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Visitor Visa for Spouse
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Visitor Visa for Spouse

Visitor Visa for Spouse
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A Visitor Visa can be a practical option for spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners or fiancé(e)s of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who want to stay together in Canada while preparing or waiting for their Spouse Sponsorship application to be processed. This temporary residence option provides a short-term solution for couples who are not yet ready or eligible to apply for sponsorship under the Family Class Sponsorship, or who are applying through the Outland Sponsorship stream. 

Those who enter Canada with a Visitor Visa may later apply for Inland Sponsorship, if eligible. In such cases, applicants may also become eligible for an Spouse Open Work Permit, which enables them to work while their sponsorship application is being processed. Under a significant policy update effective since mid-2023, this Open Work Permit is now available to spouses and partners who are physically in Canada regardless of whether they applied through the Inland or Outland stream, provided they have received their Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR). This option is especially useful for couples who wish to remain together throughout the immigration process.

To strengthen a Visitor Visa application in the context of sponsorship, it’s recommended to include evidence of your relationship, proof of financial support, return travel plans, and a Letter of Explanation addressing the principle of Dual Intent. 

Not sure which option fits your situation? Explore your choices on our Program Comparison page, check out our Visitor Visa fees and  book a consultation with our Toronto immigration consultants for personalized advice.
Visitor Visa for a ——–

Canadian immigration law recognizes specific relationship categories, and correctly identifying the applicable category is essential. Although a Visitor Visa is a temporary resident application, its assessment is often influenced by the nature of the relationship to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Immigration officers assess these applications through the principle of Dual Intent, which allows an applicant to seek temporary entry to Canada while also holding a legitimate long-term intention to apply for permanent residence through sponsorship.

Canada’s commitment to inclusivity ensures that all recognized relationship categories apply equally to same-sex and opposite-sex couples. Marriages legally performed in Canada or abroad, provided they are legally valid under both local and Canadian law, receive equal recognition.

Accurately identifying the correct relationship category ensures the application reflects the true nature of the relationship and includes appropriate supporting evidence. Clear disclosure also allows applicants to rely on the principle of Dual Intent, demonstrating that while permanent residence may be a future goal, all temporary residence conditions will be respected.

Visitor Visa for Spouse

A person (of any gender) who is legally married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The marriage must be legally valid in the country where it took place and recognized under Canadian law.

Visitor Visa for Common-law Partner​

A person who has lived with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 consecutive months. Short, temporary separations for work or family reasons may be acceptable, provided the relationship has remained continuous and genuine.

Visitor Visa for Conjugal Partner

A partner who has been in a genuine relationship for at least one year but has been unable to marry or cohabit due to exceptional circumstances, such as legal, cultural, or immigration barriers beyond the couple’s control. Securing a Visitor Visa for a conjugal partner is often more challenging than for a spouse, as the applicant must provide extensive evidence of insurmountable barriers to cohabitation while still proving they will leave Canada if their temporary stay is not extended.

Visitor Visa for Fiancé

Under Canadian immigration law, a fiancé(e) is not considered a spouse or partner and is not eligible for spousal sponsorship. While a fiancé(e) may apply for a Visitor Visa, the application is assessed as a standard visitor application, with a heightened focus on demonstrating temporary intent.

In a Visitor Visa application, proof of relationship helps explain the purpose of travel and provides context for why the applicant wishes to visit Canada. While relationship evidence is important, it is never sufficient on its own to secure approval. Officers focus on the quality, consistency, and credibility of the evidence rather than the volume submitted.

Common Examples of Relationship Evidence:

  • Official Legal Documents: Marriage certificates or the Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409).
  • Social Recognition: Wedding or relationship photographs, especially those including family and friends, presented with dates and captions.
  • Communication Records: A representative sample of messages, call logs, or emails showing ongoing and consistent contact.
  • Shared Travel History: Passport stamps, joint itineraries, boarding passes, and proof of previous visits.
  • Financial and Residential Interdependence: Where applicable, evidence of shared residence, leases, utility bills, or joint financial responsibilities.

Certified Translations: Any document not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation and translator affidavit.

All Visitor Visa applicants must meet IRCC’s standard eligibility requirements. The officer’s role is to determine whether the applicant is a genuine temporary resident who will comply with the conditions of their stay.

Core Eligibility Criteria:

  • Valid travel document: A passport valid for the entire intended period of stay.
  • Good health: A medical examination may be required depending on recent travel history and intended length of stay.
  • Admissibility: The applicant must not be criminally, medically, or immigration inadmissible.
  • Sufficient funds: Proof of adequate financial resources to cover travel and living expenses, whether personal or supported by the Canadian partner. 
  • Compliance: Clear evidence that the applicant will leave Canada by the end of their authorized stay.
  • Biometrics: If required, applicants must pay the $85 CAD biometrics fee ($170 CAD family cap) and complete biometrics at a Visa Application Centre. Applications cannot be finalized until biometrics are provided.

Application and Timeline

Application Steps & Fees

A Visitor Visa (TRV) application should be prepared as a decision-ready file so that an officer—or automated triage system—can easily understand the purpose of travel, funding, and temporary intent. Most applications are submitted through the IRCC Portal, which is also preferred for family reunification cases.

Key points

  • Submit the application through the IRCC Portal
  • Clearly explain:
    • Why the visit is happening now
    • Intended length of stay
    • How the visit will be funded
    • How the applicant will comply with visitor conditions
  • Include a strong Letter of Invitation and well-organized supporting documents
  • If a spousal sponsorship is pending, state this clearly and include proof (AOR if issued)

     

Government fees

  • Visitor Visa (TRV): $100 CAD per person
    • Family maximum: $500 CAD
  • Biometrics: $85 CAD per person
    • Family maximum: $170 CAD

Processing Timeline

Processing times vary depending on the visa office, country of residence, background checks, and the quality of the submission. Clear, complete applications are less likely to be delayed or refused early in processing.

Key points

  • Day 0: Application submitted via IRCC Portal
  • Biometrics request: often issued shortly after submission if biometrics are not already valid
  • Biometrics completion: processing continues once completed
  • Standard TRV processing: typically ranges from several weeks to several months, depending on location and complexity

Priority processing (spousal / family reunification context)

  • IRCC has indicated an intent to prioritize some cases where:
    • A spousal sponsorship application has already been submitted
    • A valid Sponsorship AOR is included (if available)
    • The TRV is filed through the IRCC Portal
  • A commonly referenced target is around 30 days, but timelines are not guaranteed and depend on case quality

Application Assessment

Immigration officers assess whether the applicant is likely to respect visitor conditions and leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay. Insufficient ties to the home country remains one of the most frequent refusal grounds. IRCC increasingly uses automation to triage Visitor Visa applications.

Key points

  • Officers assess:
    • Temporary intent
    • Financial ability to support the visit
    • Likelihood of returning home
  • Strong home-tie evidence includes:
    • Stable employment or business activities
    • Property ownership or long-term housing
    • Family obligations outside Canada

  • Dual intent:
    • Including a sponsorship AOR (if issued) supports transparency and credibility

  • Automation risk:
    • Poorly labeled or missing documents may trigger negative triage before full officer review

Entry, Extensions & Limitations

A Visitor Visa allows travel to Canada, but final entry is decided by CBSA at the port of entry. Visitors may apply to extend their stay from inside Canada, but must remain compliant with visitor conditions at all times.

Key points

  • At the port of entry, CBSA may ask about:
    • Length of stay
    • Purpose of travel
    • Financial support
    • Plans to leave Canada

  • Recommended documents to carry:
    • Letter of Invitation
    • Proof of funds
    • Return or onward travel plan
    • Sponsorship AOR (if applicable)

  • Visitor Record (IMM 1442):
    • May be issued with specific conditions, including a fixed departure date

  • Extensions:
    • Must be submitted at least 30 days before status expires
    • On-time, complete applications allow the applicant to remain under maintained status
    • Leaving Canada during maintained status ends that status immediately

  • Limitations:
    • Visitor status does not authorize employment
    • Repeated extensions without a clear long-term plan may negatively impact future applications

A strategic, well-organized application significantly improves approval prospects. Keep the visit plan realistic and time-limited, and address Dual Intent openly and honestly. If a sponsorship application is underway, acknowledge it clearly in the Letter of Explanation. Consistency across forms, supporting documents, and online profiles is essential to avoid credibility concerns.

Common Mistakes

  • The Marriage Trap: Don’t assume marriage guarantees approval; you must still prove you will leave Canada if the visa expires.
  • Vague travel plans: Providing open-ended or undefined itineraries.
  • “Parked money”: Submitting unexplained large financial deposits without a clear source.
  • Misrepresentation: Failing to disclose previous refusals from any country can result in a five-year ban.
  • Disorganized submissions: Files without summaries, captions, or logical structure.

If refused, there is generally no right of appeal. However, refusal letters now typically include Officer Decision Notes (ODNs), which explain the reasoning behind the decision.

No Appeal Rights: Strategic Options

  1. Analyze the ODNs: Identify the specific deficiencies cited by the officer.
  2. Reapply: Address the refusal directly with stronger, targeted evidence and a detailed cover letter.
  3. Judicial Review: If the refusal involves a legal or procedural error, an application for Federal Court review may be filed within 60 days.

Successful reapplications are not repeat submissions; they must demonstrate a material improvement in evidence and place renewed emphasis on the applicant’s compelling reasons to leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is possible to apply for spousal sponsorship without meeting in person, especially in cultures with arranged marriages. However, these cases are closely examined by IRCC and require strong evidence to prove the relationship is genuine. Read full answer

Having a visitor visa does not speed up or slow down the spousal sponsorship process. The PR application is processed separately by IRCC, regardless of whether the spouse is visiting Canada. A visitor visa only affects the spouse’s ability to enter Canada temporarily, not the timeline of the sponsorship decision. Read full answer

Yes. You can apply for spousal sponsorship while you are in Canada as a visitor (tourist). But the sponsorship application does not give you legal status by itself, you must still keep your visitor status valid by extending it on time if needed. Read full answer.

There is no fixed processing time for a visitor visa for spouse. Processing can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the applicant’s country of residence, IRCC workload, and how complete and strong the application is. Read full answer

Most visitors are allowed to stay in Canada for up to 6 months per entry. The exact length of stay is decided by the border officer when you arrive, and it may be shorter or longer depending on your situation. Read full answer

A dual intent visitor visa for spouses allows a person to apply for a visitor visa to Canada while also having a legitimate intention to apply for permanent residence in the future, such as through spousal sponsorship. Canadian immigration law allows dual intent, as long as the spouse can prove they will respect the conditions of their visitor stay and leave Canada if required. Read full answer

Yes. Dual intent is allowed in Canada. IRCC explicitly recognizes that a person can have two intentions at the same time: to stay in Canada temporarily (as a visitor, student, or worker) and to pursue permanent residence in the future. The key requirement is that the person must still respect the conditions of their temporary stay. Read full answer 

 No. A spouse cannot work in Canada while on a visitor visa. A visitor visa only allows temporary stay and does not give any right to work. Working without authorization is a violation of immigration rules and can lead to refusal, removal, or future bans. Read full answer 

 Yes. You can apply for a visitor visa for your spouse so they can temporarily visit Canada, as long as they meet IRCC’s visitor visa requirements. Being married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident does not guarantee approval, but it can be explained as part of the application. Read full answer

Yes. You can apply for a visitor visa and a spousal sponsorship (spouse visa) at the same time. These are separate applications, and each one is assessed independently by IRCC. Applying for both together is allowed, but approval of one does not guarantee approval of the other. Read full answer

No. You cannot “convert” a visitor visa into a spouse visa in Canada. However, you can apply for spousal sponsorship while you are in Canada on a visitor visa, as long as you maintain valid visitor status. Read full answer

 To apply for a visitor visa for your spouse, your spouse must submit a Canadian visitor visa (TRV) application and clearly explain the spousal relationship and the temporary purpose of the visit. Being married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident does not guarantee approval, but it can support the application. Read full answer

 Yes. You can apply for a visitor visa for your wife so she can come to Canada temporarily, as long as she meets IRCC’s visitor visa requirements. Being married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident does not guarantee approval, but it can be explained as part of the application. Read full answer

Yes. Your spouse can apply for a tourist (visitor) visa to Canada, as long as they meet IRCC’s visitor visa requirements. Being married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident does not guarantee approval, but it can be explained as part of the application. Read full answer

Yes. You can apply for a visitor visa for your fiancé so they can visit Canada temporarily, as long as they meet IRCC’s visitor visa requirements. Being engaged to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident does not guarantee approval, but the relationship can be explained as part of the application. Read full answer

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