more than 20 pictures for the proof of relationship photos, what documents need to be filled out and copied, etc.

Awesome. thanks a lot. yeah, my list was many things and glad you didn't reply point by point . I am on videos and 5533e checklist. its coming in good shape. thanks again.

 

[LunaaStarr]

Anyone have any updates?
About to be 3 months since my last update here in a week and a half. Still on Background check and the last thing I got is AIP that was sent to the sponsor (I got two of the same letters dated for 3 days apart, one was June 2nd and the other June 5th, exact same letter just saying "You have met the eligibility as sponsor, the APR for your relative will be process seperately and he/she will be contacted shortly".

The update on the tracker says
Bio- Completed (May 30th)
Eligibility - Completed (May 21st)
Medical - (Not Started) and IRCC trackers says Not Applicable
Background Verification- In Progress (not sure when that went in progress but it went in progress shortly after I got AOR back in April)

SOWP was submitted and Extended Visitor Record before I became out of status (I became out of status May 17th I believe it was and submitted for both in April). Haven't heard not one update for either.
I believe according to the timeline the ircc gives, I should expect something with the SOWP by Late October as of right now, that makes it a little over 6 months.

 

[James Russo]

Anyone have any updates?
About to be 3 months since my last update here in a week and a half. Still on Background check and the last thing I got is AIP that was sent to the sponsor (I got two of the same letters dated for 3 days apart, one was June 2nd and the other June 5th, exact same letter just saying "You have met the eligibility as sponsor, the APR for your relative will be process seperately and he/she will be contacted shortly".

The update on the tracker says
Bio- Completed (May 30th)
Eligibility - Completed (May 21st)
Medical - (Not Started) and IRCC trackers says Not Applicable
Background Verification- In Progress (not sure when that went in progress but it went in progress shortly after I got AOR back in April)

SOWP was submitted and Extended Visitor Record before I became out of status (I became out of status May 17th I believe it was and submitted for both in April). Haven't heard not one update for either.
I believe according to the timeline the ircc gives, I should expect something with the SOWP by Late October as of right now, that makes it a little over 6 months.

It’s still too early to have any expectations about the background check. This process can take several months, or even up to 2 years. If you check other threads in this forum, you’ll see that applicants from July 2024 are only now getting their background checks finalized. Some people have been waiting since 2023.

 

[LunaaStarr]

It’s still too early to have any expectations about the background check. This process can take several months, or even up to 2 years. If you check other threads in this forum, you’ll see that applicants from July 2024 are only now getting their background checks finalized. Some people have been waiting since 2023.

Yup! I definitely understand that background check can take a very long time. It’s been great to see some people get it done within a few months! But Yes I know the background check might take a long while.

Im still surprised it’s taken so Long for the SOWP when I’ve seen applicants after me get theirs within a month or two. I am still in line with the timeline so I’m not terribly worried.

 

[HotStroke]

Inland Spousal PR + OWP Timeline (2025 Applicant)​

• Application Submitted: July 21, 2025
• OWP Submitted: August 10, 2025
• AOR Received: August 14, 2025
• Biometrics Request: August 20, 2025
• Biometrics Completed: August 22, 2025
• Eligibility Completed: August 21, 2025
• Pre-Arrival Letter: August 26, 2025
• Sponsor Approval Letter: August 27, 2025
• Work Authorization / Implied Status Letter: August 29, 2025 (valid until decision made)
• Ghost Update on Tracker: September 1, 2025
• Tracker as of Today:
  
  • Biometrics → Completed
  • Medical → Not started (old IME submitted Dec 2021, expecting reuse)
  • Eligibility → Completed
  • Background → In Progress

---

Notes for Others​

• Never left Canada since early 2022 (study/work permits before PR).
• Medical from 2021 likely being reused under IRCC’s extended policy (valid until Oct 2029).
• File is already in background verification stage just ~6 weeks after submission.

 

[Dawinderkaur4]

AIP and SA Sponsor Approval Letter received

• Inland Spousal sponsorship
  • Application Submitted: March 13, 2025
  • Applicant and sponsor Nationality: Indian (Married)
  • Sponsor: Permanent Resident of Canada / living in Canada
  • AOR: - April 17, 2025
  • Application linked to portal: April 17, 2025
  • Bio-metrics Letter: April 17, 2025
  • Pre-arrival services Letter: - April 17, 2025
  • AIP: - April 17, 2025
  • SA: - April 25,2025 (Received separate Sponsor approval letter)

• SOWP Received
• Inland Spousal sponsorship
  • Application Submitted: March 13, 2025
  • Applicant and sponsor Nationality: Indian (Married)
  • Sponsor: Permanent Resident of Canada / living in Canada
  • AOR: - April 17, 2025
  • Application linked to portal: April 17, 2025
  • Bio-metrics Letter: April 17, 2025
  • Pre-arrival services Letter: - April 17, 2025
  • AIP: - April 17, 2025
  • SA: - April 25,2025 (Received separate Sponsor approval letter)
  • SOWP Applied on:- August 1, 2025
  • Ghost Update :- September 8,2025
  • SOWP Confirmation:- September 9,2025
  • SOWP Received:- September 16, 2025
  • Ghost Update:- September 16, 2025
  • Background Check:- In progress (from 5 Months)

 

[LunaaStarr]

• SOWP Received
• Inland Spousal sponsorship
  • Application Submitted: March 13, 2025
  • Applicant and sponsor Nationality: Indian (Married)
  • Sponsor: Permanent Resident of Canada / living in Canada
  • AOR: - April 17, 2025
  • Application linked to portal: April 17, 2025
  • Bio-metrics Letter: April 17, 2025
  • Pre-arrival services Letter: - April 17, 2025
  • AIP: - April 17, 2025
  • SA: - April 25,2025 (Received separate Sponsor approval letter)
  • SOWP Applied on:- August 1, 2025
  • Ghost Update :- September 8,2025
  • SOWP Confirmation:- September 9,2025
  • SOWP Received:- September 16, 2025
  • Ghost Update:- September 16, 2025
  • Background Check:- In progress (from 5 Months)

Question!

Was your SOWP a renewal? Thats quite fast!

 

[LunaaStarr]

Need a moral boost

I'm following a few threads and it seems like the Feburary-April submittions for Inland are getting processed so much slower than the newer ones. It's insane, I'm seeing people who already got COPR who applied inland in August.

SOWPs too, seeing so many people get them within a month or two who submitted in June-July-August.

My tracker hasn't been touched since June 2nd, but I did get AIP and Sponsor Approval which is nice. Also eligibility is done on the tracker (on the IRCC login, it's not showing completed but the PR Tracker it is).

Just starting to get worried even though I KNOW this can be a 2-3 year process.

 

[redwhite54]

Need a moral boost

I'm following a few threads and it seems like the Feburary-April submittions for Inland are getting processed so much slower than the newer ones. It's insane, I'm seeing people who already got COPR who applied inland in August.

SOWPs too, seeing so many people get them within a month or two who submitted in June-July-August.

My tracker hasn't been touched since June 2nd, but I did get AIP and Sponsor Approval which is nice. Also eligibility is done on the tracker (on the IRCC login, it's not showing completed but the PR Tracker it is).

Just starting to get worried even though I KNOW this can be a 2-3 year process.

I'm pretty sure the inland applicants you've seen getting COPR are August 2024 applicants or outland applicants which I haven't seen any of myself, while not impossible it is highly unlikely an inland applicant from August 2025 would have their COPR already

 

[James Russo]

Need a moral boost

I'm following a few threads and it seems like the Feburary-April submittions for Inland are getting processed so much slower than the newer ones. It's insane, I'm seeing people who already got COPR who applied inland in August.

SOWPs too, seeing so many people get them within a month or two who submitted in June-July-August.

My tracker hasn't been touched since June 2nd, but I did get AIP and Sponsor Approval which is nice. Also eligibility is done on the tracker (on the IRCC login, it's not showing completed but the PR Tracker it is).

Just starting to get worried even though I KNOW this can be a 2-3 year process.

I can understand how this process can be tough, but i suggest you a pause of checking out others time lines. This won't bring you anything positive, but only more anxiety and stress. You applied in March 2025 and probably you can get the medical request next november. A final decision probably in march 2026 or beyond. Just take easy...

 

[DismallAd2025]

Need a moral boost

I'm following a few threads and it seems like the Feburary-April submittions for Inland are getting processed so much slower than the newer ones. It's insane, I'm seeing people who already got COPR who applied inland in August.

SOWPs too, seeing so many people get them within a month or two who submitted in June-July-August.

My tracker hasn't been touched since June 2nd, but I did get AIP and Sponsor Approval which is nice. Also eligibility is done on the tracker (on the IRCC login, it's not showing completed but the PR Tracker it is).

Just starting to get worried even though I KNOW this can be a 2-3 year process.

Outland is always much quicker, honestly you'll go insane just checking the tracker and threads everyday. It's worth taking a step back from it, you'll find peace if you accept it won't be until next year. IRCC is prioritising outland vs inland right now