Separated or Divorced After Sponsoring? What the Spousal Undertaking Means (2026)
The short answer: When you sponsor a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner, you sign an undertaking to support their basic needs for 3 years from the day they become a permanent resident. According to IRCC, the undertaking continues if your relationship changes, if you separate or divorce, or if you or your partner move. Once your partner is a permanent resident, there is no way to cancel or shorten it. Before then, you can ask to withdraw your application, but only with IRCC's approval and only in writing.
What is the sponsorship undertaking?
The undertaking is a binding promise to IRCC to provide for your partner's basic needs, such as food, shelter, clothing and necessary dental and health care.
How long does it last?
For a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner, the period is 3 years. It starts on the day the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident, not the day you apply or the day you married. If you live in Quebec, you sign an undertaking with the Government of Quebec, and its length is different, so check the Quebec rules.
Does separation or divorce end it?
No. IRCC says you remain responsible even if your relationship with the sponsored person changes, or if you or they move to another province or country. Job loss or financial trouble does not end it either.
What happens if my partner receives social assistance?
If the person you sponsored receives social assistance during the undertaking period, you must repay the amount, and IRCC says you cannot sponsor anyone else until you have repaid it. In its guide, IRCC treats this as a default.
Can I cancel the undertaking?
Not after your partner becomes a permanent resident. You can only ask to withdraw before that, in writing, and IRCC must approve the request. A withdrawal request is a serious step, so get advice before you decide.
Is the undertaking the same as spousal support?
No. The undertaking is a promise to IRCC. Spousal support, property and parenting rules are family law questions decided under provincial law. An immigration consultant cannot advise on family law, so speak with a family lawyer about those.
Who does this affect?
Sponsors whose relationship is ending after their partner became a permanent resident
Couples who are separating while the application is still being processed
Sponsors who want to know whether they can sponsor again
People thinking about sponsorship who want to know what they are agreeing to
What should you do?
Find the date your partner became a permanent resident. The 3 years run from that date.
Read the undertaking you signed.
If your partner receives social assistance, ask the provincial office what is owed.
Speak to a family lawyer about support and property.
If the application is still pending and you want to withdraw, get advice first.
Not sure where you stand? E-Pathway Immigration, led by Domonic Cheung, RCIC (R711344) in Vancouver, can review your immigration facts. Book a case review.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 3-year undertaking end if we divorce?
No. IRCC says it continues even if the relationship changes.
Can my partner cancel it?
The undertaking is a promise the sponsor makes to IRCC, and IRCC says there is no way to cancel or shorten it once the sponsored person is a permanent resident.
What if my partner moves to another country?
IRCC says moving does not end the undertaking.
Can I sponsor someone else while the undertaking is running?
Check the current sponsor eligibility rules first. IRCC says a sponsor in default generally cannot sponsor others until the debt is repaid. See who cannot sponsor.
Is it different for children?
Yes. For a dependent child under 22 the period is 10 years or until age 25, whichever comes first. This article covers spouses and partners.
Key takeaways
The undertaking is 3 years from the date of permanent residence.
Separation, divorce and moves do not end it.
It cannot be cancelled after permanent residence.
You must repay social assistance, and you cannot sponsor others until you do.
Quebec has its own undertaking.
The bottom line
The undertaking is a legal promise that outlasts the relationship. Understand it before you sign, and get advice early if circumstances change.
Have questions about your situation? E-Pathway Immigration, led by Domonic Cheung, RCIC (R711344) in Vancouver, can review your immigration facts. Book a case review.
More spousal sponsorship guides: Spousal and common-law sponsorship · Spousal sponsorship guide hub
Last reviewed: November 2026
Sources: IRCC, Sponsor your spouse, partner or child: What it means to be a sponsor; IRCC, Sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependent child: complete guide; IRCC, Sponsor your spouse, partner or child.
This article provides general information only. It is not legal advice and does not create a client relationship. Immigration options and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult a qualified representative for advice about your situation.
About the author
Domonic Cheung is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), licence R711344, with E-Pathway Immigration in Vancouver, BC. You can verify his licence on the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) public register.
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