Spousal sponsorship(spousal class vs family class)

[Gandhi Rajan]

I became a Permanent Resident in June 2024, and my wife is on a PGWP expiring in Feb 2026. I’m preparing to sponsor her PR.


We got married on June 5, 2025. I moved to Toronto for work in Sept 2025, while she stayed in Halifax for her job. On file, we’ve been on the same lease since January 2025, and we were in a relationship for 1.5 years before getting married.


Which option is best for us?


I understand there are two application streams: Family Class and Spousal Class. We prefer Spousal Class so she can keep working during processing. However, I read that Spousal Class requires living together. Is this strictly true, or can we live apart for work temporarily as long as we intend to live together?

 

[armoured]

I understand there are two application streams: Family Class and Spousal Class. We prefer Spousal Class so she can keep working during processing. However, I read that Spousal Class requires living together. Is this strictly true, or can we live apart for work temporarily as long as we intend to live together?

Yes, it is strictly true. If you're not currently residing together, you can only apply family class. Once you get AOR, she can apply for an open work permit, which takes several months.

When applying you should probably explain - briefly - why you're not living together. And update her address if she moves to join you.

I do not know if this will let her 'keep working'.