If married to a Canadian and within Canada, then an application for sponsorship may be submitted within Canada, as the marriage would constitute sufficient Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds to allow for such. Such an inland application is processed entirely within Canada, unlike a standard sponsorship which is generally concluded overseas.

In such a case, the temporary status of the applicant will generally be extended for the duration of the application process. Also, once an approval in principle is obtained, an open employment authorization may be obtained.

An undischarged bankruptcy would prevent sponsorship. If that was the case in your situation, then it may be necessary for your spouse to look into the possibility of a Skilled Worker application for immigration to Canada.