What is a Canada Spouse Visa?
The Canada Spouse Visa allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residency (PR) in Canada.
Once approved, the spouse can:
Live and work in Canada
Apply for a Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP)
Become eligible for Canadian PR and eventually citizenship
A strong application with complete documents increases approval chances!
Full List of Documents Required for Canada Spouse Visa (2025)
For the Sponsor (Canadian Citizen/Permanent Resident)
Proof of Canadian Citizenship or PR:
- Copy of Canadian passport or PR card
- Birth certificate (if born in Canada)
- Canadian Citizenship certificate (if naturalized)
Proof of Financial Ability (Optional but Recommended):
- Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Employment letter (salary, job position, work history)
- Recent bank statements (last 6 months)
Police Clearance Certificate (if required)
Signed Spouse Sponsorship Application Forms
For the Spouse (Applicant)
Valid Passport
- Copy of the biographical page of passport
- Passport should be valid for at least 12 months
Marriage Certificate (for legally married spouses)
- Issued by the government authority of the country where the marriage took place
Proof of Common-Law Relationship (if applicable)
- Proof of cohabitation for at least 12 months (rental agreements, utility bills, joint bank accounts)
Conjugal Relationship Proof (if applicable)
- Letters, messages, travel history, proof of legal restrictions preventing marriage
Police Clearance Certificate
- From every country the spouse has lived in for 6+ months since age 18
Medical Examination Certificate
- Immigration Medical Exam (IME) from an approved Panel Physician
Two Passport-Sized Photos (As per IRCC specifications)
Proof of Relationship for Canada Spouse Visa
Mandatory Relationship Proofs:
Marriage Certificate (for legally married couples)
Birth Certificate of Children (if applicable)
Shared Lease/Rental Agreement
Joint Bank Accounts, Insurance Policies
Additional Supporting Proofs:
Wedding photos, invitations, and receipts
Travel history together (boarding passes, hotel bookings)
Social media interactions, messages, and call logs
Affidavits from family and friends confirming relationship authenticity
The more genuine relationship proof you provide, the stronger your application!
Canada Spouse Visa Processing Time (2025)
Country of Application | Processing Time |
Inside Canada (Inland Sponsorship) | 10 – 12 months |
Outside Canada (Outland Sponsorship) | 12 – 18 months |
Processing times depend on application completeness, background checks, and country of residence.
Canada Spouse Visa Fees (2025)
Fee Type | Amount (CAD) |
Sponsorship Fee | $75 |
Principal Applicant Processing Fee | $490 |
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | $515 |
Biometrics Fee | $85 |
Total Cost | $1,165 |
The spouse can apply for a Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) for an additional $255.
How to Apply for a Canada Spouse Visa (Step-by-Step Guide)
Check Your Eligibility – Ensure the sponsor and spouse meet all criteria.
Gather All Required Documents – Submit complete and accurate documentation.
Submit an Online or Paper Application – Through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Pay the Visa Fees – Process payment online.
Biometrics & Medical Examination – Attend scheduled appointments.
Application Review & Processing – IRCC verifies documents and background.
Receive Visa Decision & Travel to Canada – The spouse gets a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
Incomplete applications can cause delays or rejections!
Common Reasons for Canada Spouse Visa Rejection
Insufficient Proof of Relationship – Lack of marriage proof, shared finances, or communication records.
Missing or Incorrect Documents – Untranslated documents, expired passports, or incomplete forms.
Criminal or Medical Inadmissibility – Past criminal record or serious health conditions.
Financial Instability of Sponsor – If the sponsor cannot provide financial support.
Submitting a well-prepared, complete application increases the chances of approval!
Can a Sponsored Spouse Work in Canada?
Yes! The spouse can apply for a Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) while waiting for PR approval.
Work anywhere in Canada without job restrictions.
Apply for a work permit along with the sponsorship application to start working sooner!
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