Spouse

Spouse Visa

The Spouse Visa for Canada is a family sponsorship program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residency (PR). This program is part of Canada’s Family Class Immigration, designed to reunite families and allow them to build a life together in Canada.

The Canadian government prioritizes family reunification, making the spousal sponsorship process one of the fastest immigration pathways. Eligible sponsors must demonstrate a genuine relationship, the ability to support their spouse financially, and meet the necessary legal requirements.

Spousal sponsorship can be classified into two categories:
✔ Inland Sponsorship – If the spouse is already living in Canada on a valid visa.
✔ Outland Sponsorship – If the spouse is living outside Canada and applies through a visa office in their home country.

Once approved, the sponsored spouse receives permanent residence, with full rights to live, work, and study in Canada. Unlike other immigration programs, the spouse does not need a job offer or meet high CRS scores. The processing time is usually between 12-18 months, depending on the application type.

Family Reunification Priority
Canada prioritizes spousal applications, offering a fast-track PR process compared to other visa categories.
Work Permit Option for Inland Applicants
Spouses applying under Inland Sponsorship can apply for an Open Work Permit, allowing them to work while their PR application is in process.
No Job or CRS Score Requirement
Unlike Express Entry, a job offer or high CRS score is not needed for spousal sponsorship approval.
Genuine Relationship Proof is Crucial
IRCC requires strong evidence of a genuine marriage or common-law relationship to prevent fraud.

Spouse Visa Process

Check Eligibility

The sponsor must be: A Canadian citizen or permanent resident. At least 18 years old. Able to financially support the spouse for three years.

Gather Required Documents

Marriage certificate or proof of common-law partnership.
Photos, messages, emails, travel history to prove the relationship.
Medical exams and police clearances for the spouse.

Submit Sponsorship Application

Apply for either Inland or Outland Sponsorship.
Pay the processing fees (approx. $1,080 CAD).

Wait for Processing & Decision

Inland applications take 12-18 months.
Outland applications may be faster, depending on the country of residence.

Receive PR & Move to Canada

If approved, the spouse gets permanent residence and can live, work, and study in Canada.
How long does spouse sponsorship take in Canada?
Processing takes 12-18 months, depending on application type and country of residence.
Can my spouse work while waiting for PR?
Yes, spouses in Canada can apply for an Open Work Permit, allowing them to work during processing.
Do we need a minimum income for spousal sponsorship?
No, unlike parent sponsorship, there is no strict income requirement, but sponsors must prove financial stability.
Can I sponsor my spouse if I live outside Canada?
Yes, but only if you are a Canadian citizen. Permanent residents must be living in Canada to sponsor.

Options

1
Inland Spousal Sponsorship
For spouses already living in Canada on a temporary visa.
Eligible for an Open Work Permit while PR is processed.
3
Conjugal Partner Sponsorship
For partners who cannot live together due to external reasons (e.g., immigration restrictions, war).
2
Outland Spousal Sponsorship
For spouses living outside Canada.
Applications are processed by visa offices abroad.
4
Dependent Child Sponsorship Along with Spouse
Applicants can also include dependent children in their sponsorship application.
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