Spouse Visa for Canada - Documents Required, Eligibility & How to Apply?

Last Updated On : August 06 , 2024

The Spouse Visa program highlights Canada's well-known welcoming immigration policies . With the use of this visa, citizens and permanent residents of Canada may sponsor their wives or common-law partners to become citizens of Canada.

For example, A spouse visa is required if you, as a human, wish to live abroad with your spouse (husband or wife). It's a legal document that allows you to stay in that country because you're married to a citizen of that country.

The requirements, necessary paperwork, application procedure, and processing durations for the Canadian Spouse Visa will all be covered in detail in this article.

Key Points About Canada Spouse Visa for Students

Allows citizens and permanent residents of Canada to sponsor their common-law spouse or relationship
Offers a route for obtaining permanent residency in Canada
The Canada spouse visa processing period typically takes 12 to 16 months.
Need evidence of a sincere partnership as well as stable finances.

Eligibility Criteria for Spouse Visa Canada

In order to be eligible for a Canadian Spouse Visa, both partner must fulfill certain Spouse visa requirements Canada:

Legal marriage: A minimum of a year is required.
Minimum Age Requirement: 18 years old for both partners.
Status of Residence: Either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident may be one of the partners.
Criminal History: Canada is not in danger.
Health Requirements: Both need to clear physical exams.

Documents Required for Spouse Visa Canada

Obtaining the required paperwork is a crucial stage in the application procedure. The list of often-needed documents is as follows:

Completed application forms.
Valid passports for sponsor and applicant.
Birth, marriage, and common-law relationship certificates.
Police clearance certificates.
Medical examination results.
Proof of sponsor's Canadian status.
Genuine relationship evidence.
Financial documents supporting sponsors.

Application Process for Spouse Visa Canada

The application process involves several steps:

Determine eligibility
Gather required documents
Complete application forms
Pay application fees
Submit application online or by mail
Attend biometrics appointment (if required)
Respond to any requests for additional information
Attend interview (if required)
Receive decision on application

Processing Time for Spouse Visa Canada

The Canada spouse processing time is presented in this table, which represents the most recent data as of 2024.

Visa Type	Canada Spouse Processing Time	Notes
Spousal Sponsorship (Overseas)	Approximately 13 months	Processing times can vary based on application completeness and volume.
Spousal Sponsorship (Inland)	Approximately 10 months	Similar factors apply as with overseas applications.
Spouse PR Canada Visa from India	7-9 months	Processing times for complex applications can be longer due to various factors.
Quebec Spousal Sponsorship	Up to 25 months	Processing times for Quebec applications are longer due to provincial requirements.

Spousal Sponsorship Canada: Inland vs. Outland

In Canada, there are two main types for applications for spousal sponsorship. Please find the table below:

Feature	Inland Sponsorship	Outland Sponsorship
Definition	For couples living together in Canada.	For couples where one partner is living abroad.
Eligibility	- The sponsor has to be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of Canada.	- The sponsor needs to be a permanent resident or citizen of Canada.
	- They both have to be at least eighteen.	- Each person needs to be at least eighteen.
	- Must not have sponsored someone else in the past 5 years.	- Must not have sponsored someone else in the past 5 years.
	- Must not be insolvent, facing significant charges, or sentenced to jail.	- Has must be free from jail, not be insolvent, or facing significant charges.
Relationship Types	- Spouse (legally married).	- Spouse (legally married).
	- common-law spouse (minimum of 12 months of cohabitation).	- Common-law partner (living together for a minimum of 12 months).
	- Not eligible for conjugal partners.	- Conjugal partners (in a committed relationship but unable to live together).
Application Process	- Must remain in Canada during processing.	- Can apply from outside Canada and travel as needed during processing.
	- Can apply for an open work permit while waiting for residency approval.	- No open work permit available; must wait for processing to work in Canada.
Processing Time	Generally takes longer; couples stay together during this time.	Typically faster; however, couples may be separated until approval (around one year).
Travel Restrictions	Travel outside Canada is not recommended during processing.	Allows travel in and out of Canada during processing.
Appeal Rights	No appeal rights if the application is refused.	Right to appeal if the application is refused (within 30 days).
Best For	Couples who want to stay together in Canada during the application process.	Couples needing flexibility to travel or who are living apart.

Canada PR Spouse Visa Processing Time

A Canada PR Spouse Visa processing time often takes between 12 and 16 months to process. But this can change depending on factors like:

Application completeness
Number of applications received
Case complexity
The applicant's country of residence

Spouse Immigration Canada: Tips for a Successful Application

Make sure your relationship is well documented.
Make sure each form is filled out completely and precisely.
Be truthful throughout the entire application process.
React as soon as possible to any requests for more details.
Make sure your contact details are current.
If your case is complicated, think about getting professional help.

Canada Spouse Visa for Students

It may be possible for overseas students studying in Canada to sponsor their spouse for a temporary resident visa. Important points to consider are stated below:

The student needs to be enrolled full-time at a recognised educational institution.
The spouse is able to apply for a work permit.
A student's study permit usually lasts the entire time their visa is valid.

Example: Spousal Application Canada Timeline

Below is a sample timeline for a Spousal Application in Canada:

Month 1: Submit application
Month 2-3: Receive Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR)
Month 4-6: Biometrics and background checks
Month 7-10: Application processing
Month 11-12: Request for additional documents (if needed)
Month 13-14: Final decision and visa issuance (if approved)

Conclusion

A way for families to come together and start a life together in Canada is the Spouse Visa. Even though it can be a difficult and drawn-out procedure, your chances of success can be increased by carefully preparing your application and knowing the prerequisites.

Keep in mind that application processing times may differ, so be patient throughout the process. Consult a certified immigration professional or visit the official Government of Canada website for the most recent information on requirements and processing timeframes for spouse visas.