Is dual intent allowed in Canada

 Yes, Canada allows dual intent, and it is clearly recognized under Canadian immigration law. Dual intent means that someone can legitimately apply to enter or remain in Canada temporarily while also having a long-term plan to immigrate permanently. This commonly applies to spouses of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who enter Canada on a visitor visa while a spousal sponsorship application is planned or already in progress.

IRCC officers are instructed not to refuse a temporary visa simply because an applicant also has permanent residence intentions. However, approval depends on whether the applicant can convince the officer that they will respect the terms of their temporary status if permanent residence is not approved or is delayed.

When assessing dual intent, officers look at factors such as:

• Whether the applicant understands and respects visitor conditions
• Proof of ties outside Canada (employment, family, property, or obligations)
• Financial ability to support themselves during the visit
• The credibility of the relationship and travel purpose
• A clear plan to leave Canada if required

For spouses, this often means entering Canada on a visitor visa for spouse while also preparing or waiting for a spousal sponsorship application. Dual intent does not allow someone to work or study without authorization, and it does not guarantee approval of either the visitor visa or permanent residence.

Understanding dual intent is especially important when deciding how long a spouse can stay in Canada and whether an extension may be needed later. If you want to see how this works in practice, it is closely connected to questions about “how long a visitor can stay in Canada on a visitor visa”.

If you’re unsure whether your situation fits dual intent or how to explain it properly in an application, our Toronto immigration consultants can help. You can review details about our Visitor Visa for Spouse fees, and for personalized guidance, you may book a consultation or explore the Visitor Visa for Spouse program to plan your next steps confidently.