How to Apply for the Canada Spousal Visa for Foreigners

If you are married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and want to live together in Canada, the Canada Spousal Visa is one of the most direct and realistic ways to make that happen. This type of visa falls under the Family Sponsorship Program, and it allows you to become a permanent resident through your relationship.

The spousal visa process may sound straightforward, but it includes strict requirements and detailed paperwork. The Canadian government carefully examines every application to prevent fraud, so it is very important to understand the full process, eligibility rules, and what documents are expected from you and your partner.

This guide is for people who want to apply in 2025, using the most up-to-date information. Whether you are already in Canada or living in another country, this will help you apply correctly and avoid costly mistakes.

Who Can Sponsor a Spouse to Come to Canada?

Only certain people are allowed to sponsor a spouse to live in Canada. If your partner is not eligible to sponsor you, the application will be refused—no matter how strong your relationship is.

To qualify as a sponsor, a person must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

• Live in Canada, or plan to return when their partner becomes a resident

• Be able to financially support their partner without needing social assistance

• Not be in prison, bankrupt, or charged with certain crimes

If the sponsor lives outside Canada and is a citizen, they must show proof that they will move back to Canada when the sponsored spouse gets permanent residence.

Who Can Be Sponsored?

Canada allows sponsorship of a partner in three relationship types:

• Spouse – Legally married

• Common-law partner – Lived together in a relationship for at least 12 months

• Conjugal partner – In a committed relationship but cannot live together due to serious barriers (like immigration restrictions)

You must show genuine proof of your relationship. If officials think the relationship is fake or only for immigration purposes, the application will be denied.

Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship – Which One Should You Choose?

Canada has two types of sponsorship applications:

Inland Sponsorship

• Your partner is already living in Canada (on a temporary visa)

• You can stay together during the process

• Eligible for an open work permit while waiting

Outland Sponsorship

• Your partner lives outside Canada

• Can still apply from abroad

• Often faster than inland processing

In most cases, if your spouse is already with you in Canada, inland sponsorship is the better option. But if they live abroad or travel is restricted, outland may be the only choice.

Documents Needed for the Canada Spousal Visa

Missing documents are one of the most common reasons for delays or rejections. Here’s what you need to include with your application:

For the Sponsor:

• Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence

• Government-issued ID

• Proof of income (optional, but helpful)

• Signed sponsorship agreement

For the Sponsored Person:

• Valid passport

• Birth certificate

• Police clearance from all countries lived in for over 6 months (past 10 years)

• Medical exam report (from an approved panel physician)

• Marriage certificate or common-law proof

• Relationship evidence: photos, travel tickets, messages, call logs

You will also need to submit completed immigration forms, which are regularly updated. Always download the latest versions from the official IRCC website:
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html

Application Steps – How to Apply

1. Check Eligibility
   Make sure both sponsor and spouse meet all the requirements.

2. Collect All Documents
   Gather relationship proof, police checks, and forms. It’s better to be over-prepared than to miss something.

3. Pay the Application Fees
   Sponsorship application fee: $1,080 CAD (includes processing and permanent residence fee)
   If the sponsor is only sponsoring a spouse (no children), this is the full cost.

4. Submit the Application
   Applications can be submitted online through the IRCC Portal. Paper-based applications are still accepted in some situations, but online is faster.

5. Wait for Acknowledgment
   After submission, you’ll receive an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC, confirming that your file is being processed.

6. Provide Biometrics and Medical Exam
   The sponsored person will receive instructions to submit fingerprints and complete a medical exam within a specific timeline.

7. Wait for Final Decision
   If approved, the foreign spouse will receive permanent resident status and can enter or remain in Canada legally.

Processing Time for Spousal Sponsorship in 2025

As of the latest updates, most spousal sponsorship applications are processed in around 10 to 12 months. This applies to both inland and outland applications.

Delays can happen if:

• Documents are missing

• There are concerns about the relationship

• Security or medical issues arise

To speed up the process, make sure your application is complete, honest, and well-organized.

You can check current processing times on the IRCC website here:
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html

What Happens After Approval?

Once the application is approved:

• If your spouse is outside Canada, they’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can enter the country as a resident.

• If your spouse is in Canada (inland), they’ll receive their PR card by mail and can live and work permanently.

After living in Canada for 3 years out of 5, your spouse may apply for Canadian citizenship, if they meet all the criteria.

Can the Sponsored Spouse Work?

Yes, but only in certain conditions:

• Inland applicants can apply for an Open Work Permit at the same time as the sponsorship.

• Outland applicants must wait until permanent residence is approved before working.

Having a work permit allows your spouse to earn income and contribute financially while waiting for their PR status. It also helps with community integration.

Final Reminders Before You Apply

• Use only the official government portal. Do not apply through third-party websites that charge fake fees.

• Be honest in your application. Any false information or fake documents will result in a ban.

• Save a copy of every form and receipt. You might need them later.

• Don’t rush. Take time to check everything before submission.

The spousal visa route is one of the most supported immigration paths in Canada, but it is also one of the most carefully reviewed. Make sure your relationship is clear, your papers are complete, and your story is well documented.

If done correctly, this visa can bring families together and offer a stable future in Canada.

Let me know if you’d like a document checklist or help reviewing your application before you submit it.